The trip

LEVEL **       

Elevation: +300m to +480m and -450m to -625m average per day depending on the chosen path.
Walking time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours average per day.
Type of trek: mountain route with no technical difficulty. Accessible to anyone in good shape.

The route in general is well indicated, and the Roadbook provided sufficiently complete to allow you to hike in complete safety. However, it is essential to be able to read an 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package. snow and névés will be present on the paths until end of june at least. You may walk on long snowy sections that can make the tour a bit more challenging. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are mandatory. Be prepared! You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio or the latest generation telephone with satellite connection.

You will need a good fitness level and must have a good health for this trek. A physical preparation will help you to enjoy your stay: please regularly practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, biking, swimming.

Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing: 
- 1 IGN TOP 25 maps with the route highlighted ;
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek ;
- 1 waterproof map holder ;
- Accommodation list.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

With baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our vehicle.
It is possible without luggage transport.

TRAIL MARKERS

The Aravis massif is a well-marked hiking area. The trails are well marked and well used. The Grande Randonnée (GR) trails are marked in red and white, but you'll often find other trails marked in a different color. Rely on the signs. It's useful to be able to read a 1:25,000 scale IGN map.

ACCOMMODATION

5 nights in hotel in a room of 2 :
- La Clusaz (2 nights) : Hotel**
- Grand-Bornand (1 night) : Hotel**
- Le Chinaillon (2 nights) : Hotel***
On request, 3-star accommodation with spa at La Clusaz and 4-star accommodation with spa at Chinaillon.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered in each accommodation the day before. You can stock up each evening at La Clusaz, at Grand-Bornand or at Chinaillon. That's an opportunity to buy local products (charcuterie and french cheese : reblochon, chevrotin, abondance...). Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3531 OT - Megève - Col des Aravis
IGN Top 25 - 3430 ET - La Clusaz - Le Grand-Bornand

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meet at the cable car of Beauregard next to La Clusaz church.

BY TRAIN
Depart from Paris-Gare de Lyon train station to Annecy. Several trains each day, from 3:40 to 4:20 hours ride. Then bus to La Clusaz.
Return: Bus from La Clusaz to Annecy and train around 7pm to Paris Gare de Lyon (arrival around 11pm). Times given are indicative and should be verified in a train station or on Oui.sncf
Consult timetables of bus 62 and 63 Annecy - La Clusaz - Le Grand-Bornand on the website Altibus.com

BY CAR
Take the A41 motorway, exit number 17 at Annecy Nord and follow Thônes and then La Clusaz. Or A40 to Bonneville (exit 16) and then La Clusaz. Free parking at La Clusaz train station.

CAR-SHARING
Get in touch with people ! Blablacar  La Roue Verte  Roulez Malin

End point at Cluses train station in the afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Here's a few websites :
- La Clusaz
- Le Grand-Bornand
- Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

TO CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Light down jacket
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches (0.40L to 0.50L)
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy.
Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!