The village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is located in the Haute-Savoie. Its population is around 800 inhabitants. Its unique natural setting makes it one of the “Grands Sites de France”.
A year-round tourist destination
In 1854, Sir Alfred Wills, an English mountaineer, discovered the natural site and contributed to its development by building the Eagle’s Nest at the Cirque des Fonts.Mountaineering began in 1930, as in Chamonix.
In the 1950s, the modestly sized resort was soon very popular, as it offered a range of tourist activities in both summer and winter. The ski area is dedicated to family skiing with many disciplines accessible to all. The village has managed to preserve its authenticity by avoiding major urban developments.
It is above all nature that has given this village two fantastic sites: the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval and the Cascade du Rouget. If in winter, skiing is popular, in summer, excursions, cycling and hiking, climbing and rafting are very popular activities for holidaymakers.
An enhanced heritage
Walking through the village, which is made up of 17 hamlets, you can admire ponds, fountains, oratories and crosses. In the centre of the village, a visit to the beautiful 12th century abbey of Sixt is a must.
It is the witness of a human occupation since the high Middle Ages in a valley dedicated to pastoralism. The canons contributed to the adaptation of the people to a high altitude mountainous country with rigorous winters.
The commune continues to keep its traditions alive through crafts and pastoralism. In terms of music, Sixt has a wind band, a school of music, a choir and folklore.
The ski area and winter sports
From Flaine, you have to take the blue Cascades piste for 14 kilometres to discover the ice waterfall and sometimes come across chamois.
The ski area is part of the 265 kilometres of pistes of the Grand Massif. It is mainly dedicated to family skiing in the Sixt area. We invite you to discover the offers proposed: downhill ski passes and cross-country ski passes.
The other winter sports disciplines are also well represented: snowshoeing, sledging, ice climbing, ski touring.
Snowshoeing routes
We offer you a selection of the most beautiful snowshoe outings:
The natural site of the Fer-à-Cheval cirque
This natural area lends itself particularly well to snowshoeing. The departure is from the car park in front of the restaurant. Follow the path after the pond to reach a clearing. Take the path on the right, towards Frenelay, a small Savoyard hamlet representative of the traditional agricultural life in the Haut Giffre valley.
The return journey is by road to the car park. The path is groomed in winter, so the tour can also be done on foot.
Duration: 1 hour
Difference in height: 45 metres.
This is one of the most beautiful family hikes you can do in Haute-Savoie.
The Rouget waterfall
The waterfall frozen in winter is a magical sight. It is surrounded by majestic fir trees. From the Tourist Office, follow the sign and after the hamlet of Salvagny, park in the car park and take the direction of Pont de Sales. The return journey is via a path on the left which crosses the forest.
The balcony of Sixt
From the Tourist Office, cross the white bridge towards the school and cross a new bridge. 300 metres further on, you will come to an oratory to follow the signposted route. The return journey is downhill towards the hamlet of Le Crot and the hamlet of Les Curtets, crossing the Vivier bridge and its hamlet. After the cemetery, you will arrive at the starting point.
The Chalets des Coppons
Starting from the lift station, you will go up to a mazot to follow the Chemin des Gardes through a vast forest. At the edge of the forest, you will reach the Chalets des Coppons by making a loop. The return is by the same path.
The best rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected four hotels near Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Vacancéole – Résidence Grand Massif
A few kilometres from the resort, this hotel offers well-equipped accommodation with balconies offering a beautiful view of the massif. You can take advantage of preferential rates on ski passes and equipment hire.
Prices start at 120 € per night.
AEC Vacances – Les Becchi
Located less than 5 km from the resort, this Savoyard-style hotel offers a large indoor swimming pool, a spa and a terrace. In the summertime, you can enjoy the nearby lake and golf course. The resort of Samoëns is very close by.
Rates start at € 120 per night.
Logis Hôtel Gai Soleil
A beautiful establishment that allows you to discover winter sports with complete facilities such as a whirlpool, a sauna and an outdoor swimming pool heated all year round. The restaurant is excellent for tasting local specialities.
From € 120 per night.
Residence Néméa Le Grand Tétras
Located in the heart of the Grand Massif ski area, this residence is 700 metres from the ski lifts. You can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a gym. A free shuttle bus takes you to the village.
Prices start at € 90 per night.
Résidence Hôtelière La Renardière
The accommodation is decorated in pure mountain style with a kitchenette, TV and balcony. The lounge bar has a beautiful fireplace with a pool table. You can leave directly from the hotel for a hike or bike ride in the summer. 2 swimming pools complete the facilities.
From € 125 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three chalets for rent in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval that have received excellent reviews from customers:
Chalet des Cascades
This flat in a large chalet is 300 metres from the ski slopes and one kilometre from the village centre.
It has a terrace with direct access to the garden, a bedroom with bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette and a barbecue.
Chalet Narcisse
A beautiful 120 m² chalet with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with bath or shower. The view of the mountains is remarkable and you can easily go hiking from your accommodation which includes a ski room and free private parking.
Chalet Vaclav
This large chalet has a shared living room, a barbecue and a terrace. This bed and breakfast has 2 bedrooms with a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. The Feulatière, Pralet and Balme ski lifts are less than 900 metres away.
Summer activity ideas
This exceptional natural site offers the visitor remarkable activities:
Airboat trip down the river: this sport is supervised by an instructor. The airboat is an inflatable kayak that provides excellent gliding sensations on the water. Price: 40 €Address: 50 Route du Fer à Cheval, Chef lieu, Bâtiment le Bellavista, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Climbing at the Rocher des Tines: this site is made up of 6 rocks located at an altitude of 800 m. Their height varies between 10 and 80 metres. The approach is quick in 5 minutes with a car park nearby.Address: Gorges des Tines, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The Via Ferrata du Mont is integrated into the rocky bar below the village of Le Mont. It overlooks the Gorges des Tines between Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval. It is accessible all year round. The difference in altitude is 150 metres and takes 3 to 4 hours.Address: Chef Lieu, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Yoga Festival
This unique festival in Haute-Savoie takes place every year for a week at the end of August in the resort.
Numerous courses and workshops are offered: classes for children, discovery workshops, afghan walking, accro yoga, healthy food. You have to book the classes, as they are quickly full.
A giant free session takes place on Sunday morning outdoors in the magnificent setting of the Sixt-fer-à-Cheval circus. The festival village is open to the public in the town centre.
Prices: 12 € for a one-hour session, 30 € for the yoga hike or the yoga climb, 8 € for the children’s yoga. Day pass: 60 €, two-day pass: 110 €.
Access and public transport
By road, coming from Annecy, leave the A40 motorway at exit n° 18 Cluses-La Sardagne then follow the signs for Chatillon – Morillon – Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
There is also a bus service from the town of Cluses. You must take the LISHA 94 Samoëns – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval line. It is advisable to reserve your place during the peak tourist season.
In terms of public transport, Skibus lines serve the various sites of the resort as well as Morillion, Samoëns and Sixt. This shuttle service is only available in winter and takes you to the foot of the slopes. These shuttles are free of charge in order to encourage soft transport.
