The Aravis Mountains

The Aravis Massif rises majestically between the Lac d'Annecy and the Mont Blanc range. Made up of craggy limestone peaks from Point Percee, the tallest peak at 2750 metres at the Northern end of the range, to Alpine Cows the Aiguile de Borderans, known as the 'Porte des Aravis' at the Southern End, the Aravis mountains are known for their excellent snow records and have become top ski resorts with an excellent local reputation.

From early May the snow starts to disappear leaving hundreds of kilometres of green treelined walking tracks, high plateaus and steep rocky passes. Many of the walks take in the foothills of the Aravis range, walking across flowered alpine meadows, shared with gentle cows with bells around their necks. The foothills offer a very pleasant walking climate as you are sheltered by the mountains. As you walk you will often come across small lakes - limestone bowls hollowed out by swirling water in the past that now provide welcome watering holes for the cattle and wildlife in the mountains, as well as picturesque places to enjoy a picnic.

The lower slopes of the mountains have alpine meadows and forests interspersed, with tree cover up to a height of about 1700 metres - the trees being mainly deciduous firs. Above 1700 metres the terrain becomes rockier, having many good examples of Pointe Percee limestone pavements crossed through with clints and grykes produced by the spring melt water. Above 2000 metres there are mainly scree slopes and fairly technical walking, although we can arrange for you to climb to the summit of a couple of peaks with a mountain guide - most notably the haughty Point Percee - well worth the effort for the incredible view over to Lake Annecy on one side and the permanently snowcapped Mont Blanc on the other.

The Alpine climate is renowned for its stunning flora and fauna. During the summer months the slopes are a riot of colour. Taking advantage of the flowers are huge butterflies, small birds, large beatles and other fascinating bugs. There is also a chance of seeing the shy mountain deer - known locally as Chamois or Boucatin deer. See our Weather page for typical monthly climate.

Autumn Leaves The walking is varied, ranging from very remote walks to our popular village walk - between the villages of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand traversing from the head of one valley to another. No matter which walk you do it's always nice to end up somewhere different to where you started, taking in varied views, tracks and environments along the way.

One of our Karibuni Chalet Team will often be out walking with you and can show you our favourite views and restuarants and help you get a feel for the area.

The ski lifts are open during July and August meaning you can eliminate the need for steep climbs if you would rather take it a little more easy.

Click on our Walk Samples page to see some of our walks.