La Clusaz is a ski resort located in the immediate vicinity of Annecy. Many people from Annecy go there at the weekend, in summer and winter. We suggest you discover the essential events of La Clusaz. All that’s left to do is find out where to stay.
Sports events
Sport has an important place in a ski resort like La Clusaz. There are many sports events and we suggest you discover the main ones, organised throughout the year.
Le Bélier Blanc
The Bélier Blanc is a trail race which takes place in January in La Clusaz. During this weekend, several races are organised: two trail races, one hiking race and one ski touring race.
It is important for runners to be properly equipped as temperatures can be very cold in winter.
At the end of the race, it is possible to enjoy a hot dish typical of the region, the tartiflette. It is included in the registration fee.
The Balme Derby
The Derby de Balme is a freeskiing race with a 1,000 metre vertical drop. It takes place in the La Clusaz ski area, in the Balme sector.
This event is a stage of the Derby Trophy, which aims to highlight these off-piste ski races.
The Balme derby is usually held in March.
Le Bélier VTT
The Bélier VTT is a mountain bike race that allows you to combine sport and pleasure. It takes place in June, near La Clusaz. You will ride through part of the Aravis mountain range and enjoy the scenery. To cheer on the mountain bikers, we recommend going to Les Confins, the Merdassier pass or the Croix Fry pass. The summit of the Crêt du Merle may also be an option, especially if you want to take the opportunity to go for a ride.
The Trail du Bélier
The Trail du Bélier is organised every year in August in La Clusaz. It is a well-known trail in Haute-Savoie and has become a must-do over the years. The trail participants can be followed live, thanks to mats placed on the ground along the course.
In parallel, a village of exhibitors is accessible in the heart of the village of La Clusaz. It allows you to discover new brands and to test new equipment.
Extra info: poles are not allowed on all the races.
Cultural events
La Clusaz is not only about sports events. The cultural aspect is also highlighted throughout the year. Here are the highlights of the village’s cultural seasons.
The Father Christmas Shows
The Pestacles du Père Noël have been taking place for over 20 years. This street art festival is organised in the heart of the village of La Clusaz and is aimed at families. It takes place during the end of year celebrations and allows you to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.
Among the proposed activities, we find the traditional concert of the wind band of La Clusaz, but also the Christmas market of the school and the great arrival of Father Christmas on December 24th in the evening.
Enough to make the youngest dream, but also the oldest.
The Carnival of La Clusaz
The Carnival of La Clusaz is an event not to be missed in the resort. An institution in the village, the procession leaves from the Bossonnet at 7pm to reach the Place de l’Église. The ski school instructors take part in the festivities, joining the joyful procession.
Once the parade is over, a firework display closes the evening at around 8pm.
It is possible to have your make-up done at the Tourist Office and to rent a costume at the Tourist Office’s VIP lounge.
The Radio Meuh Circus Festival
The Radio Meuh Circus Festival is an opportunity to meet various artists in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. It is hosted by the independent web radio Radio Meuh. Over the years, the event has become a not-to-be-missed event. It takes place over four days, at the end of March or beginning of April, on the car park of the Salon des Dames, at the bottom of the slopes.
It is an opportunity to discover new bands, as well as live artists. The festival offers concerts under a big top, as well as DJ sets on the slopes and in the heart of the village.
Seasonal events
Every Monday, a welcome drink is organised during the winter season to welcome holidaymakers. Other events are also held every year. Some of them mark the end of winter. Presentation.
The Foly Challenge
The Défi Foly is an end-of-season event that has taken place every year since 1987. Spectacular and crazy at the same time, the participants in this event have one objective: to cross the Confins lake on skis.
This water slide challenge is accessible on alpine skis, monoskis, snowboards or any other sliding device with similarities to the equipment mentioned above. The record is 155 m and dates from 2010.
The Foly Challenge is free and you can watch it from the shores of the Confins lake.
La Der des Ders
La Der des Ders is the downhill race that marks the end of the ski season. It takes place every year from Balme, at the top of the gondola. The event is organised by the Amicale des Pisteurs, as well as the Ed Base and Rien Peur teams.
For the occasion, snow bars stocked with cold cuts and drinks are set up all over the massif.
The start of the Der des Ders is given at 10.30 am and the day closes at 4.45 pm, for a final descent from the Col de Balme.
