Spring activities in Aussois

What to do in spring at Aussois ? Skiing, cycling, via-ferrata, walks to see the ibex or the first flowers - the choice is yours! It's a time to rediscover a quieter resort and mountains, while enjoying the warmer weather and longer days. Our top spring activities.

Ski touring

Spring is also the classic season for ski touring.
Put on your skins and head for the guarded refuges of La Parrachée or Fond d'Aussois for a stopover or a timeless stay.

From these base camps, you can ski the great classics, such as the traverse of the Dômes or the Glaciers de la Vanoise, the Col de Labby, the Col de la Masse or the Dent Parrachée. For safe outings, call on the resort's guides and professionals.

Mountain guides

Spring skiing Aussois

Promenade

Stroll along the Cascade Saint-Benoît
When the heat gradually returns, you don't necessarily need to go very high into the mountains to find coolness. And for that, the locals have their own little secret garden.

On the road fromAussois to the Forts de l'Esseillon, near the village of Avrieux, you'll find the chapel of Saint-Benoît and its waterfall. Hardly accessible in winter, the site becomes a must-see as soon as the first heat is felt. It's near this waterfall that you'll find friends and family enjoying the return of the fine weather.

Discover

10 things to do in spring at Aussois, walking
cycling spring opening collar Aussois, Haute Maurienne Vanoise

Cyclo

Cycling and mountain biking as soon as the snow melts.
The ascent to the dams is generally accessible to bikes from early May at Aussois. And the singles await mountain bikers as early as April!

Spring is eagerly awaited by some at Aussois ! Almost everyone here is a fan of skiing, but some Aussoyens still prefer cycling and are only too eager to get back in the saddle after 4 or 5 months of winter! At the beginning of May, access to the dams is usually completely cleared of snow and accessible to bikes. This is a great opportunity to get back into the swing of things before tackling other snow-covered climbs in Haute Maurienne, such as Bellecombe or Mont Cenis. The Iseran and Galibier climbs, on the other hand, are not scheduled until June...

As for mountain biking, thrill-seekers can't wait for the snow to melt. By the end of April, you'll be back on the singles atAussois. At this time of year, the mountain is rarely visited, so we might as well make the most of it! And if the whole family's bikes can't make the trip for lack of space, don't panic! A number of retailers have planned ahead, so you can rent all the equipment you need for as long as you like.

For all levels of ability, or if you're in the mood for a longer ride, electrically-assisted bikes are in! An alternative that can also be reserved, and whose recharging facilities can be found below.

Bike rental and charging stations

To make you and your bike as comfortable as possible, some accommodations offer special services (secure garage, wash point, repair kit, etc.).

Our bike-friendly rentals

Hiking

Walking among ibexes and marmots
With 1,800 ibex living in the Parc National de La Vanoise, making them the largest community in France, why not pay them a visit on a rejuvenating hike? In March, ibex are still regularly seen at the foot of the Park, making them easy to observe!

Encounters with large male ibexes and their impressive horns are always a striking sight. Above all, they are more visible than the stags and their nestlings, immobile in the rock to protect themselves. During the summer, the ibex gradually climb to the summits in search of fresh air. However, in spring, from around mid-May onwards, hikers of all ages with binoculars can enjoy spotting them on their walks between Le Fond d'Aussois and les Barrages, or from the Pont de la Sétéria.

If discovering ibexes can be a real treasure hunt, finding marmots is much easier. Between whistles and furtive crossings, the little fur balls emerge from their hibernation at the beginning of April. And you don't need to climb very high to see them frolicking about. Just keep a low profile and sweep the fields and mountain pastures to catch a glimpse! As summer approaches, there's nothing like a night at the Fournache refuge to observe the alpine horizon and hope to spot marmots.

Here we go!

10 things to do in spring at Aussois, hiking
10 spring activities at Aussois, climbing

Climbing

Via ferrata, climbing and tree climbing
The via ferrata du Diable are a must at Aussois. In spring, these spectacular routes are less crowded, so it's up to you to make the most of them. Right next to the via ferrata, you can also try your hand at an accrobranche course with giant zip lines. Or go into 100% climbing mode, with great climbing routes for all levels all over the region.

At Aussois, via-ferrata is available all year round. In winter, the via du Diable is even more impressive, with its snow, Nant icefall and cold. In winter, the via du Diable is even more impressive, with the snow, the Nant icefall and the cold. In spring, however, the Gorges du Diable become widely accessible again. The via-ferrata are less popular than in high summer. Footbridges, wall-mounted rungs and monkey bridges await you under the caress of the spring sun. Several sports stores offer via-ferrata equipment rental in spring at Aussois or in Modane.

Ice climbing ended in February-March, but don't panic: spring means a return to rock climbing! It's a good time to warm up for the summer season, and why not start with the classics? Rocher des amoureux, Monolithe, Croé? The choice is yours!

Climbing routes

And for fun climbing in the trees, don't miss the Parcobranche du Diable, between Aussois and Avrieux (direct access from the D1006). With over 200 workshops and games for all levels, spread over 26 different routes. And as a bonus: giant zip lines that let you "fly" over the Arc gorges! Thrills guaranteed!

The adventure park and giant zip lines

I rent climbing and via-ferrata equipment

 

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    Contemplation

    Enjoy the fields in bloom
    Spring is obviously a time of renewal. At Aussois, it also means an explosion of color in the meadows, which are covered with thousands of flowers.

    From May onwards, the meadows aroundAussois are covered in flowers. In just a few days, it's an explosion of color. White daffodils, yellow gentians, purple asters and pink rhododendrons. An incredible palette that spreads out everywhere, inviting you to stroll, contemplate and recharge your batteries. Spring is also the time when the splendid Sabot de Vénus blooms, a rare orchid found in the undergrowth of the Monolithe forest. But to ensure that this splendid spectacle continues, we mustn't forget to take care of it and respect the Park's instructions. To find out more about these natural treasures, ask one of Aussois ' s guides. Some of them will even take you out to gather edible plants, which you can then prepare yourself for an ultra-short spring menu.

    I'm adopting the Parc Attitude

    10 springtime activities at Aussois, contemplation
    10 spring activities at Aussois, the sensations

    Sensation

    Paragliding for a moment of contemplation between snow and flowers
    Whether on skis or in a more traditional way, paragliding can be practised 365 days a year at Aussois.

    From the Angle Bellecôte and Djoin, professionals and amateurs alike take off all year round to fly over the Aussoy peaks and capture ever-changing images of the landscape. Flying in spring means admiring the green of nature as it warms up, climbing slowly from the bottom of the resort while admiring the Râteau d'Aussois and the majestic Dent Parrachée still covered in snow. As the air gets milder, the practice becomes more pleasant and accessible to even the most frigid! Take to the skies and discover Haute Maurienne Vanoise in a whole new way, thanks to the many tandem flights offered by passionate professionals.

    I'm taking flight!

    Glide

    BMX, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards, the spring way to glide
    When skiing is almost over, there's no question of Aussoyens forgetting about sliding until next season! As soon as the snow has melted on the pump track and the temperatures warm up, we keep on riding on the Buidonnière area.

    Because a passion for sliding is a year-round activity, the pump track atAussois offers the chance to change your riding style without losing your touch. On two courses with banked turns, bumps and woops, young and old alike can have fun on any non-motorized 2-wheeler, perfecting their balance and, why not, trying out some new jumps and tricks! Looking for a break from riding? No problem, with tennis courts (on hire), a city stadium for soccer or other ball games, and playgrounds with slides and swings nearby for an afternoon of fun for all the family.

    I ride!

    10 things to do in spring at Aussois, snow sports
    10 springtime activities at Aussois, les Forts de l'Esseillon

    Visit

    Visit the Forts de l'Esseillon
    At Aussois, sport plays an important role all year round, but that's not all! There are many monuments to visit, such as the Forts de l'Esseillon, and you might as well make the most of them during off-peak periods like Spring.

    Whether on your own or accompanied, the Forts can be visited all year round, with pedestrian or vehicular access from Aussois (the road leading to Fort Victor-Emmanuel from Aussois is generally open to cars in April). There are 4 forts to visit out of the 5 present, as unfortunately Fort Charles-Félix has paid the price for the French's loyalty to the Italians and has become too dangerous. Even if they haven't seen any combat, these 19th-century fortresses are steeped in history! A history that young and old alike can discover thanks to a treasure hunt or the museum located in the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt. And if you're wondering what kind of building this might be, it's the "horseshoe" shaped architecture accessible by crossing the legendary Pont du Diable. Indeed, while the forts are an important part of the valley's heritage, the Pont du Diable, the accrobranche with its giant zip lines (open at weekends in spring on reservation), the via-ferratas, and the new museographic space around the rock engravings ofAussois, make this an exceptional site for year-round entertainment!

    And for a 100% immersive experience, Fort Marie-Christine offers a gîte d'étape as well as a restaurant and tearoom. Something for everyone, in a breathtakingly original setting.

    Discovering forts

    Pictogram of accommodation in HMV

    Book your spring accommodation now

    Find out more about our furnished accommodation available for this period! Our reservations department will be happy to help you with your search on 04 79 05 99 10.

    Book your accommodation and leisure activities in Haute Maurienne Vanoise