Backcountry skiing is a popular winter sliding sport in the mountains near Annecy. It is a demanding discipline that requires good physical condition and adherence to safety rules. In return, it offers an almost unparalleled sense of freedom.
Backcountry skiing: a discipline that respects nature
It is the modern version of skiing as it was invented by the populations of Northern Europe, 4,000 years ago. This winter sport is practiced in a natural environment, on virgin snow, without groomed slopes, with moderate to gentle slopes. Its practice occurs in two phases: the ascent and then the descent.
By skiing off the trails and slopes, you will have the opportunity to encounter alpine wildlife. Backcountry skiing is a discipline that respects nature and has no impact on the natural environment. The skier’s level must be complete, as they will need to alternate various techniques such as the flexibility possible with Nordic bindings and the balance required with soft and narrow skis. With the demand from vacationers for a more nature-respecting skiing practice, backcountry skiing, like cross-country skiing, are increasingly sought-after sports. These changes in customer expectations for winter sports have also allowed a wider audience to discover these disciplines.
The effort is sustained to climb the slopes, but the reward is great to be able to ski in powder, far from the crowd and noise, in complete freedom! You may have the chance to encounter the wildlife of Haute-Savoie.
Equipment and safety in backcountry skiing
The choice of backcountry skiing equipment is somewhat different from alpine skiing. To allow for climbing slopes, the skis must grip the snow, so they are equipped with “skins“. This term refers to an anti-reverse system. The technique is similar to cross-country skiing, alternating one leg after the other to progress.
For the descent phase, simply lock the bindings as in alpine skiing and remove the anti-reverse system.
For clothing, it is important to consider that during the ascent, the body gets warm and conversely for the descent, so the three-layer clothing technique with a change of clothes will be adopted.
It is imperative to equip yourself with a DVA equipment, which allows you to be found in case of avalanche. The necessary equipment is quite expensive, so we recommend considering it on occasion.
And for the first experiences, it is essential to be accompanied by a guide and never to go alone.
Backcountry skiing routes near Annecy
We offer you six magnificent routes close to Annecy for practicing backcountry skiing. These circuits vary in difficulty and are among the best backcountry skiing spots in France. Ask your guide which one will be most suitable for your level.
- La Tournette with a 1,400 m elevation gain. It is the highest mountain on the edge of Lake Annecy, at 2,351 m altitude.
- The Pointe de Tardevant with a 1,050 m elevation gain. The panorama is magnificent between the beautiful Pointe Percée and the Mont-Blanc massif.
- La Sambuy with a 1,000 m elevation gain. Access to the backcountry skiing trails is via the chairlift of La Sambuy.
- Le Sulens with a 600 m elevation gain. Located above Thônes and set back from the Aravis range between Charvin and Tournette.
- Le Coillu à Bordel: located above Manigod at the hamlet of Comburce offers an elevation gain of 1,010 m.
- Le Crêt de Chatillon: starting from the parking lot of the Semnoz resort, just 20 minutes from Annecy for an elevation gain of 250 m. The panorama is magnificent over the Aravis, the Bauges, and Mont-Blanc.
With the health crisis, backcountry skiing has been widely favored by ski resort clientele. The communities of the Mont-Blanc region and the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley have created a free guide of 27 backcountry skiing routes. The routes follow marked natural paths and resort trails for descent.
Video of the descent of the north face of Tournette in backcountry skiing
How to prepare for your backcountry skiing outing near Annecy?
This magnificent sport, in the heart of nature, cannot be improvised; it is essential to be accompanied by specialists.
- You can join the CAF (the French Alpine Club), its Annecy section is very dynamic and offers group backcountry skiing outings.
- Mountain guides are great professionals for unforgettable memories in complete safety. The Annecy Guide Office offers several packages on La Tournette, Les Aravis, Le Sulens, and the Col de Balafrasse. Expect around €100 for a day of discovering mountain skiing.
- The major resorts also have this sport in their catalog, with experienced guides to accompany you.
And as with all winter sports, it is important to check the weather on the day itself.
Backcountry skiing clubs in Annecy
We recommend practicing backcountry skiing in clubs affiliated with the French Ski Federation. They have federal volunteer instructors trained for the learning and practice of backcountry skiing. If you wish to initiate yourself into backcountry skiing, you can contact one of the following clubs:
- Gums Annecy: Polyèdre, 4 Impasse St Jean, 74600 Seynod
- Club Alpin Français d’Annecy: 17 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74000 Annecy
- Ski Club d’Annecy: 12 Rue Louis Boch, 74000 Annecy
- Club Alpin Français de Meythet: 4 rue de l’aérodrome, Meythet, 74960 Annecy
Where to rent backcountry skis in Annecy
It is convenient to rent your skis in Annecy before heading out for a hike.
- Ski Loc Shop: 78 bis route des Creuses at 74960 Cran-Gevrier
- Intersport: Rue de la Tuilerie, 74330 Épagny Metz-Tessy
- Versant Nord: 48 avenue d’Annecy 74230 Thônes
Given the strong demand for backcountry skiing, we recommend anticipating the rental of equipment the day before and calling the rental shops to know the available stock before your outing. Since the health crisis, the practice of hiking has significantly developed, and it is common that on weekends, there is no equipment left to rent.
More information: Winter sports in Annecy
