What to do in Massif of Beaufortain

Beaufortain, a mid-mountain region of the French department of Savoie, has the privilege of being ideally located next to the ever awe-inspiring Mont-Blanc and the crystal clear waters of Annecy Lake.

Today, life in the hamlets still passes in a very traditional way. Savoie, unlike many other parts of the French Alps, has stayed away from the large touristic infrastructures that spoil the natural landscapes. Yet, Arêches-Beaufort and Saisies-Espace Diamant, the former Olympic site of Albertville, are excellent ski locations. So much so that every year since 1986, the Pierre Menta International Ski Competition has taken place on the slopes of Arêches-Beaufort.

The massif is accessible from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where every year thousands of skiers arrive on train to ski in the famous resorts of Val Thorens, Paradiski or La Plagne. These resorts are located between the Tarantaise Valley and the Vanoise Natural Park (near Val d’Isere). There, adventurers can practice skiing, rockclimbing, via-ferrata, kayaking, and discover the area during long hikes.

At Les Saises, skiers can engage in exhilarating ski descents following the tracks of the Albertville ’92 pros! With 157 slopes available, skiers and snowboarders can go crazy on the powdery snow. Those craving adrenaline can venture out to the endless off-piste areas! Snowshoeing can be down all around the spectacular massif, parting from Les Saises or Bisanne 1500.

During winter, the waterfalls in Champany Le Haut become the perfect spot for ice climbers to battle gravity. When you reach the summit, you're guaranteed to be overwhelmed by the exceptional panoramas, making you realize all your effort was worth it!

When the snow melts the thaw increases the water level, making rivers such as the Isere ideal for rafting. The Isere River flows alongside the towns in the Tarentaise Valley from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Centron, where you will encounter mighty rapids of Landry, Aime and Centron. Imagine taking a dive in crystal clear alpine waters!

For those who’d rather stay dry, the Tour du Beaufortain, a 105 kilometer, 6 to 8 day trek is amazing if you want to witness the magnificence of the mountain and get back to basics with nature.

During summer, many people flock in from far and wide to explore the climbing site of Roc du Vent, the view from the top is explanation enough. The Vanoise National Park has a plethora of exciting climbing spots; Aiguille de la Vanoise (where you can reach the summit of the Vanoise Mountain), Grande Parei and its beautiful panorama of Portette Lake and Pierre Menta Mountain, and Pointe de l’Observatoire’s outstanding view of Mont-Blanc.

For those of you holidaying with your family can opt for a via ferrata excursion. Stepping on hanging bridges and thin cables, supported by a harness, you will climb to the top of Le Roc du Vent. During your journey you will get to see the magnificence of Mont-Blanc!

Mountain bike riders can go full speed down the traditional alpine towns! If that’s not extreme enough, you can dare a downhill mountain biking outing through the green lush forest. You’ll find more than 400 kilometers of enduro, downhill and fatbiking trails around the massif, notably in Les Saises and Albertville.

The impressive royal eagle soars through the clear blue skies of Beaufortain, so why not experience the same! Enjoy a paragliding flight from Mont Bisanne, you will glide over the alpine scenery of the valley, giving you a bird’s-eye-view of Beaufortain and its surrounding areas.

This particular little jewel of the Alps is so inspiring, it’s no wonder France and Italy were both trying to claim it!