On the balcony of the Mont-Blanc massif and in the heart of the Beaufortain, the village of Hauteluce is multiplying the invitations to discover its every charm. Perched at an altitude of 1150 metres, this typical Savoyard village, both authentic and dynamic, seduces winter sports lovers thanks to its enchanting setting and its direct links with the Saisies (Diamond area) and Contamines-Montjoie ski areas.
Its preserved charm, welcoming atmosphere and panoramic views of Mont Blanc make Hauteluce one of the most beautiful resorts in the Alps. Its calm and the beauty of the landscapes that rock Hauteluce are envied by many other concrete resorts and full of people on the other hand, Hauteluce proves to be an ideal destination for lovers of wide open spaces. With its peaks, its passes (Val Joly in particular), its Mont de Vores, its summit of Outray, its string of hamlets, its glaciers and its sunsets like no other on the highest summit of the hexagon, Hauteluce is the paradise of skiers thanks to its strong snow cover during the winter, and hikers who come to walk its green passes during the summer.
Offering its visitors more than 192 kilometres of slopes, Les Saisies and the Espace Diamants are accessible from Hauteluce via 2 chairlifts (notably the Chozal) from which you can contemplate superb panoramas. You will arrive on the domain of Les Saisies via La Légette, which culminates at 1865 meters of altitude, and can enjoy magnificent red tracks rather technical but absolutely magnificent. Another quick and easy way to get there : opt for the shuttle bus that will take you right to the heart of the resort in a few minutes. For an introduction to freeride, head for the slopes accessible from the chairlifts of Brichou, Les Chamois or La Douce.
Contamines-Montjoie side, accessible by shuttle, by car or via the Ruelle cable car located on the hamlet of Belleville, there are more than 120 kilometers of tracks which will be offered to you on the side of the Col du Joly in particular. Many red slopes are adored by alpine skiers like the Nant Rouge and La Bûche slopes, but the most famous is undoubtedly the Grevettaz black slope which offers, in addition to its magnificent panorama on Mont-Blanc and Mont-Joly, a steep, very sporty gradient with beautiful bumps. On the ski touring and freeride side, take the direction of the plateau just above the Girotte lake for free skiing in a large area.
As for hiking, you will be spoilt for choice during your stay in Hauteluce : between the town, Les Saisies and Les Contamines, more than 85 kilometres of marked paths and walking routes line the valleys, to the delight of walkers. For snowshoeing excursions, 65 kilometres of trails, including 12 marked and unpaved routes, will be at your disposal to discover Hauteluce and its hamlets. The loop 18 in particular, will allow you during a walk of nearly 4 hours, to discover the valley of Hauteluce via Saint-Sauveur, Grangettes and Annuit. As for pedestrian trails, there are 6 marked and groomed trails that you will be able to follow for nearly 20 kilometres.
In winter, in addition to skiing, you can practice a wide range of activities related to skiing : skating, sledging, snowboarding, dog sled rides, but also paragliding, bowling, ice climbing... During the summer, in addition to hiking through the mountain pastures, the Lac Noir and the Lac de la Girotte, you can opt for bike excursions on more than 600 kilometres of marked circuits, some of which are well known to Tour de France enthusiasts, such as the Cols de Roselend or the Saisies. You can also go horse riding, fishing, tennis or volleyball, all in a pure and natural preserved.
You will not be able to pack your bags without having tasted the richness of local flavours. Rich in taste, Beaufortaise's gastronomy is a part of the character cheeses such as whole milk Beaufort, serac and grataron (goat cheese). Farçon is one of the local pride, just like pormoniers, a sausage made with bacon, cabbage and herbs.