The ski resort of Manigod is a human-sized resort, with an authentic and family character. It is located in Haute-Savoie, in the Aravis massif, near the Merdassier and La Croix Fry passes.
Manigod, history of the small family resort of Aravis
At the beginning of the 11th century, Manigod became the fief of the lords of Chevron de Vilette, a Tarentaise family. According to the oldest known records, 1,600 people lived in the village in 1567. But in 1631, the plague epidemic ravaged Manigod, killing a quarter of the inhabitants.
In March 1943, the Manigod Resistance Committee was created. The idea was to form an organised group of young resistance fighters. The camp was even chosen by the secret army to create a school for cadres.
For a long time, agriculture remained the main activity in Manigod. But the rural exodus led to a decline in the population, even though the development of wood exploitation. Nevertheless, agricultural activity remains important in this Aravis village.
The ski area of Manigod
The ski area of Manigod is linked to that of the resort of La Clusaz. This gives a total of more than 130 km of pistes. The area is situated between 1,430 and 1,810 metres above sea level. There is a package including the whole Aravis massif, i.e. 220 km of downhill skiing. For the Manigod part, you will find 31 runs, which allow you to ski with your family and according to your level. The slopes often cross the forest and the mountain pastures.
If you take the Chamois ski lift, you will be treated to a magnificent mountain landscape. There are 17 lifts, including two chairlifts and two telecords. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the large Beauregard plateau.
Two toboggan runs, one on the Col de la Croix-Fry section and the other on the Col de Merdassier section, are open during the season. An original activity is proposed, the descent in Mountain Trott’ on snow. This is a mountain bike equipped with large notched wheels.
Play areas for children
There are two sites dedicated to children:
- Opoualand: this is a small slope, next to the Gentianes slope, equipped with modules. It allows you to learn to ski while having fun.
- The Waouland : this boardercross is located next to the Blanchot piste. This site is aimed at children with a little more experience.
Our selection of tourist accommodation
Between hotels and flats for rent, there are many options for accommodation in Manigod during a ski holiday.
All the accommodation in Manigod
For a great holiday in this family-friendly resort, we recommend the following accommodation.
Hotel “Les Sapins” Wellness & Gourmet
Located on the road between Manigod and La Clusaz, this establishment offers ski in/ski out access. A 4-star hotel with a panoramic view of the Tournette. Ski passes are sold in the hotel. The restaurant serves good food, with fresh local produce.
From €111 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three chalets to rent in Manigod. They collect excellent reviews from customers.
Chalet Le Paret
This 185 m² accommodation welcomes you in Manigod, 30 minutes from Annecy and its lake. It offers a private terrace, a sauna and a hot tub. The chalet is located 5.6 km from the Crète Blanche and Tête de Cabeaux ski lifts. You can enjoy fishing, cycling and horse riding nearby.
Chalet Chamallow
This magnificent 210 m² chalet has 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, satellite TV, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, balcony with river view and balneotherapy. It is located only 400 metres from the Ski School.
Chalet L’Orée du Bois
This accommodation is located in Manigod, 3.6 km from the Ski School. It features Wi-Fi access, a barbecue and free private parking. The dining area includes a fully equipped kitchen, a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge, as well as a nice spa.
Snowshoeing routes
The resort of Manigod innovates by proposing themed snowshoe outings which adapt to the tastes of all holidaymakers:
- The alpine snowshoeing outing: this gourmet excursion includes a tasting of cheeses from the valley and mulled wine in an alpine chalet.
- The snowshoe and yoga outing: this innovative experience offers an easy outing alternating between the discovery of the natural environment and yoga postures, based on breathing and well-being. It is accessible to beginners.
- Trappers’ excursion: specifically designed for children aged 7 to 12, this outing includes searching for animal tracks, building an igloo and sliding in the snow.
- The birthday outing: for children with the same programme as the trappers’ outing, plus a tasting of roasted marshmallows.
For these supervised activities, contact the Manigod ski school.
Tel: 04 50 44 92 04.Price: 30 to 40 € per person.
Ideas for summer activities
You will have the choice to discover fun and sports activities:
The Nature Fun Trail
Swings, tyrolean traverse, construction of huts, slackline, hammocks, puzzle solving are on the programme of this activity area for children. It is open from 10/06 to 31/08.
Address: Résidence le Refuge, Col de Merdassier, 74230 Manigod.
The swimming pool
This beautiful outdoor heated pool is located in the centre of the resort. Swimming and aqua gym lessons are available. The pool is particularly sunny.
Open from 01/08 to 31/08 from 11am to 7pm.
Climbing site of Comburce
On the Nant Gothier cliff, you can learn to climb with the Compagnie des Guides de Thônes.
Open from 10/05 to 30/11 depending on the weather conditions.Address: Direction Comburce, circuit de la Blonière, cliff of the Nant Gothier.
- Bungy trampoline: for children over 20 kg. Large elastic bands allow you to perform figures in complete safety. Open from 02/07 to 27/08 from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
- Dévalkart: this activity allows you to descend the slopes of the Blanchot ski lift. The ascent is effortless, via the ski lift. Open from 04/07 to 30/08, every day from 2pm to 7pm.
- Miniquads: for children from 5 to 10 years old. This is an introduction to driving with electric mini-quads. Open from 07/07 to 30/08 every day. Address: Miniquads, Col de Merdassier, 74230 Manigod.
- Inflatablecastles : for children from 2 to 10 years old, open from 01/07 to 31/08.Address: Inflatable castles, Col de Merdassier, 74230 Manigod.
More information: ski resorts around Annecy
Access and public transport
The resort of Manigod is close to Annecy by road via Thônes (35 minutes) and to Geneva airport (50 minutes). There are also bus links from Annecy station.
A free shuttle bus runs during school holidays and from Sunday to Friday from 9am to 2.30pm and 4pm to 7pm or from 9am to 7pm between the resort centre and the Merdassier pass. The line serves 8 stops throughout the resort. You must have an Aravis Bus card or be a resident.
A service called Skibus allows you to travel between the resorts of Manigod, Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and the town of Thônes. Fare: 2 € for a ticket and 10 € for a weekly pass. The journey is free on presentation of the Aravis bus card, a cross-country or downhill ski pass and for children under 5 years old.
