Family friendly La Giettaz is a small and welcoming ski resort which is part of the Domaine Évasion Montblanc ski region. At OVO Network we understand that a modern day winter holiday does not necessarily mean 6 days of non-stop skiing.
We’ve put our heads together and found our top 10 recommendations for things to see and do in winter in La Giettaz apart from the skiing…
Things to see and do in La Giettaz
Snowmobiling
Explore the wilderness on a snowmobile. Your trip will include a speed section; off‑piste exploration; forest trails and trail areas. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the tours offer something a little bit different, to make sure your experience is unforgettable.
In nearby Les Saisies (30 mins) from December to March, depending on weather conditions. Contact Activ’Annecy for more information.
Pamper yourself
The salon Une bulle de Coton au milieu des Flocons, in nearby Flumet (6.4km), is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm (8.30pm in winter), all year round, and offers a wide range of beauty treatments and therapies from around the world for men, women and children. Treat yourself or buy a voucher for a friend and go together!
Torraz Chairlift
Take the chairlift up to the Tete du Torraz which is open to walkers as well as skiers. At the top (1930m) you’ll have a stunning 360 ° view of the summit of Mont Blanc and the Chaine des Aravis. There is also a small snack bar where you can grab a refreshment and makes an ideal spot for skiers and non-skiers to meet.
Museum a la Rencontre du Passé
This little museum, located in an old house in the centre of the village, preserves and explains the way families lived, worked and played in this part of the Alps for hundreds of years. Entry is €1.50 and free for children aged under 12. Guided tours are available.
Aravis snow trail
This annual winter trail running event marks the last weekend of the winter season which falls at the end of March.
For those not quite so serious about running can take part in the “randonée loisirs” – an untimed snow walk open to walkers over 16 years. There is also a fun course (2km) for children aged from 6-11 complete with a treasure trail along the way!
For the trail runners out there you can choose from “soft” (12km) or “expert” (17km) courses, or an “extra soft” course for youngsters aged from 12-15. You will love the experience of trail running on snow!
For more information visit the event website.
Go paragliding
See the Aravis from the sky! Take a tandem flight on your skis with a certified instructor over La Clusaz, just 20 minutes from La Giettaz. Even complete beginner skiers can do it as it!
There are two take off points – the first being from the summit of Beauregard, and the second from the top of the Aiguille chair. Complete beginners can take off from Beauregard but you must be able to ski on red runs to take off from Aiguille.
Paragliding in La Clusaz can be done with Activ’Annecy, Airmax, and the ESF.
Ice skating
This small, synthetic open air ice rink opens in La Giettaz in the winter, and skate hire is available. It a lovely safe place for little and big kids to have a bit off gliding fun off the slopes.
However, if you would rather skate on the real thing, there’s a rink in the nearby village of Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe (10km).
http://www.valdarly-montblanc.com/fr/hiver/activites/patinoire/
Snow mountain biking
This unique activity is more geared around the thrill seekers among us. The introduction of “fat bikes” has made biking on snow possible. “Fat bikes” are similar to regular mountain bikes, but have enormous tyres, allowing you to stay on top of the snow.
A qualified mountain bike instructor guides you and your group down a 45 minute descent from the summit of the Torraz back to La Giettaz.
There is a height restriction of 1m40 and the cost is €55 which includes the bike, helmet and instruction. The lift pass to the summit of Torraz is not included.
Find out more here.
Dog sledding
Head out with professional musher Benjamin and his huskies for an unforgettable experience in the mountains. Guided sled rides where all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride are available from 40€. Driver initiation sessions are also available where you learn the ropes of dog sledding and head out on your first sled ride!
For more information and to reserve contact the La Giettaz Tourism Office.
Farm visit at the La Gardette Farm
Get a behind the scenes look at the production of local cheeses at the Ferme de La Gardette. Fresh reblochon and tomme are available to buy in the shop as well as local wines, homemade jams and honey.
Contact on +33 4 79 32 91 00
Luge 4 S
Located at the foot of the Jaillet gondola in Megève, 5 minutes from the Palais des Sports, the 4S Les Portes du Mont-Blanc toboggan is like no other! A sledge on rails rollercoasters its way down over 715m of track back to the village. And when night falls, the lights and music come on making for an even more exciting ride.
Open summer and winter to all over the age of three, however children under nine years must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information visit the Portes du Mont Blanc website.
If you are still looking for accommodation for your winter holiday in La Giettaz visit OVO Network to view our stunning chalets in the area. To find out more things to see and do in La Giettaz visit the resort’s website.
