La Clusaz

A wide valley, chalets scattered in the meadows up to the edge of the woods. Above the peaks of the Aravis range. From almost everywhere, the ski slopes descend towards the small town with its emblematic bell tower. The few streets are lively.

Welcome to La Clusaz, whose emblem, a ram's head, says a lot about the spirit of its inhabitants. "Clus" means a closed valley, only a mule track passed through it before the opening of a road linking Annecy and the Thônes valley to the Aravis pass.
It was in 1902 thanks to the relentlessness of the pioneers, like the ram, a rebellious animal, which is not afraid of anything and which darkens. This is at least the preferred explanation given by the inhabitants even if its origin is probably quite different!

All-round champions...

A state of mind that has never wavered. Especially in the ranks of athletes. Some do not hesitate to compare La Clusaz to a "factory of champions", starting with Guy Périllat, gold medalist in the combined event of the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, up to Loïc Collomb-Patton, one of the emblematic figures of freeride. There are winners in all disciplines, telemark, snowboard, freestyle, artistic skiing, X games....... but not only!

However, La Clusaz is not reserved for experienced skiers. Thanks to several slopes, there is something for all tastes and all levels. The Balme massif, the highest in the area, is sought after by freeriders for its many off-piste routes. From March 14 to 19, the SFR Freestyle tour stops in La Clusaz for the half-pipe event. The opportunity to see the world's best skiers in action but also to enjoy the many activities.

Advanced skiers prefer the Massif de l'Étale, facing south. The less experienced as well as cross-country skiers will find what they are looking for on the Beauregard plateau. From there, it is possible to reach La Croix-Fry (Manigod) and L'Étale by a long track through the forest. Thanks to these different areas, La Clusaz also displays a beautiful mix of generations: those who came to let off steam on the slopes in their youth, now come back with their own children or even grandchildren. Everyone then meets on the slopes of the Aiguille massif for long descents on sunny slopes.

This is also where you find most of the restaurants housed in warm old farmhouses. We meet there for the lunch break but also for après-ski. If the atmosphere is perhaps not as unbridled (although) as in some Austrian resorts, you will not be bored! You just have to think about being able to descend again on your skis without danger!

With this dynamic sporting image, La Clusaz does not rely entirely on skiing but on all outdoor activities. Specialized companies have also established themselves there, stimulating the economic activity of this large town just 30 kilometers from Annecy.

Skijoring and Twizy

Discovering nature on your skis but towed by a horse, this is an unusual experience. Impassive, Narcisse and Quick, two Fjord horses let themselves be harnessed for a ride through the snow-covered fields.

Except that their riders are on skis to be towed!
Calm, robust but also a bit teasing, resembling a large pony, Fjord horses date back to the time of the Vikings. “In Scandinavia, it was the perfect horse for the transport of goods or even plowing, explains Julien Fournier who manages an equestrian center in La Clusaz with his partner Judith Mathieu. The family of the young woman also manages an equestrian center in Ballon d'Alsace.

In winter, Julien and Judith offer ski-joëring, pony-snow, pony-luge, horse-drawn sleigh rides and horse-riding outings in the snow. “Ski joëring has existed for thousands of years, it was a simple means of transport. Today it has become a hobby. The rigid stretcher allows you to keep the right distance from the horse. Here we go ! says Julien.

After a little initiation in a flat snow-covered meadow, it's off for a walk in the forest. Narcisse and Quick know the course and rush into a small gallop to be able to face the next climb. It pulls in the arms, in the thighs, but there is no question of letting go! An exhilarating feeling of freedom sets in, in communion with nature and the horse.

Circuit on ice

Below the equestrian centre, Christophe Fourmont, rally driver and car instructor, watches over a completely different team: Renault Twizys specially equipped for driving on ice.

A 100% electric pleasure sport. Several formulas are possible, from the individual driving session (30 € for 10 minutes) to the driving course with an instructor (99 € the session of 45 minutes), privatization for groups, nature outings. What particularly interests Christophe are the driving lessons, learning to manage, understanding what not to do to keep the momentum going in the event of a skid.