Rock climbing opportunities for the purist climber are plentiful in the Aravis. However, for those looking for something different but like the idea of taking on a mountain climbing challenge, then Via Ferrata (literally “way of iron”) may be worth trying. The Aravis has three excellent Via Ferrata in Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Thones.
Via Ferrata provides many of the thrills that high climbers seek without participants needing to have all of the skills and experience that this pursuit usually requires. The routes are alpine climbing routes that are fitted with cables, hand rails and bridges and users are fastened to safety cables at all times with a special shock-absorbing harness.
Many of the sports shops in the Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz, Thones, St Jean de Sixt and Thones hire the equipment needed to take part and all can usually advise on guides and prices. If it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to use a mountain guide and the helmet, harness and “cow-tails” gear should cost about EUR 16 per day.
Le Grand Bornand has a “high ropes” park that offers an amazing array of zip wires, tarzan like swings, rope bridges, rope ladders...and even a bicyle ride over a tight rope. Safety wires and harness are provided ensuring hours of fun, testing your skills and balance.
There is a minimum height of 1.10 meters and use of the park costs EUR 20 for adults and EUR 15 for under 18’s
France is just a road cyclists dream, mountain bikers are spoilt for choice as well. The Aravis has over 200kms of graded and marked MTB trail, catering for all levels of mountain biker. Trails include fast fire trails and logging roads, technical single track, exhilarating down hills and loads more. Spend a day or just a few hours taking in the amazing scenery and enjoying the usually perfect weather on your bike. You won’t be disappointed.
La Clusaz in particular has invested a lot of time and money in developing the MTB offering locally and more and more sports shops in both Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz now hire out mountain bikes and downhill gear. Lifts run in July and August enabling bikers to take the easy route to the top (if they want to).
• La Ferriaz starts at an altitude of 1690 meters and is 3.3km long with a vertical drop of 600 meters. It can be reached in the Beauregard Telecabine (Gondola) or by trail up the La Clusaz valley. It offers something for all levels of downhiller and includes man made jumps, a suspended bridge and a number of narrow single track bends.
• La Greneche is 2.7km long and starts at the top of the Cret Du Merle chair lift. It drops 400 meters and compromises 19 bends as it descends through trees and meadows
If you enjoy walking, you’re in the right place! Over 200km of marked trails and tracks offer something for walkers of all levels, from beautiful alpine meadows, breathtaking mountain scenery to icy cold mountain lakes.
The area offers a choice of half day, full day or multi-day walks and hikes . Most trails are clearly marked and many have useful signage showing times and distances to help you plan your day and regulate your pace. Use your own map, use a guide or join an organised walk.
The walk up to the Danay in St Jean de Sixt is one of the most panoramic and well worth the hike!
Look out for local wildlife as you walk. If you’re lucky you may see chamois, bouquetin, marmottes and eagles.