What to do in and around Annecy in winter?
Visit the city: stroll the streets of Annecy to discover the magnificent Venice of the Alps!
With family or friends, discover the town and its historic center. With its unfailing charm and picturesque alleyways, Annecy is enchanting in winter.
Don’t forget to visit the Christmas market or discover the Montagnette!
Would you like to stimulate your brain while enjoying an organized visit? Opt for our City Games! All you have to do is follow the game – except for the riddles!
Would you like a guided tour to discover local architecture and history? Trust our guides to reveal Annéciens’ secrets as they take you through its streets!
Taste Savoyard gastronomy: the region’s typical dishes are well worth the detour!
If you’re looking for comfort, here are our favorite restaurants just for you:
- L’Incandescent, ideally located in the heart of the old town
- Le Freti, for a good fondue
- Chez Irma, overlooking Lake Annecy
- Chez Constance, for a meal in the mountains on the Plateau des Glières
- L’Auberge du Père Bise, with gourmet cuisine by chef Jean Sulpice
Put on your skis: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding or even tobogganing for the little ones!
Annecy is nestled in the heart of the mountains, and there are plenty of ski resorts to choose from:
- Le Semnoz: ski area just 25 minutes from the center of Annecy.
- La Sambuy: a family-friendly resort.
- La Clusaz: an international ski resort at the foot of the Aravis mountains, with 132 kilometers of slopes.
- Le Grand-Bornand: still at the foot of the Aravis mountains, with 39 lifts and 90 kilometers of pistes.
- Manigod: a family resort between the Croix-Fry and Merdassier passes.
- Les Saisies: 1h30 from Annecy, with views of Mont Blanc from the slopes.
There’s plenty to keep snow sports fans happy, but that’s not all! Many other activities are possible…
Mountain hiking: come and discover the emblematic mountains surrounding Lake Annecy!
If you’re more into the mountains and the great outdoors, why not take a snowshoe hike?
You can follow the marked trails on your own.
Alternatively, let our guides take you into the heart of the Alps, enjoy a Savoyard fondue facing the peaks, try our winter challenges, learn to build an igloo with your family… Anything is possible!
Snowmobiling: discover the resort of Les Saisies by snowmobile!
If you’re looking for a new experience, try snowmobiling! At nightfall, after the slopes have closed, set off for an hour on the slopes and in the wildest, most unexplored landscapes.
We’ve even created day packages for you to discover several activities! A la carte :
- Morning: rent skis or snowshoes
- Afternoon: go paragliding or helicopter flying, and for those who prefer to stay on land, enjoy the mountains more!
- At the end of the day, try the snowmobile ride you’ve come to love.
- Finally, enjoy a delicious fondue in a genuine Savoyard chalet at the foot of the slopes!
Dog sledding: discover the mountains in the company of our super doggies!
It’s the perfect way to get up close and personal with the animals! This activity will delight young and old alike, who can admire the landscape and mountains pulled by 11 Nordic dogs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a novice driver, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience whatever your level.
Horseback riding: gallop to the end of Lake Annecy and get closer to its wild side !
Like animals but don’t want to go too far? Just ask! At the end of the lake, not far from Annecy, recharge your batteries with horses, and discover the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Annecy winter in a whole new way.
And the good news is, you can do it whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider!
Take to the skies: paragliding, flying, hot-air ballooning, gyrocoptering or speedriding!
If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the snow-covered landscape and turquoise-blue lake, there are plenty of options:
A flight in a plane, with the pilot’s commentary in your ears! From Lake Annecy to Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountains, there’s something for everyone.
A flight in a gyrocopter for a little originality! From its panoramic bubble, admire Lake Annecy and all the surrounding mountains, up close and personal.
A hot-air balloon flight in the calm of the early morning.
A paragliding flight: take to the skies above Lake Annecy at Col de la Forclaz, a world-famous take-off spot, or at La Clusaz in the heart of the ski resort. Take in the sights, and leave with photo and video memories!
Looking for more thrills? Then speedriding is for you! It’s the perfect blend of snow sports and hang-gliding. The principle is simple: fly low over the slopes and hurtle down them at full speed. Adrenalin guaranteed!
And for the more adventurous, think parachute jumping!
Lake cruises: private or not!
Whether you’re on a private cruise, with a lounge boat and pilot reserved just for you, or a non-private cruise, with a tour around the lake, this is your chance to discover the region from another angle.
All in all, Annecy is the destination not to be missed in winter! With family, friends or on your own, dare to be adventurous!
