In summer : Hiking, Cycling, Rafting, Climbing...

Mountain excursions for walkers and hikers

Geography scholars say that the Mont Jovet (the closest summit to our gîte), an easy trek for anyone, is the peak from which one can find the best panoramic view of the entire French Alps, due to its unique position. There are numerous such family-outing opportunities, with all the variety of that the geological and topographical complexity of the area can provide.

We’ll be glad to assist you with all the knowledge and impressions we’ve collected through the years : our own as well as those recommendations from other guests. We also have maps and guide books we will lend you.

For more serious trekkers, discovery opportunities in the Vanoise range are endless, from high grazing grounds to glacial summits. There is an engaging variety of difficulty levels and you can choose to go on your own , with a group, or to more arduous places with a guide, and we will take care of logistics, collecting you and dropping you off at spots agreed in advance.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

We get a lot of visits form cyclists , espacially during the Tour de France, which more often then not comes within a hof hour drive from us -ans sometimes in walking distance- We haves several mythical climbs nearby such as the Cormet de Roselend, the Iseran, La Madeleine, Petit Saint Bernard, San Carlo, etc. but also many quaint little mouintain roads, which are no less challenging or attractive.

Within a days range are also the Col des Aravis, Glandon, Croix de Fer, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, etc. If bicycle means something in your life, a week spent here will bring you each day causes for renewed satisfaction.

Motorcyclists

As soon as the passes open motorcyclists come in large numbers. They combine the beauty of the landscapes the thrill of driving on our mountain roads. Once they are here they enjoy our welcoming environment, a good beer, our dinners and the comfort of our beds. We also give advice on itineraries, the region, the weather.

Since 2002 we welcome bikers from many nationalities, and many of them come back.

La Route des Grandes Alpes

Inaugurated in 1937, this Route that traverses the Alps from north to south via its hight and most scenic roads connects Lake Geneva with the Miditerranean Sea. Each year, thousands of classic car motorists, motorbikers and cyclists follow its itinerary. Us being located just 20 mn away, we are a perfect stage stop for such people.

White water sports

The Isère river (class 3 / 4) is one of the most appreciated rivers in Europe for white water sports, and European and Worl kayak championships are often held here.

The difficulty level for kayaking requires a high level of experience, its a great run for other forms of white water sports such as rafting and hydrospeed.
Our partner, AN Rafting will make you discover, the different narrows and rapids of the bottom of our valley.

Rock Climbing

In our region, you can climb on all types of rocks. Compact quartzite, schist, angulous gneiss, poudingue du Beaufortin or extremely varied limestone formations of the Vanoise, such as cargneule and dolomite...there’s enough to suit anybody’s tastes. Pick your site : by a river, at higher elevation, in the shade, or on cliffs caressed by the sun, you can always climb at a comfortable temperature regardless of the time of day or the season. One of the best sites in the region is located a mere 8 km from the Gite, Notre Dame du Pré, equipped by the Montalbert guides bureau, who have made it their base. If you come for a week of climbing, you will be able to learn or train at this beautiful spot, and finish your week with a climb of the higher peaks in the Beaufortin and the Vanoise, or further if you wish, accompanied by a guide.

Canyoning

Can you think of a more vivifying sensation than rope climbing under a waterfall, a dive in a crystalline pool or a few strokes in a turbulent stream ? The Alps, and Savoie in particular, include a large number of sites for this sport. The Montalbert guides will take you to the most secret and unexpected spots of their mountains, for an entire week or just the length of one day.

Via Ferrata

Somewhere between the steep trail and the rope climbing cliffs, Vie Ferrate, a concept created by the Italian army during World War I are equipped in such a way to cross impressive walls high above the precipice, thanks to cables and spikes sealed into the rock. The Via Ferrata of Bettières, near Peseiy Nancroix, 25 km from the Gîte, at the entrance of the Vanoise national park offers a long and varied itinerary always breathtaking in a magnificent natural setting. The region has, within reasonable distances from the gite, several renowned vie ferrate. This is a way to discover many facets of the Alps during an entire week, accompanied by a guide.

Adventure trail

The latest creation of the Montalbert guides bureau. It’s like climbing or via ferrata, but in the forest. Green, blue, red, black itinerary, you will be able to play Tarzan at your own speed under the guide’s supervision (provided you are taller than 1m40).

Para and hang-gliding

The Tarentaise offers numerous opportunities to discover this sport , improve your skills or take full advantage of your expertise in the ascending drifts of the valley. We work with the Volair paragliding school, based just five minutes away from the gite, managed by a team of qualified instructors with years of experience. With them you can follow a one week beginners course, associating theory and practice, an intermediate or an advanced course. The first level will bring you to flying on your own (with radio guidance from your instructor). The second level will make you autonomous. The third level will prepare you for the state qualification. Most instructors speak English fluently. More modestly, but with the assurance of a memorable experience, you can take off on accompanied flights of different duration.