The village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is located in Haute-Savoie. Its population is around 800 inhabitants. Its unique natural setting allows it to be part of the Great Sites of France.
A year-round tourist destination
In 1854, Sir Alfred Wills, an English mountaineer, discovered the natural site and contributed to its prominence by building the Nid d’Aigle at the Cirque des Fonts. Mountaineering began in 1930, as in Chamonix.
The modest resort of the 1950s quickly became very popular, as it offers a tourist experience in both summer and winter. The ski area is dedicated to family skiing with many disciplines accessible to all. The village has made sure to preserve its authenticity by avoiding large urban developments.
It is primarily nature that has provided this village with two fantastic sites: the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval and the Cascade du Rouget. While skiing is favored in winter, during the summer months, excursions, cycling and hiking, climbing, and rafting are activities highly appreciated by vacationers.
A heritage highlighted
As you stroll through the town made up of 17 hamlets, you can admire basins, fountains, oratories, and crosses. In the center of the village, a visit to the very beautiful 12th-century Abbey of Sixt is a must.
It is a witness to human occupation since the early Middle Ages in a valley dedicated to pastoralism. The canons contributed to the adaptation of people to a mountainous region with harsh winters.
The municipality continues to keep its traditions alive through crafts and pastoralism. Musically, Sixt has a harmony, a music school, a choir, and folklore.
The ski area and winter sports
From Flaine, you need to take the blue slope of the Cascades for 14 kilometers to discover the ice waterfall and sometimes spot chamois.
The ski area is part of the 265 kilometers of slopes of the Grand Massif. It is mainly dedicated to family skiing in the Sixt area. We invite you to discover the offers available: ski pass and cross-country ski passes.
Other winter sports disciplines are also well represented: snowshoeing, sledding, ice climbing, ski touring.
Snowshoeing trails
We offer you a selection of the most beautiful snowshoe outings:
The natural site of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
This natural space is particularly well-suited for snowshoe walks. The departure is from the parking lot in front of the restaurant. Follow the path after the water plan to reach a clearing. Take the path on the right, towards Frenelay, a small Savoyard hamlet representative of traditional agricultural life in the Haut Giffre valley.
The return is via the road, back to the parking lot. The path is packed in winter, so the circuit can also be done on foot.
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 45 meters.
This is one of the most beautiful family hikes you can do in Haute-Savoie.
The Cascade du Rouget
The frozen waterfall in winter is a magical sight. It is surrounded by majestic fir trees. Starting from the tourist office, you need to follow the sign and after the hamlet of Salvagny, park and head towards the Pont de Sales. The return is via a path on the left that crosses the forest.
The Balcony of Sixt
From the tourist office, you need to cross the white bridge towards the school and pass over a new bridge. 300 meters later, you will arrive at an oratory to follow the marked route. The return is done by descending towards the hamlet of Crot and the hamlet of Curtets, crossing the Vivier bridge and its hamlet. After the cemetery, you will arrive at the starting point.
The Chalets des Coppons
Starting from the ski lift ticket office, you will climb to a mazot to follow the Gardes path through a vast forest. At the edge of the woods, you will reach the chalets of Coppons by making a loop. The return is via the same path.
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected four hotels near Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval that offer excellent value for money and receive very good customer reviews:
Vacancéole – Résidence Grand Massif
A property located a few kilometers from the resort that offers well-equipped accommodations with balconies that provide a beautiful view of the massif. You can enjoy preferential rates on ski passes and equipment rentals.
From €120 per night.
AEC Vacances – Les Becchi
Located less than 5 km from the resort, this Savoyard-style establishment offers a large indoor pool, a spa, and a terrace. In summer, you can enjoy the nearby lake and the golf course. The Samoëns resort is very close.
From €120 per night.
Logis Hôtel Gai Soleil
A beautiful establishment that allows you to discover winter sports while benefiting from comprehensive services such as a hot tub, a sauna, and an outdoor heated pool all year round. The restaurant is excellent for tasting local specialties.
From €120 per night.
Résidence Néméa Le Grand Tétras
Located in the heart of the Grand Massif ski area, this residence is 700 m from the ski lifts. You can enjoy an indoor pool, a sauna, and a gym. A shuttle takes you to the village for free.
From €90 per night.
Résidence Hôtelière La Renardière
The accommodations are decorated in the purest mountain style with a kitchenette, TV, and balcony. The bar-lounge has a beautiful fireplace with a billiard table. You can leave directly from the hotel for a hike or go biking in the summer. 2 pools complete the facilities.
From €125 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable mountain vacation, we offer the rental of three chalets in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval that receive excellent customer reviews:
Chalet des Cascades
This apartment located in a large chalet is 300 meters from the ski slopes and one kilometer from the village center.
You will have a terrace with direct access to the garden, a bedroom with a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a barbecue.
Chalet Narcisse
A magnificent chalet of 120 m² with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with bathtub or shower. The view of the mountains is remarkable, and you can easily go hiking from your accommodation, which includes a ski storage room and free private parking.
Chalet Vaclav
Inside this large chalet, you will have a common lounge, a barbecue, and a terrace. This Bed & Breakfast includes two rooms with an equipped kitchen, dishwasher, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. The ski lifts of Feulatière, Pralet, and Balme are less than 900 meters away.
Summer activity ideas
This exceptional natural site offers visitors remarkable activities:
River descent in an airboat: this sporting discipline is supervised by an instructor. The airboat is an inflatable kayak that provides excellent gliding sensations on the water. Price: €40.
Address: 50 Route du Fer à Cheval, Chef lieu, Bâtiment le Bellavista, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Climbing at Rocher des Tines: this site consists of 6 rocks located at 800 m altitude. Their height varies between 10 and 80 meters. The approach is quick in 5 minutes with parking nearby.
Address: Gorges des Tines, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The Via Ferrata du Mont is integrated into the rock bar located below the village of Mont. It overlooks the gorges of Tines between Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval. It is accessible all year round. The elevation gain is 150 meters for a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
Address: Chef Lieu, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Yoga Festival
This unique festival in Haute-Savoie takes place every year for a week at the end of August in the resort.
Many classes and workshops are offered: classes for children, discovery workshops, Afghan walking, acro yoga, healthy food. It is necessary to reserve classes, as they fill up quickly.
A giant free session takes place on Sunday morning outdoors in the beautiful setting of the Cirque de Sixt-fer-à-Cheval. The festival village is freely accessible in the city center.
Prices: €12 for a one-hour session, €30 for the yoga hike or yoga climbing, €8 for children’s yoga. Day pass: €60, two-day pass: €110.
Access and public transport
By road, coming from Annecy, you need to leave the A40 motorway at exit no. 18 Cluses-La Sardagne and then follow the direction Chatillon – Morillon – Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
A connection is also provided by bus from the town of Cluses. You need to take the LISHA line 94 Samoëns – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. It is advisable to book your seat during the peak tourist season.
In terms of public transport, ski bus lines serve the various sites of the resort as well as Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt. This shuttle, offered only in winter, allows you to reach the foot of the slopes. These shuttles are free to promote soft transport.
