Trail des Aravis

The Trail des Aravis is a 52-kilometer trail race with 3,200 meters of elevation gain that takes place in the Aravis mountain chain, in the Haute-Savoie department, starting from La Clusaz. The Aravis chain is a spectacular rocky barrier stretching approximately twenty kilometers between the Col des Aravis to the south and the Plateau des Glieres to the north. La Clusaz, a renowned mountain resort situated at 1,040 meters of altitude, is the ideal starting point to explore this limestone massif with its vertiginous cliffs.

La Clusaz is a resort village that has managed to preserve its Savoyard authenticity while developing as a premier mountain sports destination. Nestled at the foot of the Aravis Chain and the Etale, the resort offers an exceptional setting for trail running. The village streets, lined with traditional chalets, lead directly to trails climbing toward the surrounding peaks.

The 52-kilometer Trail des Aravis course covers the different facets of this limestone massif. The Aravis are a pre-Alpine chain composed mainly of Urgonian limestone, a light and compact rock that forms impressive cliffs and karst pavements sculpted by erosion. Runners move through a landscape where white rock contrasts with the intense green of alpine pastures and the deep blue of the Alpine sky.

The trails cross famous alpine meadows where Reblochon cheese is produced, a PDO product emblematic of the region. These altitude pastures, grazed for centuries, are dotted with alpine chalets where farmers perpetuate ancestral cheese-making traditions. The course passes through iconic cols such as the Col des Aravis, which offers one of the finest views of Mont Blanc, and summits including the Pointe de Merdassier and the Etale.

The 3,200 meters of positive elevation gain on the Trail des Aravis are distributed across several ascents that test the endurance and technique of runners. The climbs through limestone combes are steep and demanding, with passages on rocky trails where progress requires attention. Mountainside traverses offer spectacular views of the Borne, Fier, and Arly valleys, as well as the surrounding massifs. The descents are often fast and technical, on limestone trails that can be slippery in wet conditions.

The Aravis climate is typically pre-Alpine, with warm summers and relatively abundant precipitation that maintains the green of the alpine pastures. Thunderstorms can be sudden and violent, and the limestone ridges expose runners to winds. Temperature varies significantly between valley floors and summits, and runners should plan for appropriate equipment.

For international runners, La Clusaz is easily accessible from Annecy, only 32 kilometers away, and from Geneva, approximately 60 kilometers distant. Geneva airport is the most practical gateway for runners coming from abroad. Accommodation options in La Clusaz are very varied, from hotels to rental chalets, lodges, and campsites.

Assistance on the Trail des Aravis is facilitated by the region's good road network. An assistant can access several points along the course by car, allowing for efficient logistical support. Knowledge of local conditions, trails, and road shortcuts is a considerable advantage for optimizing runner support.

The Trail des Aravis is a race that embodies the spirit of Savoyard trail running: grandiose landscapes, technical trails, living heritage, and mountain conviviality. It is an essential event for anyone who wants to discover the Pre-Alps of Haute-Savoie in all their splendor.