The largest ski area in the Maurienne and 4th largest in France, Les Sybelles comprises six ski resorts: La Toussuire, Saint-Jean-d'Arves, Le Corbier, Les Bottières, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards and Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves. These recently opened resorts offer travellers a complete change of scenery, with breathtaking views of the majestic Aiguilles d'Arves, the Pic de l'Etendard, the Belledonne mountain range and the mythical Mont-Blanc. While the resorts are a delight for winter sports fans, they also welcome summer holidaymakers to enjoy a multitude of activities in the heart of landscapes made up of verdant relief and eternal snow. Interested in discovering Les Sybelles? Discover the 15 outdoor activities to try out in this little paradise in the south of Savoie.
1. Ski touring
A blend of two essential mountain activities, ski touring is one of the must-do experiences on a stay in Les Sybelles Sybelles. The resort's 390-hectare ski area has made it possible to set up numerous ski touring itineraries. And the good news is that there's something for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers. It's a great way to test your physical fitness, but also to take time out to enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery. La Chavonnerie is an easy 2.2-km route with a 307 m vertical drop. Le Grand Truc is in the difficult category, with a distance of 5.41 km and a difference in altitude of 907 m.
2. What to do in Les Sybelles in winter? Downhill skiing, of course!
Of course, downhill skiing is king at Les Sybelles, one of the best destinations for mountain vacations. The ski area offers 136 runs, including 30 green runs, 60 blue runs, 35 red runs and 11 black runs. They are served by no fewer than 68 lifts. There's something for everyone. The best thing about Les Sybelles is the quality of the snow all season long. And don't forget the sun, which always shines! In addition to the thrills and spills of the slopes, skiers can take advantage of the resort's immersive tables to learn more about the surrounding mountains and enjoy incredible panoramic views.
And don't miss our selection of the best family ski resorts in which to ski with children!
3. Snowshoeing
The Sybelles ski area, one of the most beautiful in Savoie, offers 13 itineraries dedicated to snowshoeing. Some trails are directly accessible from the resorts. Others require you to take the ski lifts. The itineraries take you through snow-covered fir forests and alpine meadows. The walks offer remarkable views of the Alpine massifs and surrounding valleys. Hikers who so wish can take part in a snowshoe outing with a guide, who is a real expert on the local ecosystem and history.
4. Snake Gliss, a fun activity at Les Sybelles
An excellent activity for a laugh with family and friends. The Snake Gliss is a snake made up of 10 sledges hooked together. Young and old alike get on and race down the snowy slopes. Safety is total, as the activity takes place when the slopes are closed to skiers. Each participant is equipped with a helmet. Head for Snake Gliss in Le Corbier and Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, for descents lasting from 15 minutes to 1 hour. With a healthy dose of speed and the need to control tight turns, there's plenty of fun to be had... and plenty of falls and giggles too!
Les Sybelles is definitely the place to be for a winter vacation in January.
5. Dog sledding
Enjoying the snow, the wonderful mountain scenery and moments of complicity with the animals - that's the promise of a dog sled ride. Participants can either take the place of the musher or let themselves be guided on a ride through pristine landscapes and larch forests. Huskies, samoyeds and malamutes provide the effort. Two tips for this outdoor activity in Les Sybelles: dress warmly and don't forget your camera. Children and adults alike will love it. Head for Le Corbier, La Toussuire or Saint-Jean-d'Arves, among the best family ski resorts for this invigorating experience.
6. Snowmobiling at Les Sybelles
A unique winter experience at Les Sybelles. Two on a snowmobile, we follow our guide along the most beautiful panoramic trails in Les Sybelles. This activity offers a whole host of sensations, and it's another way of getting to grips with the formidable nature of the high mountains. What's more, it's not uncommon to come across animals such as hares, foxes and deer along the way. Snowmobile tours are available at the resorts of La Toussuire, Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves and Le Corbier. Drivers must hold a "B" driving license. On a two-seater snowmobile, passengers must be at least 8 years old.
Activities to book : Experience an exceptional evening by booking here your snowmobile ride in the Sybelles massif! It's a unique opportunity to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Aiguilles d'Arves or an incredible view of the starry sky above the ski area.
7. Electric fat bikes on snow
Fat bikes are mountain bikes with oversized tires. This gives them excellent grip on the snow. This is an activity you can discover at Les Sybelles, with several dedicated itineraries. And because these mountain bikes are electric, you don't feel the effort, and you make good progress on the snow. This activity combines sport, pleasure and the discovery of the ski area's beautiful snow-covered landscapes, a mix of forests and mountain pastures. Les Sybelles also offers supervised outings and events based around electric fat bikes on snow.
Activities to book : we recommend this afternoon of electrically-assisted mountain biking from Saint Sorlin d'Arves, Saint Jean d'Arves or Albiez-Montrond in the Maurienne valley. If you've always dreamed of going on an adventure on your bike, this is the perfect opportunity to get started!
8. Orienteering
It's not just in winter that the scenery of the Sybelles ski area is breathtaking. The resorts also welcome holidaymakers in summer to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The Tourist Office offers three orienteering courses, from the simplest to the most complicated. A mix of hiking and police investigation. A fun activity to try out with family and friends. Will you be able to find your way through the grandiose landscapes of this Savoyard paradise?
9. Hiking, a must at Les Sybelles in summer
If there's one natural environment that's perfect for hiking in summer, it's the mountains! Several of Savoie's finest hiking trails, such as Champ Pérouse and Plan chaud, allow you to make the most of the area when only the highest peaks are covered in snow and greenery is the order of the day. Well-equipped, all you have to do is enjoy the Alpine scenery and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as marmots and golden eagles. And then, what a pleasure it is to keep an eye on the Aiguilles d'Arves towering above. Simply magical!
If you're a fan of long walks in the fresh air, you'll love our article on the best destinations for hiking!
10. Mountaineering, a key activity at Les Sybelles
Mountaineering is one of the most popular activities when it comes to enjoying exceptional panoramas. The idea is to climb, higher and higher, to end up dominating the surrounding natural expanses. At Les Sybelles, mountaineering offers holidaymakers the chance to conquer the iconic glaciers and peaks of the Vallée des Arves in the Maurienne. The ascent is perfectly safe, as participants are linked to the guide by a rope. The guides, experts in their field, provide all the necessary equipment, including harness, ice axe and crampons.
11. Canyoning, more sensations
During a summer holiday in Les Sybelles, we can't recommend enough a trip to the Vallon stream canyon. This magnificent spot offers the chance to practice canyoning, a sport that combines caving, hiking, climbing, mountaineering and white-water sports. The activity is supervised by a professional. Once you're there, it's all fun and games, with rope descents, slides and jumps into natural pools. The session lasts around 3 hours. Plenty of time for fun and enjoyment.
12. Wall climbing
Climbing is a sport that requires good physical skills, vertigo control and agility. Les Sybelles offers introductory courses or, for those who are used to it, the chance to take part in more strenuous sessions. Just above Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves, Gros Perron and Barrioz offer 9 major routes. Perfect places to introduce beginners to climbing, and for more experienced climbers to tackle more challenging routes. The setting is simply sublime, with the Aiguilles d'Arves on the horizon. So, are you ready to take part in an initiation in the company of a professional? Click here to book your climbing initiation during your stay in Les Sybelles!
13. Stand-up paddle, summer on the water at Les Sybelles
Stand-up paddling, which consists in paddling while standing on a windsurf-type board, is a very pleasant outdoor activity in fine weather. If you're staying in Les Sybelles in summer, don't hesitate to head for Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne and the Lac Bleu leisure center. Swimming is supervised from mid-June to the end of August. Water games are available, as well as stand-up paddle and pedal-boat activities. This leisure area is perfect for spending the day, with areas for walking and relaxing, as well as picnic areas.
14. A donkey ride
In the commune of Saint-Jean-d'Arves, "Ânes en montagnes" offers donkey rental for discovery hikes. The donkey accompanies families on adapted itineraries. Equipped with a pack-saddle, the animal carries picnics and snacks. Where the terrain allows, children can ride on the donkey's back up to a maximum weight of 30 kg, including baggage. Hikers receive a map with the itinerary. There are several options for half-day, picnic or full-day rides.
15. Paragliding: an unusual activity at Les Sybelles
For holidaymakers who've always dreamed of flying! The communes of La Toussuire, Le Corbier, Saint-Jean-d'Arves and Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves invite you to take your first paragliding flight above the Domaine des Sybelles. A thrilling experience for adults and children aged 6 and over! The experience takes place in a two-seater, and the instructor even teaches you how to take the controls. Flying over the mountains is a unique experience. It's an opportunity to appreciate the power and beauty of nature.
After Les Sybelles, perhaps you'd like to take a stroll around the region? Discover our selection of the 19 must-see places in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, as well as our top 15 most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps!
