Whether you love to ski all day, every day or prefer to cosy up in your OVO Network chalet after a day spent exploring the area, the Aravis resorts offer plenty to keep you entertained both on and off the slopes. Take a look at some of the main events taking place over the coming winter months…
(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
Enjoy shopping at one of the area’s local markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce and charcuterie to pottery and handmade gifts…
- Les Grand-Bornand – Wednesdays, 8h to noon
- La Clusaz – Mondays, 8h to noon
- Thônes – Saturdays, 8h to 13h
- Annecy – Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 8h to noon
Night skiing and sledging
Several stations offer regular night skiing or sledging, which is a holiday highlight for many of our guests.
Night Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
In Chinaillon you can join a torchlit descent on one of the longest lit-up slopes in the Haute Savoie area – accompanied by the French ski school instructors! If skiing isn’t your thing, but you want to accompany your group, you will find mulled wine and hot chocolate offered at the bottom of the slopes. Takes place every Wednesday, but check the website to confirm details of dates and ski bus times.
You can also do a ‘night glide’ every Tuesday evening, from 17h -20h, on one of the longest illuminated slopes in the Haute Savoie. Go by ski, yooner, fatbike, paret or snowscoot! Check out more details here.
Night skiing in Manigod
You can ski under the stars until 21h every Friday and Saturday night in Manigod, one of the biggest night skiing areas in the Haute Savoie. During school holidays, the slopes are also open until 21h Monday to Saturday so everyone can experience skiing in the dark! The restaurants on the pistes stay open too, making it a night out to remember.
Night Paret sledging in Manigod
Come along after the pistes close to try the wooden sledge that is native to Manigod, under the supervision of ESF instructors. Once used by the village children to get to school, now it’s mainly used for fun. You can also try the paret at night on a lit track!
Other regular events
Discover the job of a snow groomer in Le Grand Bornand
As night descends over Le Grand Bornand, witness the dedicated groomers meticulously maintaining and sculpting the slopes. Join a groomer who will share insights about their profession and the intricate machines they operate. Find out more here.
Discover the Heritage House in Le Grand Bornand
All winter, come and explore the local culture at the Heritage House in Le Grand Bornand. A traditional farmhouse dating back to the 19th century, it’s steeped in a rich history waiting to be discovered. Night tours are also available.
DJ Evenings on the Ice in Le Grand Bornand
Date: Wednesdays 23 December – 5 January
Location: Le Grand Bornand
Head down to the ice rink in Le Grand Bornand for a fun evening dancing to live DJ sets from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm. Visit the website for more details.
Dance Party for Kids
Keep the kids entertained with regular dance parties taking place every Friday at the Grenette in Le Grand Bornand. It’s free to participate and fun is guaranteed! Find out more here.
Awakening of the animals workshop
In this interactive workshop, both children and their parents embark on a journey to explore the animals that were once an integral part of traditional farms in Le Grand-Bornand. With the guidance of an expert, children will have the opportunity to witness these animals come to life as they wake up, complete with a lively dance performed by all participants.
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Events and entertainment
©OT La Clusaz / Lionel Koch Mathian
December
Concert of Saint Cecelia
2 December
Le Grand Bornand
Come and enjoy some live music at the Concert of Saint Cecilia and kick the festive season off in style. More information can be found on the website.
Spectacle sur Glace
23 December
La Clusaz
Join the La Clusaz Sports Club for their timeless ice show. With captivating costumes, music, and rhythmic performances, it promises a fantastic evening on the ice, complemented by a refreshing drink and delectable farmhouse Reblochon cheese. Find out more here.
Alpine Christmas
25 November until 6 January
Annecy
Christmas starts early in Annecy, with the old town lit up from late November. Alongside the various markets you will find an outdoor ice skating rink, Santa’s village, a Christmas food market and a programme of concerts. Check the tourist office for details as they become available, and take a look at our blog post on Annecy at Christmas.
Christmas Cheer
24 December
Manigod
Enjoy the festivities from 3-6 pm in Manigod at Merdassier. With workshops, Christmas concerts and, of course, the arrival of Santa himself. Please check the website for more details of the programme.
Pestacles du Père Noël
23 December 2023 – 5 January 2024
La Clusaz
This fabulous street festival has been going on for over 20 years and is one of the biggest in the Alps. The village is transformed into a festive wonderland for a celebration of Christmas, with something for all ages. Expect a visit from Father Christmas, as well as magicians, puppet shows, story-telling and music throughout the village. Find out more here.
Santa Claus in Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon
24 December
Chinaillon, Le Grand Bornand
From 5.30 pm on Christmas Eve, head to Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon for a magical evening including a torchlight descent by French ski school instructors, a Christmas parade, and the arrival of Santa Claus himself! Read more here.
Arrival of Father Christmas
24 December
La Clusaz
On his world tour, Father Christmas will make a stop at Champ-Giguet, with a range of surprises in store. Find out more here.
Gospel Angel
24 December
Le Grand Bornand
Join the Gospel Angel Band for a festive evening of music to get in the Christmas spirit. Find the full details online.
Fireshow
26 December
Le Grand Bornand
A fun evening for all the family, this show combines the latest LED techniques with incredible pyrotechnic special effects. Find out more on the website.
Torchlight descent for children
27 December
La Clusaz
From 5 pm to 6.30 pm children can take part in a magical torchlight descent. Find out more details here.
Paret Championship
29 December
Manigod
The wooden paret sledge, which has just one runner, was once used by children in the Aravis to get to school in the winter. Now it’s a popular sport, both with residents and visitors. Participants in the championships take things pretty seriously, reaching speeds of up to 90km per hour. If you want to join in, you can borrow a paret from the tourist office by presenting your ID. Check the full details here.
New Year’s Eve party
31 December
Le Grand Bornand
There’s music, fireworks, as well as a food and drink display organised by the Ski Club Association as the village welcomes in the New Year. The party starts at 18h30 – find out more on the tourism website! Click here for details.
New Year’s Eve
31 December
Manigod
Start the celebrations for 2024 by enjoying night skiing on the largest illuminated ski area of Savoie Mont Blanc, and then watch fireworks and entertainment. Click here to find out more.
Ski show
31 December
Champ Giguet, La Clusaz
Enjoy a spectacular torchlit descent and ski show by instructors from the ESF. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and Reblochon will be available to sample.
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January
Fireshow
2 January
Le Grand Bornand
A fun evening for all the family, this show combines the latest LED techniques with incredible pyrotechnic special effects. Find out more on the website.
Torchlight descent
3 January
La Clusaz
A torchlight descent for children, accompanied by the ESF instructors. It’s free to take part and you’re sure to take away some special memories. It takes place from 5 to 6.30 pm and full details can be found on the website.
Epiphany at La Clusaz
8 January
La Clusaz
Celebrate Epiphany in the Place de l’Eglise with the traditional galette des rois, accompanied by mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Le Belier Blanc Trail
12 & 13 January
La Clusaz
More than 2,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in this annual trail. There’s a 6km snowshoe trek, as well as a choice of ‘white’ trails for runners. There’s a hot meal for all the competitors when they arrive back in the village at the end of the course. If you’re not taking part, there’s still plenty of entertainment to enjoy. Check the website for registration details.
Paret Championship
12 & 26 January
Manigod
Competitors of all ages take part in this thrilling but fun evening competition on Manigod’s traditional paret sledge. The fun takes place at La Croix Fry or Merdassier – check the website for full details.
Torchlit Descent
15 January
La Clusaz
Join the ESF team for a special torchlit descent from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the heart of La Clusaz. Keep an eye on the website for more details.
Radio Meuh Circus Party
27 January
La Clusaz
Join the party! With live music and DJ sets, this popular event takes place from 5 to 10 pm and there’s a choice of food and drinks to enjoy in between the dancing!
Your winter break in the Aravis
February
Fireworks show
Every Wednesday in February
Place de l’Église, La Clusaz
Meet at the Place de l’Eglise in La Clusaz and enjoy an exciting fireworks show!
Guided Tour of Chinaillon’s Old Village
Mondays throughout February
Chinaillon, Le Grand Bornand
Discover Chinaillon’s historic village dating back to the 17th century, as well as the development of the ski resort. In February tours are held every Monday at 10.30 am.
LCZ Freestyle Week
5 – 9 February
La Clusaz
Freestyle has a great history in La Clusaz, which is home to champions such as Edgar Grospiron and Candide Thovex. The LCZ Freestyle Week is a great opportunity to see and marvel at the talents of some of the best freestyle skiers.
Handcrafted Market
6, 20 & 27 February
La Clusaz
Come and support the members of the Association of Aravis creators. Browse the stalls and meet woodworkers, glassmakers, soap makers, painters, ceramists, mosaicists, jewellers, graphic designers, dressmakers, candle makers and more! Check the website for full details.
Paret Championships
9 & 23 February
Manigod
Competitors of all ages take part in this thrilling but fun evening competition on Manigod’s traditional paret sledge. The fun takes place at La Croix Fry or Merdassier – check the website for full details.
Torchlit Descent
15, 21 & 28 February
La Clusaz
Join the ESF team for a special torchlit descent from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the heart of La Clusaz. Keep an eye on the website for more details.
Ski Show
19 & 26 February
La Clusaz
Enjoy a spectacular torchlit descent and ski show by instructors from the ESF. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and Reblochon will be available to sample.
Spectacle de feu
21 February
Place de l’Église, La Clusaz
Meet at the Place de l’Eglise in La Clusaz and enjoy an exciting fire show! Find out more here.
Carnival
13 February
Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon
Dress up for the apres-ski parade and enjoy a torchlight descent, fireshow, games and a DJ party! Starts from 15h.
Carnival
13 February
La Clusaz
This is one of the highlights of the winter season in La Clusaz, for guests and residents. Ski instructors and guides take part in a fancy dress parade through the village, and there’s plenty of music, as well as a firework finale. Find out full details here.
Fire Show
14, 21 & 28 February
La Clusaz
A fun evening for all the family, this show combines the latest LED techniques with incredible pyrotechnic special effects. Find out more on the website.
Ski show
19 February
Champ Giguet, La Clusaz
Enjoy a spectacular torchlit descent and ski show by instructors from the ESF. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and Reblochon will be available to sample.
Fireshow
20 & 27 February
Le Grand Bornand
A fun evening for all the family, this show combines the latest LED techniques with incredible pyrotechnic special effects. Find out more on the website.
The Star of Manigod
21 February
Col de Merdassier, Manigod
Meet on the slopes from 11h until 18h for an afternoon and evening of fun. Try out handiski and paret sledging, and enjoy the music and a marshmallow party. Once darkness falls, there’s a torchlit descent organised by the ESF instructors, followed by fireworks. If you’re hungry, choose from crepes, soup or tartiflette. Check the website for more details.
TOUT SCHUSS POUR L’UNICEF!
23 February
La Clusaz
Come and support this fantastic charity event in aid of UNICEF. Expect a timed slalom, torchlit descent, entertainment and refreshments. Find out more here.
Venetian Carnival
23 – 25 February
Annecy
The canals of Annecy are the backdrop for the annual Venetian Carnival, when hundreds of extravagantly costumed characters promenade through the medieval town. Don’t forget your camera!
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March
Fireshow
5 March
Le Grand Bornand
A fun evening for all the family, this show combines the latest LED techniques with incredible pyrotechnic special effects. Find out more on the website.
Handcrafted Market
5 & 12 Marc
La Clusaz
Come and support the members of the Association of Aravis creators. Browse the stalls and meet woodworkers, glassmakers, soap makers, painters, ceramists, mosaicists, jewellers, graphic designers, dressmakers, candle makers and more! Check the website for full details.
Paret Championships
9 March
Manigod
Competitors of all ages take part in this thrilling evening competition on Manigod’s traditional paret sledge – once used by children to get home from school. The fun takes place at La Croix Fry or Merdassier – check the website for full details.
Torchlit Descent
11 March
La Clusaz
Join the ESF team for a special torchlit descent from 6.30 pm to 7 pm in the heart of La Clusaz along with a concert by Bull Rock Legacy. Keep an eye on the website for more details.
Savoyarde Night
13 March
La Clusaz
Come and discover the traditions and customs of the local region courtesy of Lou Socali folklore group. Enjoy a typical mountain meal and enjoy entertainment in the form of folk dancing. Click here to find out more.
Glisse en Coeur
22 – 24 March
Chinaillon, Le Grand Bornand
It’s 24-hour non-stop skiing and music at the 15th edition of this charity event, which has raised more than €2m for good causes. For the latest news on the events and music line-up, go to the website.
Good Vibes Week
17 – 22 March
La Clusaz
Come along and discover various forms of yoga at this well-being event for all ages. There’s also meditation, massage, essential oils and much more to explore. Check the website for more details of the programme.
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April
Radiomeuh Circus Festival
4 – 7 April
La Clusaz
This annual festival is organised by Radiomeuh, an online radio station based in La Clusaz with 3.3 million listeners around the world. Over the three evenings, the circus tent hosts about 10 acts, with more going on at restaurants and on the pistes. Check out the website for the line-up nearer the date.
Annecy Half-Marathon
13 April
Lake Annecy
There could hardly be a more spectacular setting for a half marathon, between the snow-capped mountains and the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. Even if you’re not taking part, it’s a great spectacle, with music and a great party atmosphere. Find out more here.
Boarder Line
14 April
La Clusaz
Join the best Nordic athletes from the Aravis and the French Alps for a unique skicross race! Thrill guaranteed!
Defi Foly
20 – 21 April
Lac des Confins, La Clusaz
Every year since 1987, 150 of the area’s craziest skiers have headed for the Lac des Confins to mark the end of the ski season in La Clusaz. The idea is to ski down the hill and see how far you can get across the icy lake before you sink, and are rescued by boat. It’s a great day for spectators too – bring a picnic and grab a good spot on the hillside for this day-long event.
Season Finale
28 April
La Clusaz
Celebrate the end of the ski season and enjoy live DJ sets for an unforgettable party at Balme! Find out more details here.
These are just some of the fantastic events happening in the Aravis over the 2021/22 ski season. For the full programme, go to the tourist office website for your chosen area:
- Events in Le Grand Bornand
- Explore La Clusaz Events
- What’s on in Manigod
- Discover what’s on in Thônes
- Explore St Jean-de-Sixt
- Find Out what’s on in Annecy
