The Aravis Region
The small village of St Jean de Sixt is surrounded by stunning mountain
scenery and has everything you will need for your stay in the Aravis region.
There's a couple of bars, small supermarket, post office, pharmacy, church,
tourist information and a couple of ski/mountain gear shops.
Just an hour away from Geneva, this little gem of a village still retains its French charm and will provide you with a relaxing get away.
The nearby (2km to each) larger villages of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are based around the church,
main square and the traditional "centre ville". In the winter these villages are popular ski destinations
but are transformed with local markets and fetes throughout the summer months.
The historic and charming town of Annecy is just 30 minutes away and you can easily spend a day exploring the medieval heart of this city and wandering along its lakeshore, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains.
For those whose courses run over a sunday, we will be visiting the market
where growers from the surrounding area sell their delicious local produce
- from the local Reblochon cheese to speciality sausage. 
With a myriad of flavours available, they will be happy to let you sample
them to ensure you find the perfect one.
The mountains are alive with the sound of cow bells and on time out from the course (or for non participating partners or friends) there are a multitude of activities you will be able to do - from strolling through the scenic countryside to trying your hand at via ferrata if you so choose. Some of the activities are available at extra cost but we will be happy to arrange them for you.
Mountain biking
There are numerous official way-marked routes graded with ski run colours,
with 5 lifts open for bikes throughout the main summer season (June
- September). A wide choice of cross-country routes are available on
forest tracks, paths and trails. This activity is suitable for all,
and is a great intro to Alpine Mountain Biking.
La Clusaz features 2 specific downhill routes with lift access, and Grand Bornand has one main downhill route - but some other fun tracks are there to be discovered.
Mountain Walking/Scrambling /Local Peaks
The region features a great network of well-maintained and signed footpaths.
Many walks start and end from the door but some lifts are still available to get to
peaks and start of routes with many mountain restaurants and refuges still open
at this time of year.
There are a number of exciting but attainable peaks in the region - with Mont Lachat 2000m, and the Aguille Vert providing great views across to Mont Blanc. Tete du Danay provides an impressive 360-degree panorama.
Via Ferrata
The La Clusaz via ferrata route is easily
accessible and suitable for beginners up to intermediate levels. All
equipment is provided on-site - harness, helmet etc. and you will be
led by the experienced team of Mountain Guides. The activity involves
making your way along a rock face similar to climbing/scrambling but
taking a route prepared for you and always protected by a metal safety
rope. It is a non-technical discipline and you do not need to have climbed
before, but gives you an amzing sensation of being high in the mountains
and scaling an impressive rock face of the Aravis. The duration is 4-4.5
hours.
Climbing
Your instructor and guide will provide the basic techniques and safety training to allow you to start rock climbing. Using a variety of routes, all specifically chosen for their easy and safe access but with challenging routes, you will soon be immersed into the rocks and crags surrounding La Clusaz and Grand Bornand. All equipment and instruction is provided, and suitable for all levels. Duration 3 hours.
Forest Ropes Course
The local mountains are blessed with great growing conditions for magnificent
pine trees and in 2 locations there are some great ropes courses slung
high in the canopy. Walk, balance, jump and swing from tree to tree
and all some 12 metres up in the trees. The courses feature ladders,
rope bridges, balance poles and finish with some fast zip wires of up
to 150m length. The rope courses are a good challenge for all. Duration
2-3 hrs for the main challenge course.
Canoe / kayak
Lake Annecy provides safe, flat water for canoeing (singles, twins) or
kayaking whilst the rocky shoreline and villages provide suitable places
for exploring for half-day sessions.
Beaches and swimming areas are available to stop at and have a swim in the
crystal clear water. Lake Annecy is the purest lake in Europe and you can
see why - with 23km length of pure, fresh but warm mountain water. Our stable
sit-on kayaks are a fun way to travel along the shoreline and out onto the
lake.
Canyoning
The rivers and streams that tumble from the high mountains into Lake Annecy are beautiful and clear, as well as creating interesting features and cascades to be discovered whilst canyoning. This is the best activity for curing a hangover - and involves you making your way down the river course. This could have you abseiling, swimming, floating or jumping in and on the water!. This activity is run by the local Mountain Guides who provide all equipment, tuition etc. and it is perfect for a group of friends or work colleagues.
Horse riding
Sit back and let the horse take the strain as you climb up and down the local woodland. The calm horses are suitable for beginners, and there are also more lively horses for those that have ridden before. A great way to explore the scenery on this trek which will feature some trotting sections, with cantering for those that can.
Luge
La Clusaz has a summer luge running in the village centre with telecabine
access to the summit. Fast and thrilling for kids and adults alike,
you take your sledge and start your descent in the metal toboggan runners.
Sit back, put your feet up and think of the Cresta Run as you slide
your way around banked turns and through tunnels - governing your speed
with the pull brake between your legs. Each turn down will see you getting
faster and faster as you explore the limits of the fun luge course.
Swimming
A beautiful and sunny outdoor swimming pool complex is available in Grand Bornand village with slides, 2 pools and swim-play areas. The outdoor pool complex (with gym, sauna etc.) in La Clusaz is set higher up the hillside and so features spectacular mountain views while you swim. And don't forget those sun loungers by the poolside as during the summer it regularly gets into the mid-thirties!
Parapenting / Paragliding
What better way to see the stunning Aravis mountain range than from the air!
Soar like a bird over the mountains that make up the range and see the area from
a whole different perspective.
The Aravis Lodge!
Also, don’t forget that the Lodge comes complete with its own gym and fitness suite, sauna and well-being zone, as well as TV with SKY, CD player, video, DVD, Playstation etc. so you can relax at home in the lodge. The large sun terrace is also a perfect place to chill out, sit back, catch some rays and read a book!