Best Hikes in the Aravis
A massif with a particular shape
The Aravis are a massif stretching from Cluses in the north to Ugine in the south. Its rocks are mainly composed of limestone. The shape of the massif is very recognizable from La Clusaz because of its many north-facing combes. These are very popular with skiers in the winter and hikers once the summer comes.
Hikes for all tastes
Rising to 2750 m at the top of Pointe Percée, the Aravis are home to many treasures of fauna and flora that will delight hikers, especially the youngest ones. The hikes I suggest in the area are quite difficult on average. I am referring in particular to the Lac and Pointe de Tardevant or the Tête Pelouse. However, several summits remain accessible to beginners, such as Tête du Danay or Lac du Mont Charvin.
Also in winter!
A snowshoeing outing is also an opportunity to discover the massif in new colours. In winter, I mainly recommend hiking to the Col de l’Arpettaz. Aravis are also famous for their local products such as reblochon or diots, but also for culinary specialities such as the famous tartiflette, which is very popular in winter.
You will find below a selection of hiking routes that I have been able to do in the Aravis. Each hiking itinerary is carefully documented with a description, a trail and photos. Feel free to send us your comments or remarks by email or at the bottom of the corresponding articles.
30 July 2023 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe de Mandallaz (also known as the Trois Aiguilles) is located in the south-western part of the Aravis mountain range and rises to 2277m. Less well known than some of its neighbours, such as Mont Charvin
24 August 2022 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe de Merdassier is a summit located in the Aravis massif offering a 360° panorama on a large number of massifs, notably the Mont Charvin. The only access path to the summit of Pointe de Merdassier is very steep, perhaps the steepest I have encountered in many years
22 July 2019 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Pointe d'Areu is a mountain overlooking the Arve valley at the end of the Aravis massif. Due to an omission on the IGN map, the Pointe d'Areu is often confused with the Pointe des Arbennes (also called Pointe d'Arbenne or Pointe d'Areu de Romme)
7 January 2019 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located in the Aravis Range, Praz Vechin is a peak overlooking the Col de l'Arpettaz nestled at the foot of Mont Charvin. The term "Arpettaz" comes from the French word "alpe" which refers to a mountain pasture. The itinerary I propose here starts from the hamlet of La Penne
15 December 2018 | by Pierre-Alexandre
The Plateau de Beauregard remains the object of a beautiful winter walk in snowshoes.
With an elevation gain of only 150 meters, the itinerary reaching the Pointe de Beauregard is accessible to all
29 October 2016 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located between Mont Charvin and Tournette, Montagne de Sulens offers a magnificent panorama on the Bauges Massif, as well as Aravis, Bornes, and Tarentaise. The hike doesn’t have any technical difficulties except the path that is sometimes hard to follow in its upper part
1 January 2014 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Tête du Danay, located in the heart of La Clusaz, is a magnificent viewpoint over the Aravis Range and the Bornes Massif dominating Grand Bornand village.
The itinerary is ideal for a discovery of winter hiking in snowshoes
14 July 2013 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Let’s get back to the Aravis Range to a place previously described in August 2007: Mont Charvin. If the lake was the objective of the last excursion, here you’ll have to climb the mountain overlooking the lake. Located at the end of the range between
16 July 2011 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located on the heights of Sallanches, Crête des Bénés and its mountain pasture offer a magnificent destination for the hiker. Throughout the ascent, the eye is attracted by Haute-Savoie’s magic; On one side the imposing Mont Blanc Massif, on the other the Aravis Range
21 June 2009 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Visible from Sallanches, Croisse Baulet is a stroll of choice that will provide the hiker with one of the most beautiful views of Haute-Savoie as one can contemplate the Mont Blanc Massif, the Aravis Range, and the Fiz Massif
26 July 2008 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Tête Pelouse is the object of a superb hike that will make you discover the Aravis Range and the beautiful Valley of Confins. Not so far from the Lac and Pointe de Tardevant, the itinerary reaches a rocky summit not very frequented that offers an unforgettable point of view
16 August 2007 | by Pierre-Alexandre
Located at the southern end of the Aravis Range, Mont Charvin dominates the town of Ugine. The Lac du Mont Charvin, nestled in a beautiful basin at the foot of the eponymous summit is the goal of this hike.
There is no real difficulty: a very short and steep passage under the Col des Porthets and a brief
