The Aravis Mountain range
The Aravis Massif mountain range rises majestically between the Lac d'Annecy
and the Mont Blanc mountain range. Made up of craggy limestone peaks from
Point Percee, the tallest alpine peak at 2750 metres at the Northern end
of the range, to the Aiguile de Borderans, known as the 'Porte des Aravis'
at the Southern End, the Aravis mountains are known for their excellent
snow records and have become top ski resorts with an excellent local reputation.
For more images of the mountains, past groups biking in the area and the
surrounding region, see our photos
pages.
Mountain Biking
From
early May the snow starts to disappear leaving hundreds of kilometres of
firetrack, single track, cross-country moountain trails and steep craggy
downhills. Many of the rides take in the foothills of the Aravis mountain
range, offering a very pleasant alpine climate as you are sheltered by the
mountains. As you ride you will often come across small lakes - limestone
bowls hollowed out by swirling water in the past that now provide welcome
watering holes for the cattle and wildlife in the mountains, as well as
welcome places to stop for a sitdown or a paddle!
The lower slopes of the mountains have alpine meadows and forests interspersed, with tree cover up to a height of about 1700 metres - the trees being mainly deciduous firs. Above 1700 metres the terrain becomes rockier, having many good examples of limestone pavements crossed through with clints and grykes produced by the spring melt water. Above 2000 metres there are mainly scree slopes and fairly challenging mountain biking, although well worth the effort for the incredible views over the Aravis range - towards Lake Annecy on one side and the permanently snowcapped Mont Blanc on the other.
The ski lifts are open during July, August and early September meaning you can eliminate the need for steep climbs if you would rather take it a little more easy before the thrill of the downhill descent.
Click on our Mountain Bike Route Samples page to see some of our rides.
Road Biking
The Aravis mountain range is well known for its steep cols and hairpin bends,
mainly due to the coverage of the Tour de France which comes through the
Aravis area most years and has seen some incredible riding from road cycling
champions such as Lance Armstrong, Miguel Indurain, Jan Ulrich and Floyd
Landis. Many of the cols in our immediate vicinity have become well known
due to the Tour - including The Col des Aravis which first appeared in the
Tour de France in 1947 and to date has appeared 15 times since. Others include
Col de la Croix Fry - the last climb in the dramatic 2004
Tour stage 17 won by Lance Armstong - and the Col de la Forclaz - an
extremely steep ride that rewards you with stunning views over Lake Annecy
as well as Col de Colombiere - the col crossed in 2007 before the stage
finished in our local village of Grand Bornand.
For riders more interested in the scenery, culture and history of the area we have a range of routes to suit, such as the Plateau des Glieres which is steeped in history - not only a stunning natural plateau but also the last stronghold of the French resistance in WW2.
Click on our Road Route Samples page to see some of our rides.
Flora and Fauna
The
Alpine climate is renowned for its stunning mountain flora and fauna. During
the summer months the slopes are a riot of colour. Taking advantage of the
flowers are huge butterflies, small birds, large beetles and other fascinating
bugs. There is also a chance of seeing the shy mountain deer - known locally
as Chamois or Boucatin deer. The alpine scenery varies depending on the
month in which you visit. See our Weather
page for typical monthly conditions and climate.
One of our Karibuni Chalet Team will often be out biking with you or in a support vehicle and can show you our favourite runs, views and restuarants, all helping you get a better feel for the area.
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