La Clusaz may be well-known for its ski slopes, but did you know that it’s also a top destination for hiking? In the summer months, this vast playground of alpine pastures and high mountains offers a wealth of outdoor activities that showcase the best of Haute-Savoie. It’s time to lace up your hiking boots and explore this exceptional massif.

Located at the heart of the Massif des Aravis, La Clusaz is a hub that connects Annecy, Thones, and Le Grand Bornand. The resort is a discovery in itself, with countless unspoiled spaces and breathtaking views that are perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

In addition to the resort’s natural beauty, you’ll also find picturesque villages such as Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Manigod, Villards sur Thones, and Sallanches in the surrounding areas. To fully experience the greatest natural riches of the resort, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 most beautiful hikes to do in La Clusaz.

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Most Beautiful Hikes in La Clusaz

1. Lac des Confins

• Duration: about 1h
• Distance: 2.4 km
• Height difference: 76 m
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re visiting La Clusaz, don’t miss the loop trail that takes you to Lac des Confins. This hike offers stunning panoramas of Grand Bornand, Mont Lachat, and the Combes des Aravis.

The trail is easy and meanders through alpine pastures and lush forests, following the lake for a while. It’s a pleasant walk that’s perfect for families, and it offers a peaceful escape into nature where you can take in the beauty of the surroundings and find inner calm through contemplation.

2. From La Clusaz to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

• Duration: about 1h30
• Distance: 6.1 km
• Height difference: 318 m
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature in the La Clusaz and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt area, look no further than the pleasant trail that winds through woods and alpine pastures between the two villages. This route offers a chance to explore the lush pastures and undergrowth that surround the charming hamlets of Haute-Savoie.

As you make your way along the trail, you’ll cross several bridges that guide you from one town to the next, giving you the sense of being enveloped in a natural cocoon. This hike is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the alpine pastures and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this stunning region.

3. The Trou de la Mouche and the Combe de Paccaly

• Duration: about 3h45
• Distance: 9.2 km
• Height difference: 933 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

The Trou de la Mouche and the Combe de Paccaly are two iconic destinations in the Combes des Aravis region. The trail begins in the warm and pastoral atmosphere of the Combe de Paccaly before leading you to the natural arch of the Trou de la Mouche. From this exceptional viewpoint, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding massifs.

As you continue on the trail, you’ll cross between the Combe and the ruins of Grand Crêt. While this hike is a paradise for cross-country skiers in the winter, it’s also a popular summer hiking spot. It’s worth noting, however, that this hike around La Clusaz is rather sporty, and some passages, such as the summit of Combe and Paccaly and the Trou de la Mouche, can be a little more technical. But the view from above is absolutely worth the detour!

4. The Chalet de Paccaly

• Duration: about 1h
• Distance: 2.7 km
• Height difference: 79 m
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a shorter and easier hike that still offers beautiful views of the Trou de la Mouche and the Combe de Paccaly, consider the Chalet de Paccaly trail.

This trail is only 2.7 kilometers long and is easy to complete, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a beautiful view and a relaxing lunch in the middle of nature. The Chalet de Paccaly is not just a scenic spot, it’s also a restaurant and a true little paradise on earth that you won’t want to miss.

5. The Head of the Danay

• Duration: about 3h
• Distance: 9.2 km
• Height difference: 758 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Nestled between La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, the head of the Danay is a paradise for hikers. The trail begins in the woods, but quickly opens up to a stunning 360° panorama of the Aravis, Bornes, Tournette, and Bauges mountains.

This itinerary showcases the diverse landscapes of La Clusaz, from lush undergrowth to breathtaking panoramas. While the route is exceptional, it is also accessible and does not present any particular difficulty. It’s a great opportunity to discover the most beautiful corners of La Clusaz on foot.

6. Lake Tardevant

• Duration: about 3h30
• Distance: 9 km
• Height difference: 709 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

For those seeking a wild and unspoiled hiking experience, the route to Lake Tardevant is a must-do. The trail takes you through picturesque alpine pastures and the Combe de Paccaly before leading you to the Alpine chalet of Paccaly-d’en-Haut. From there, you’ll continue on to the Chalet de Tardevant and its glacier blue lake, which is known for its stunning beauty.

Nestled among the surrounding mountains, Lake Tardevant offers a peaceful and soothing atmosphere, perfect for contemplating the exceptional high mountain landscape. This hike is not particularly challenging but offers grandiose views that make it a must-do if you’re passing through La Clusaz.

7. The Combe de Tardevant and the Ambrevetta

• Duration: about 5h
• Distance: 14.3 km
• Height difference: 1,125 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

For experienced hikers seeking a more challenging alternative, there is the option to extend the trail to the summits of Ambrevetta and Tardevant. While more technical, this loop trail around La Clusaz offers varied landscapes and a spectacular view of the surrounding massifs from an elevation of over 2,500 meters.

This hike is more difficult and not recommended for families, but the breathtaking panoramas and sense of achievement make it a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.

8. The Refuge de la Bombardellaz

• Duration: about 2h
• Distance: 7.2 km
• Height difference: 251 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Located near La Clusaz, you will find the Bombardellaz refuge near the Confins, at the foot of the majestic Aravis mountain range. This hike is short, accessible to all, and has a low altitude difference (200 meters above sea level), making it ideal for families with children.

During the hike, you will have the opportunity to admire the main peaks of the Aravis and encounter sheep, goats, and goat farms on the mountain pastures. The trail also passes by the Chalet de Paccaly, where you can enjoy an excellent mountain meal.

This hike offers a change of scenery and a grandiose spectacle from the refuge of the Bombardellaz, which overlooks the entire valley of the butcher. It’s a great opportunity to escape and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Aravis mountain range.

Wrap Up

I hope you find the article “Most Beautiful Hikes in La Clusaz” helpful.