Thanks a lot to Annecy Mountains and Mindshake for this great press trip.

Thanks to Peak Performance, Salomon et Zag for the equipment. 

 

Le Grand Bornand "the peacefull ", La Clusaz "the sporty" or the Sambuy "the freeride" 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first ski resort for this press trip is Le Grand Bornand.

With its 86 km of slopes, Le Grand Bornand has managed to preserve its authenticity and mountain side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The resort is bathed in an atmosphere of fullness. Populated by regulars loyal tourist, it is just waiting to be discovered, whether through its ski slopes, its urban art route or its ancestral wooden chalets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

But make no mistake, Le Grand Bornand also knows how to show its sporty side. The station has just hosted a round of the Biathlon World Cup ....

The Grand Bornand slopes offer a perfect balance between mountain atmosphere and breathtaking landscape. Do not miss the sunset on the Col des Anes which is really worth it …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second day, we take the road to La Clusaz, another station, another atmosphere.

The resort of La Clusaz smells of the joy of living, sportsmanship, the atmosphere of after skis with its wild Full Moon Parties ...

How better to start the day than with an introduction to biathlon?

I have watched many biathlon competitions on television, but have never had the opportunity to try ....

First, you have to learn the art of skating on cross-country skis. Far from being as easy as it seems ! Fortunately, a ski instructor from the ESF is in charge to help us out.

Then comes the time to learn how to shoot. For obvious safety reasons, the traditional biathlon rifles have been replaced by laser rifles .... Much more reassuring to practice the activity without risking to overwhelm your little friends .....

Now that we have some rudimentary foundations in both disciplines, it's time to mix them. This is the point where everything really gets complicated. When you arrive with your skis on in front of the launch pad, you have to throw yourself on your stomach while keeping the skis on, calm your breathing and aim at the target ... A whole different kettle of fish, but so much fun ! Don't hesitate to book a session at the Esf, you will not regret it …

 

 

 

The afternoon is spent exploring the ski slopes of La Clusaz.

With 125 km, the resort is very large and particularly pleasant to explore.

The slopes, like at Le Grand Bornand, are perfectly maintained, you could even say manicured.

At the end of the day, I advise you to go to the "roof of the world" .... The view of Mont Blanc and the Aravis range is breathtaking ...

And if you are a little lucky you may be able to cross Candide Thovex who loves to ride on this slope ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To get back in shape after this superb day of skiing, we head to the Odalys hotel for a relaxation session at the Deep Nature Spa. La Scierie welcomes us for an excellent meal in a cozy atmosphere. To finish the evening, if you still have some energy left, you might want to taste a good beer at the Caves du Paccaly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the morning of the third day, it's time for us to reach La Sambuy, a small freeride paradise located at the bottom of the Annecy valley.

We stop at the Avalanche restaurant located at the foot of the slopes. The owner is passionate about mountaineering and ice climbing. He warmly recommends his wife's signature dish, Virginie's "farcement", a treat that keeps the body warm. Do not hesitate to ask him to taste her famous blueberry tiramisu, it's not on the menu but definitely worth it …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before starting our ski tour, we discover our accommodation of the evening, the Refuge de La Haut. This place is called a refuge, but make no mistake, the place is magical and luxurious.

The main chalet with its panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views on the entire valley and the Lake of Annecy.

But one of the particularities of the refuge La Haut is to offer very atypical sleeping arrangements.

The owner of the place, installed by helicopter old Shelters having who served in polar expeditions, exotic surroundings guaranteed.

In the early morning, you will be awakened by the sun rising on the mountain.

On the chalet's terrace, a Norwegian hot bath will allow you to relax while admiring the surrounding mountain, a glass of champagne in hand.

The chalet also has a sauna which has been built in a huge barrel with a panoramic porthole overlooking the Lake of Annecy.

 

 

 

 

 

It is now time to start our ski tour, direction la Combe de la Sambuy ...

Superb ski tour surrounded by nature. The landscapes are magnificent, but beware, some traps can be hidden by the snowfall.

A guide from the Sambuy will be very useful and will allow you to discover the best freeride spots.

After the ascent and the traditional souvenir photo, it's now time to remove the climbing skins from the skis and have fun in the fresh snow, a real treat.

Back at the Refuge de la Haut, we relax while taking a bath in the Strovatt at 39 degrees ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the morning of the fourth day, an excellent surprise awaits us, it snowed a few centimeters. Our descend to the bottom of the ski resort will be in a nice fresh snow.

But we couldn't leave Annecy without taking a paraglider flight over the lake. The view is dazzling, the lake shines brightly thanks to the reflection of the sun ...

It's now time for us to reach Geneva airport, our eyes filled with magnificent memories .... There is no denying, the Annecy region knows how to receive its guests and offers a multitude of activities and varieties atmospheres capable of filling the most difficult of

you .....

 

See you soon on the slopes.