Evian Country - Abundance Valley
: what activities to do in winter
around the Gentianettes ?

Illustration of Abondance Valley region map used at Hotel Les Gentianettes, The Originals Relais

Now that the summer vacations are behind you, you are already starting to prepare for the winter vacations. For an incredible alpine holiday, with family, friends or as a couple, the Gentianettes and its many winter activities are waiting for you. There is something for everyone!

Winter activities around the Gentianettes at the Chapelle d'Abondance

À ton Étoile: unforgettable dog sled rides at La Chapelle d'Abondance

In La Chapelle d'Abondance, in winter, we get active! If you wish to live an unforgettable experience during your next stay in our chalet hotel "Les Gentianettes" in La Chapelle d'Abondance, go and meet the huskies and put yourself in the shoes of a musher for a few hours to offer you an unforgettable dog sledding ride! Departure located at 100m walking distance from the hotel: we advise you to book this incredible experience well before your arrival, once there it is often too late.

"La grande Odyssée" will stop at La Chapelle d'abondance on Monday, January 9, 2023. It is the largest gathering of sled dogs in Europe, more than 65 mushers and their 600 dog athletes.

 

The fallow deer park of the Chapelle d'Abondance will amaze this winter the young and the old in the Valley of Abondance.

The fallow deer park in La Chapelle d'Abondance is a wonderful place to visit in winter. Children and adults will be amazed by the snowy landscape and will be able to observe these magnificent animals up close. Accessible at only 200 meters from the hotel, you will be able to take advantage of this excursion to make a small hike in family, to meet these mammals, symbols of the winter season.
 

Fans of winter sports, the chapel of Abondance is waiting for you

La Chapelle d'Abondance is the ideal place to enjoy winter sports. Whether you are an experienced skier or just want to discover the snow, you will find many activities here for the whole family. Book your stay at the Gentianettes hotel now and take full advantage of all the activities the resort has to offer.
 

Discover the Portes du Soleil area just a few steps away from the Gentianettes hotel

If you stay at Les Gentianettes, you will be in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area with its 600 kilometers of slopes spread between Haute-Savoie and neighboring Switzerland. This means that you will have access to a multitude of winter activities, whatever your desires. For example, you can go downhill or cross-country skiing, skating, biathlon, or even sledding.
 

Les Gentianettes: a winter destination for all tastes

For alpine skiing enthusiasts, the Portes du Soleil ski area has over 600 kilometers of marked trails between France and Switzerland. You will find ski departures from La Chapelle d'Abondance to ski in Châtel and Avoriaz. The diversity of the slopes of the second largest ski area in Europe corresponds to every level: from the slopes for beginners to experienced skiers.

If you prefer Nordic skiing and biathlon, you should know that the Nordic domain of La Chapelle d'Abondance has 30 km of trails with double track. Lessons and initiation are organized by the French Ski School of la Chapelle d'Abondance. You will be able to enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes while doing some exercise.

Nordic trail map: http://ot-peva.ski/plan-chapelle-nordique/

Skating is another great winter activity and several artificial ice rinks but also an incredible natural ice rink: Lac des Plagnes ice rink are accessible within 5 km from the hotel. Several skating shows are organized during the winter as well as lessons if you want to learn or improve your technique.

Finally, sledding is an ideal activity for young and old. You will find several sledding trails within walking distance of the hotel... And everything you need to spend an unforgettable winter vacation at Les Gentianettes!

Winter is coming... Want to learn biathlon?


Want to discover biathlon? Try an initiation at the Panthiaz Nordic site, only a few hundred meters from the Gentianettes hotel. You will be able to fully enjoy the joys of skiing while learning a complex sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.
 

ESF la Chapelle d'Abondance : organize your family vacations or your team buildings between colleagues (seminar to know more) just a step away from the hotel les Gentianettes

If you stay at the Gentianettes hotel during the winter season, you can enjoy all the activities offered by the French ski school ESF la Chapelle d'Abondance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, the ESF instructors will accompany you and help you progress throughout your stay.

What are the best snowshoeing trips around Les Gentianettes?

La raquette est une autre activité hivernale très populaire dans la région. Les itinéraires balisés vous permettront de découvrir la beauté des paysages enneigés tout en vous évadant.

Cap vers la cascade du Bayard en raquettes à neige

The Abondance Valley is known for its snowshoeing trails, which allow you to enjoy the beautiful snowy landscapes. For the lovers of frozen waterfalls, the Bayard offers a magnificent view on the waterfall of the same name. The waterfall on Bayard is a particularly popular place for snowshoers in winter because its snowy trails are perfect for a little excursion in the middle of nature. 


Direction the lake of Arvouin for an unforgettable winter hike


For hiking enthusiasts, Lake Arvouin is a must-see destination. This winter excursion allows you to discover a breathtaking landscape, between snowy forests and immaculate expanses. The most adventurous can even take a lunch break in front of the magnificent frozen lake!

From the hotel and the road to Chevenne, 3 secret-spots for sunsets in breathtaking 360 ° panorama.

Take the road to Chevenne and head towards one of the 3 magnificent viewpoints of the village: the coast, the batelle, the chalet of Chevenne and enjoy a breathtaking panorama on the valley of Abondance. Easily reachable in all conditions, our 3 secret-spots will plunge you into another universe.


Where to eat well in La Chapelle d'Abondance this winter ?


Taste the local products ! The valley of Abondance is known for its cheeses, in particular the Abondance cheese, the Beaufort and the Reblochon. You can buy local products directly from the producers at the cheese dairy of la Chapelle d'abondance. Or go to the weekly market of la Chapelle-d'Abondance which takes place every Friday morning during the winter season. 

If you prefer to taste the cheese specialties in the restaurant and discover all the flavors of the Haute-Savoie, choose our restaurant la Baratte, where all the dishes are based on local products. It is possible to eat at the baratte while staying in half-board at the hotel.