Winter in the Aravis region offers more than just skiing. Whether you’re visiting La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Manigod, or Annecy, immerse yourself in a variety of cultural events and activities. Here’s our curated list of the top happenings for the 2024/25 season to enhance your holiday experience.
Please note – All details were accurate when publishing this article, however, all events and activities are subject to change. Please check the details of the event before setting out to visit. Wherever possible we have included links to English information pages.
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General activities
Throughout the season
Image: © Aravis/David Machet
Local markets in the Aravis
Shopping at the local markets is one of the delights of a holiday in France. You’ll find regional delicacies such as charcuterie and cheese, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs to take home (pottery, etc.).
Le Grand-Bornand – Wednesdays, 8am to 12:30pm
La Clusaz – Mondays, 8am to noon
Thônes – Saturdays, 8am to 1pm
Annecy (old town) – Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 6am to 1pm
Night skiing and sledging
Several resorts regularly offer night skiing or tobogganing sessions. It’s a magical experience that promises a wonderful end to a day in the mountains!
Night skiing in Le Grand-Bornand
In Chinaillon, you can take part in a torchlit descent down one of the longest lit pistes in Haute-Savoie, accompanied by ESF instructors. If you don’t want to ski but still want to enjoy the evening, you’ll find mulled wine and hot chocolate at the foot of the pistes. This activity takes place every Wednesday (check the Tourist Office for full details).
The slopes are also open every Tuesday evening from 5pm to 8pm, so you can enjoy night skiing on skis, yooner, toboggan or snow scooter. For more information, click here.
Night skiing in Manigod
Every Friday and Saturday evening, the Manigod slopes stay open until 9pm for an unforgettable skiing session under the stars. The restaurants on the slopes are also open, so you can make the most of one of the largest night skiing areas in Haute-Savoie. During the school holidays, the event takes place every day of the week except Sunday.
Night paret sledging in Manigod
Every day after the slopes close, take a step back in time by trying out the paret, the wooden sledge that originated in Manigod. In days gone by, this sledge was the means of transport children used to get to school. ESF instructors will be on hand to supervise you, and you can also try it out at night on a floodlit slope.
Other regular events
Discover the job of a snow groomer in Le Grand-Bornand
Did you know that every evening, a team of groomers takes care of the slopes in your resort so that you can enjoy a great day’s skiing the next day? Let a professional tell you all about their job and how to operate a snow groomer.
Discover the Heritage House in Le Grand-Bornand
Throughout the winter, the Maison du Patrimoine in Le Grand-Bornand lets you discover the customs and traditions of the region. The museum, housed in a traditional 19th-century farmhouse, will take you back to the rich past of the Haute-Savoie region. Night-time tours are also available.
DJ evenings on the ice in Le Grand-Bornand
Every Wednesday evening from 23 December to 5 January, head to Le Grand-Bornand’s municipal ice rink between 8:30pm and 10:30pm for a lively evening, hosted by a DJ.
Dance Party for Kids
Children will have an unforgettable time in Le Grand-Bornand, with free parties just for them at La Grenette, every Friday from 6pm.
Awakening of the animals workshop
This interactive workshop takes parents and children on a journey to discover the animals that were once part of rural life in Le Grand-Bornand. An expert guide will help children watch these animals come to life in front of them.
Book your stay this winter in the Aravis
Events and entertainment
© OT La Clusaz / Lionel Koch Mathian
December
During the festive season, the resorts in the Alps are packed with activities and entertainment. Here’s an overview…
Santa’s Castle
15 November – 4 January
Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Lake Annecy
The majestic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is decked out in lights for the fourth year running, inviting children of all ages to enjoy a fairytale that seems to have been stopped in time. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red coat in the corridor!
Alpine Christmas
23 November – 4 January
Annecy
Christmas starts early in Annecy, with the old town illuminated from the end of November. As well as the various markets, you’ll find an ice rink, Santa’s village, a Christmas market and a whole programme of concerts. For more information, contact the Tourist Office and read our article on Annecy’s Christmas markets.
A gourmet beano in La Croix Fry
7 December
Manigod
Come and sample some delicious local gastronomic specialities at the Col de la Croix Fry at this fun afternoon. On the menu: tartiflette, diots (sausages), cold meats, mulled wine, sports equipment, tombola, rifle shooting and a concert. A great way to get the season started!
Pre-opening of the ski area
7–8 December
La Clusaz
Before the ski area opens on 14 December, come and enjoy the first weekend of skiing in the Balme sector. This is your chance to put your skis back on and hit the fresh slopes for the first runs of the season before the visitors arrive.
The Christmas Guinguette
13–15 & 20–23 December
Thônes
The commune of Thônes is adding some sparkle to its market of local producers, by spicing it up with entertainment, DJs, musical aperitifs and workshops for children. Shows and concerts will take place under a big top, to celebrate the festive season with the whole family.
Biathlon World Cup
16–22 December
Annecy
For the fifth year running, Le Grand-Bornand will be hosting a round of the Biathlon World Cup. It’s an opportunity to encourage biathlon talent on home soil. Music and exhibition stands will be held alongside the competition.
Pestacles du Père Noël
23 December – 3 January
La Clusaz
This fabulous street festival, one of the biggest in the Alps, has been taking place every year for over 20 years. The village is transformed into a magical winter celebration, with Christmas entertainment for all ages. The programme includes magicians, puppet shows, storytelling and music throughout the village, as well as a visit from Father Christmas.
Arrival of Father Christmas
23 December
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
Father Christmas will be visiting the children of Saint-Jean-de-Sixt on his long journey around the world, bringing them presents. His arrival will be preceded at 5pm by a theatre show for all the family.
The grand arrival of Father Christmas
24 December
La Clusaz
During his annual visit to children from all over the world, Father Christmas will also be stopping off at Champ-Giguet, in La Clusaz. He has promised to bring some wonderful surprises for everyone…
Christmas time
25 December – 2 January
Le Grand-Bornand
A whole programme of festivities will take place every day between 3pm and 7pm in the square in front of the Chinaillon Tourist Office. On the programme: merry-go-rounds, shows, wooden games and a designer market, not forgetting the sublime Christmas decorations all over the village centre.
Firework display
26 December
Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand will be staging an exceptional fireworks show, using the latest technology to create extraordinary special effects. See the website for full details.
New Year’s Eve
31 December
Le Grand-Bornand
Expect music, face painting and fireworks organised by the Ski Club du Grand-Bornand. The village will be welcoming in the New Year in style from 6.30pm.
New Year’s Eve Party
31 December
Plateau de Beauregard, Thônes
Come and enjoy an Alpine New Year’s Eve with a dinner and concert at the top of the Plateau de Beauregard. An acoustic duo will host a typically Savoyard meal in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
New Year’s ski show
31 December
La Clusaz
This spectacular torchlit descent, followed by a ski show by ESF instructors, will thrill and amaze you. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and reblochon cheese are the perfect accompaniment.
Choose your dream chalet in the Aravis
January
DJ ice party
1 January
Le Grand-Bornand
End your day in the mountains with some music and ice skating at the Grand-Bornand ice rink, for two hours of friendly, rhythmic skating. The event will be repeated every Wednesday evening from early February to early March.
Fireshow
2 January
Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand will be staging an exceptional fire show, using the latest technology to create extraordinary special effects. See the website for full details.
Nature hike
2 January
Thônes
Take your children to learn all about Alpine nature on a forest excursion organised by a Natur’Envie environmental educator. By looking at the flora and animal tracks, they’ll get a better idea of the majestic Alpine landscape.
Epiphany in La Clusaz
6 January
La Clusaz
As part of the weekly welcome, the Three Wise Men will be visiting La Clusaz and inviting you to celebrate the Epiphany. The traditional galette des rois will be accompanied by mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Le Bélier Blanc Trail
10 & 11 January
La Clusaz
More than 2,000 runners are expected to take part in this annual trail. You can choose between a 6km snowshoe hike and several trails for runners. A hot meal is provided in the village for all competitors at the end of the course. Even if you’re not taking part in the event, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer.
Torchlit Descent
20 January
La Clusaz
The ESF instructors are organising their traditional torchlight descent, which will light up La Clusaz between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The event will be accompanied by music, a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and farmhouse reblochon cheese.
Your winter break in the Aravis
February
Guided Tour of Chinaillon’s Old Village
Tuesdays throughout February
Chinaillon, Le Grand-Bornand
Learn all about the history and development of Chinaillon on this tour of the historic part of the village, built in the 17th century. In February, the tour takes place every Tuesday between 10am and noon.
Torchlit descent
3 February
La Clusaz
The ESF instructors are organising their traditional torchlight descent, which will light up La Clusaz between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. The event will be accompanied by music, a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and farmhouse reblochon cheese.
LCZ Freestyle Week
3-8 February
La Clusaz
Freestyle has always had a place in La Clusaz, where champions such as Edgar Grospiron and Candide Thovex have grown up. The LCZ Freestyle Show is a fantastic opportunity to watch and admire the talent of the best freestyle skiers at the Club des Sports de La Clusaz.
Carnival
4 February
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
Come and celebrate Carnival in costume from 2pm, for a festive après-ski. Expect a fancy dress parade, make-up workshop and festive atmosphere!
Fireshow
13 February
Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand will be staging an exceptional fire show, using the latest technology to create extraordinary special effects. See the website for full details.
Suly Ski trail
16 February
Manigod
A unique race combining trail-running and downhill skiing between Thônes and Manigod. There are two races, which you can enter on your own or in a relay team. Visit the website for more information and to register.
Ski Show
17 February
La Clusaz
This spectacular torchlit descent, followed by a ski show put on by ESF instructors, promises to fill you with wonder. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and reblochon cheese will provide the perfect accompaniment.
Charity torchlight descent
19 February
Le Grand-Bornand
This torch-lit descent, organised by ESF instructors in all the French winter sports resorts, will benefit three associations who bring the pleasure of the mountains to children who are not lucky enough to be able to spend time there.
Fire show
19 February
La Clusaz
Join the whole resort on the Place de l’Église in La Clusaz for a night full of adrenaline and acrobatics – with fire!
Book a ski holiday in the Aravis
March
Carnival
4 March
La Clusaz
The highlight of the winter season in La Clusaz, for visitors and residents. The festivities start at around 7pm at Le Bossonnet with a parade of ski instructors and guides in fancy dress, followed by music and, of course, fireworks.
Venetian Carnival
7-9 March
Annecy
Every year, the canals of the town known as the “Venice of the Alps” become the setting for Annecy’s Venetian Carnival. Hundreds of people parade in extravagant costumes right through the heart of the medieval city. Don’t forget your camera!
Savoyard Night
12 March
La Clusaz
The traditions of the region will take centre stage at this Savoyard evening, organised by the Lou Socali folk group. You’ll be able to enjoy traditional music and dance, as well as a typical Alpine meal.
Good Vibes Week
16-20 March
La Clusaz
Five days to discover yoga in its many forms at this open event dedicated to well-being. Learn or deepen your practice of meditation, massages, the use of essential oils, etc. Visit the website for the full programme.
Torchlight descent and concert
17 March
La Clusaz
The ESF instructors’ traditional torchlight descent will light up La Clusaz between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. It will be accompanied by a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and farmhouse reblochon cheese.
Glisse en Cœur
21-23 March
Chinaillon, Le Grand-Bornand
Come and enjoy 48 hours of relay skiing and concerts for a good cause. Now in its 16th year, this charity event has already raised several million euros for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. For all the latest news and the musical programme, visit the website.
Book your stay in the Aravis
April
Radiomeuh Circus Festival
3-6 April
La Clusaz
This annual festival is organised by Radio Meuh, a web radio station based in La Clusaz with 3.3 million listeners worldwide. Over the three evenings of the festival, the big top will host 10 shows, while other events will take place in the restaurants and on the slopes.
Boarder Line
12–13 April
La Clusaz
For the 3rd edition of this sporting event, La Clusaz welcomes amateur skiers and international athletes for a cross-country boarder cross race. As well as the race, you can enjoy a whole weekend of concerts and entertainment to celebrate the end of the season.
Defi Foly
19-20 April
Lac des Confins, La Clusaz
Every year since 1987, 150 skiers have gathered at Lac des Confins to mark the end of the ski season. The aim is to gain speed on a snow-covered slope and get as far as you can across the frozen lake before falling into the water, from where you will be fished out by a boat. Bring your own picnic to enjoy this zany all-day spectacle.
Annecy Half Marathon
26 April
Lake Annecy
Between the snow-capped peaks and the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, it’s hard to find a more spectacular setting for a race. Even if you’re not running, come and enjoy the spectacle, the music and the festive atmosphere. Several distances and types of race are contested.
End of season party
27 April
La Clusaz
The Massif de Balme will be celebrating the end of the season with this evening party hosted by several DJs.
Here’s a little taste of the fantastic events taking place in the Aravis region this winter. For the full programme, visit the website of the Tourist Office of the region you are interested in:
- Events in Le Grand-Bornand
- Explore La Clusaz Events
- What’s on in Manigod
- Discover what’s on in Thônes
- Explore Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
- Find out what’s on in Annecy
