August at the Col des Aravis

I took another photo of the magnificent snow-capped Mont Blanc from the Col des Aravis. The light of the low evening sun in august created some long shadows on the hillsides which enhanced the dramatic scenery.

Sunset and full moon in August

A stunning sunset with feather-like clouds and a full moon at Col de Merdassier.

Breathtaking views and sunshine in June!

A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't wait to escape the hot sticky air of the city and spend the weekend in La Clusaz!

I was revived by the fresh mountain air, and the bright sunshine and I wanted to capture the breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. I could also hear the listen clanking of cow-bells in the distant pastures of the col de Merdassier all afternoon!

Sunset at Col de Merdassier

Peaks at Col de Merdassier

Cows grazing in the sunshine

Fresh snow and sunny skies!

Sky over Manigod valley

Ski tracks in fresh snow

Deepest snow and coldest temps last winter

The ski season at La Clusaz starts roughly around the end of December and lasts through the end of April depending on the snowfall accumulation. 
The french ski vacation lasts four weeks and starts in early February. The skis stations are usually jam-packed if the ski conditions are good so I prefer to go skiing on weekends outside of the ski vacation.

The majestic Mont-Blanc

View of Mont-Blanc

On a clear day there's a breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc from the Col des Aravis, a 10-minute drive up the mountain. There are many hiking trails in La Clusaz and you can often see the Mont Blanc in the distance. If you continue into the next valley beyond the Col de Aravis, there is another fantastic ski station called La Giettaz, within a 15-minute drive. The drive from Annecy to La Clusaz takes about 40 minutes. The village is surrounded by the Aravis mountain range and the other two neighboring villages are Le Grand Bornand, Manigod.

A horny bouquetin

You can also see cows, sheep, horses or goats grazing in the pastures or herded along the trails. I've even seen a 'bouquetin', that's french for 'wild goat', Alpine ibex.

Full moon rising in summer

The Aravis mountains. Quel splendeur!

Sunset at Col de Merdassier in April

Aravis mountain range, view from top of Beauregard

The drive from Annecy to La Clusaz is 40 minutes and you can take either take the main road or a smaller road through the village of Manigod which  is more picturesque. The Aravis mountains surround the villages and ski stations of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and La Giettaz.

View from the top overlooking Le Grand Bornand

Chapels and wood beams