At the heart of the Aravis mountain range, between 1000 and 2600 meters above sea level, La Clusaz is much more than just an alpine village. It is a true blend of tradition and modernity, where pastoralism and modern infrastructure coexist in surprising harmony. Here, things are not taken too seriously, and the authentic mountain spirit is combined with a touch of boldness, humor, and madness.
An Authentic... and Slightly Rebellious Territory
Spanning 4000 hectares, of which only 290 are urbanized, La Clusaz is a land shaped by the Aravis chain and the Etale massif. But it's not just a paradise for nature lovers; it's also a place where conventions are challenged. Yes, we talk about pastoralism, cows, goats, and sheep (900 in total), but here, even the animals are a bit rock’n’roll, and their cheeky strut is the hallmark of these local stars.
Figures That Speak Volumes
La Clusaz is a quirky village that lives at full speed, blending tradition and boldness.
- 1700 year-round residents, and 900 animals: 500 cows, 250 goats, and 150 sheep — perfect for restful nights, but above all for preserving the culture of the Aravis.
- 700 permanent workers, 900 seasonal workers, and 400 independents: a whole village in motion, moving, creating, and innovating all year round.
- 1,700,000 overnight stays per year: 1,100,000 in winter and 600,000 in summer — a real festival of visitors, yet La Clusaz has managed to keep its soul without falling into mass tourism.
- 450,000 kg of cheese produced by 15 farming operations, including the famous farmhouse reblochon — an explosion of flavors.
- 29 athletes in world cup circuits: From alpine skiing to mountain biking, La Clusaz is a playground both for elite athletes and for those who love pushing their limits.
- Year-Round Life: A Community Not Afraid to Push Boundaries La Clusaz is also a year-round life brimming with solidarity and commitment. Far from being a frozen village, it is a place where people play with the seasons and know how to blend mountain spirit with a touch of madness to make their village evolve.
- Local associations are numerous and diverse, organizing events that delight all ages, because in La Clusaz, everything is possible... provided you dare to be out of the ordinary.
Events That Mark the Seasons
La Clusaz offers a series of events that punctuate the year, blending sports, music, and tradition — always with an original twist:
- Le Bélier: The summer event for trail running enthusiasts, also available in a winter edition in January and a mountain bike version in June.
- The Reblochon Festival: A traditional event in a relaxed and fragrant atmosphere.
- Freestyle Week: A must-attend event for freestyle lovers, with sessions where competitive spirit meets good vibes.
- Défi Foly: A fun sporting challenge where participants must cross an obstacle course over the Lac des Confins — the perfect mix of sport and fun.
- Champ des Platines: A music event that brings a festive vibe to summer, with local DJs making the village — and especially the alpine pastures — vibrate.
- Moonlight Walks: For those who prefer tranquility, these starlit outings offer a new perspective on the mountains in a peaceful, magical atmosphere.
La Clusaz, a Village, a Resort... Actually Both!
Between heritage preservation and quirky events, deeply rooted values and new projects, La Clusaz represents a subtle balance that appeals to both year-round residents and holidaymakers.
This family-friendly resort, located just 30 minutes from Lake Annecy and 50 km from Geneva airport, is naturally a prime real estate location. This is what led to the opening of our real estate agency in La Clusaz BARNES Aravis in 2021. Here, there is little concrete but a lot of wood — an architecture blending traditional farms with more contemporary chalets, harmoniously fitting into the alpine landscape.
Buying a property in La Clusaz means enjoying not only the ski area but also a wide range of activities: ice skating, sledding, yoga, SPA, mountain biking, hiking, trail running. A family-friendly resort, sports challenges, relaxation, and festive pleasures — everything is designed to make stays easy for groups and meet everyone’s expectations.
And Tomorrow...
While the evolution of snowfall is a real concern, as it is for many mid-altitude resorts, giving up is not an option. La Clusaz is already preparing for the future and diversifying its activities. Aware of climate challenges, changing behaviors, and a new form of tourism, the offer is adapting to the demands and evolving with the seasons. The increasing number of summer visitors proves the growing attraction that the mountains exert on lovers of wide-open spaces.
Serene and cheeky, bold and nonconformist, La Clusaz is truly "the place to be", in summer and winter, yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
