Summer and winter alike, Le Grand Bornand is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts. Discover the best outdoor activities in Grand-Bornand!
Welcome to Haute-Savoie! More precisely, in the heart of the Aravis massif between Annecy, Chamonix and Geneva. Le Grand-Bornand combines the authenticity of a traditional mountain village with the modernity of a state-of-the-art resort.
The resort is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, and many visitors come here to enjoy the pleasures of the slopes in winter. The ultra-modern lifts, the perfectly groomed slopes and the festive atmosphere in the village center are no accident.
In summer, these same people come to enjoy the gentle summer lifestyle. Alpine pastures, marmots, fresh air and extraordinary panoramas are just some of the reasons to come to Le Grand-Bornand.
What about you? Do you prefer summer sunshine or wide open spaces? Either way, here are the best outdoor activities to do in Grand-Bornand.
Summer
Nordic Walking
Photo credit: T. Vattard-Aravis
This outdoor activity in Le Grand-Bornand is a must. It’s a great way for everyone to get some exercise in this beautiful area, without having to think too hard. Nordic walking is like cross-country skiing… without the skis.
Poles make the effort more complete and take the strain off the legs when climbing. Nordic walking can be practised regardless of physical condition or age, and almost anywhere in the area. Just give it a try!
Golf
Photo credit: C.Cattin – Alpcat Medias – Le Grand Bornand
So, how long are you going to wait before taking up golf? Contrary to popular belief, golf isn’t just for millionaires! In the mountains, golf takes on a whole new dimension. In fact, it’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do in Le Grand-Bornand.
With a beautiful 9-hole course, a practice range for beginners and 530 m of pitch & putt, there’s plenty to get you started or perfect your game.
Fishing
Photo credit: B.Delerue – Le Grand Bornand
Here’s one of the best outdoor activities in Grand-Bornand, selected for you by Generation Voyage. Lac de La Cour is the ideal spot for fun fishing, with regular trout releases.
The spot has plenty of sunshine and all the amenities you need: rod hire, bait sales and cold drinks. Picnic tables are available for anglers to eat under the summer sun: what more could you ask for?
Summer Biathlon
Photo credit: C.Cattin – Alpcat Medias – Le Grand Bornand
If biathlon is one of the best outdoor activities to be enjoyed in Le Grand-Bornand, it’s first and foremost for its originality. Compressed-air rifles will be provided for Sunday shooters, to introduce them to 10-meter target shooting.
It’s all about concentration, patience and stress management! Ideal for spending an afternoon with friends, summer biathlon is a good opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of the champions who make this sport famous at the Winter Olympics.
Paragliding
Photo credit: Facebook – Airlinks
Looking for some height? Then Grand-Bornand is the place for you. Paragliding is one of Grand-Bornand’s leading outdoor activities. Offered by a number of schools and service providers, you’ll have the chance to discover the resort from the air… and not just from the air!
Yes, you’ll be able to contemplate a large part of the Aravis Massif. You can even choose the direction of your flight, either towards Annecy or Chamonix. Prices start at around 85€.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Photo credit: Alpcat-Medias
And why not take advantage of this outdoor activity in Le Grand-Bornand, one of the best in the region? Mountain biking in the heart of the Aravis massif in this legendary resort is an opportunity to explore over 100 km of marked trails.
Two lifts and a wash station are available for mountain bikers. Our advice? Ride the twelve-kilometer Tour du Danay. It offers some of the finest panoramic views of the Aravis mountains.
Road cycling
Photo credit: D. Machet-Le Grand-Bornand
Would you like to enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in Le Grand-Bornand while building up your legs? Opt for the Route des Grandes Alpes, a legendary itinerary linking Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean Sea.
It crosses some of the most beautiful passes in the Alps, including the Colombière, a route that thrills the world’s best cyclists during the Tour de France. There are also a number of excellent cycle paths on the department’s roads: take advantage of them…
Via ferrata
Photo credit: C. Cattin Alpcat Medias-Le Grand-Bornand
If the destination appeals to you, we’d like to point you in the direction of this sporting adventure. The via ferrata du Jalouvre, from D to D+ difficulty, is one of the best outdoor activities you can do in Grand-Bornand! After a twenty-minute approach walk, a long traverse up the face of the Jalouvre awaits you.
Rather steep and aerial, this via is aimed at those in good physical condition and/or looking for a little thrill. The route is fairly long and requires a good deal of concentration: will you dare to take it on?
Winter
Snow sports
Photo credit: C. Hudry-Le Grand-Bornand
Splendid, the ski area is one of our favorites in the Alps, and we’re far from the only ones to think so. You, too, can enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in Grand-Bornand, on the 46 perfectly groomed slopes.
On almost 380 hectares, skiers and snowboarders come to have fun. The highest slopes offer a sublime panorama of the valley: a contemplative break is often in order!
Speed-riding
Photo credit: T.Vattard-Aravis
To tell you the truth, we think it’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do in Le Grand-Bornand. Firstly, because few resorts allow this extreme sport. The layout of the resort makes it possible to accommodate skiers equipped with a mini paraglider.
Able to take off for a few dozen meters before touching down again, they offer great sensations. Initiations are available at the ESF, so you’re welcome to try your hand. Spoiler: it’s not as hard as it looks…
Véloski
Photo credit: T.Vattard-Aravis
Many visitors have made no mistake: this outdoor activity is one of the best you can do in Le Grand-Bornand. Bicycle skiing is so easy, you don’t even need to know how to ski or ride a bike. You get the hang of it almost immediately!
If you’d like to try out this fun machine, head for one of the ski rental agencies in the heart of the resort. You can borrow these fun machines for half a day… or longer, if you feel like it?
Fatbike
Photo credit: Alpcat Medias-Le Grand-Bornand
In this idyllic resort, you can indulge in a whole host of unusual leisure activities. But not all of them are as enjoyable as this one! Fat biking is certainly one of the best outdoor activities to be enjoyed in Le Grand-Bornand.
These body-built ATVs feature huge tires for ideal grip on snow and ice. The aim? Pedal along the resort’s footpaths! The Charmieux trails are even especially open to you at night… Not a bad way to end the day, don’t you think?
Sled
Photo credit: Oxygène Mont-Blanc
Charming? Better still, it’s an enchanting spot for tobogganing! It’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do in Grand-Bornand, as far as tourists are concerned. So strap on your moonboots, grab your sled and hit the slopes at Le Borne, Les Dodes, Le Rosay or Le Venay.
Tobogganing is timeless: it’s fun for all ages and there’s something for everyone. And, sometimes, some pretty good spills that will go down in history…
But if tobogganing is a not-to-be-missed activity in Grand-Bornand, it’s because it can be enjoyed at night! In fact, it’s possible to set off in a group, all equipped with a headlamp. You’ll then be able to enjoy the powder snow alone in the world. Not bad, eh?
Icefall
Photo credit: Facebook – Compagnie des Guides des Aravis-Le Grand Bornand
The resort’s guiding company has its hands full with winter climbing opportunities. If you want to try something new, come and climb an authentic ice fall! Discovery courses are held on streams and short waterfalls in the area.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, you’ll learn all about ice axe handling and abseiling techniques. The well-exposed resort lends itself perfectly to this aesthetically pleasing sport.
Winter mountaineering
Photo credit: Facebook – Compagnie des Guides des Aravis-Le Grand Bornand
That’s right… mountaineering between December and March is one of the best outdoor activities you can do in Le Grand-Bornand. Organize a race in the Aravis mountains with a mountain guide who will teach you how to progress at altitude.
The equipment is the same as in summer, but the outfits are much thicker to protect you from the biting cold. The massif is the perfect setting for a day or two of discovery. In the latter case, a bivouac is essential: polar atmosphere guaranteed under the stars!