Le Reposoir

Le Reposoir is a small family ski resort. It is equipped with 5 snow cannons that cover most of the surface at the absence of snow. Ideal resort for children and adults who want to learn or do not want to miss their annual appointment with alpine skiing.

Layout of the slopes at Le Reposoir

The ski area extends over 2 sectors. In the town sector (980 m / 1100 m) we find 4 ski lifts and 1 cable rope that serve 5 trails (2 green – 1 blue – 2 red). A little further up, in the Chalet Neuf sector (1300 m / 1600m) 4 km from the town, we find 1 chairlift serving 2 trails (1 green – 1 blue).

For the kids (children from 4 to 5 years old), the Club Piou Piou teaches skiing while playing, in an area equipped with a telecord and supervised by the instructors of the ski school. In the surroundings of the Le Reposoir resort there are many routes for snowshoeing. With variable length and complexity, they will take you to the heart of the beautiful snowy landscapes, in a cozy environment where we find numerous animal species.

The mountains surrounding Le Reposoir are also an important and recognized area among mountaineering and cross-country ski enthusiasts. Not minding your level, you will have many options to satisfy your desire to head to the mountain every year seeking for its snow, in all its authenticity.

Location of Le Reposoir ski resort

The territory of the commune of Reposoir is nestled at the confluence of the valleys of Forons (or streams) called Grand Foron and Petit Foron, which eventually merge to the Foron du Reposoir. The latter is a minor tributary of the Arve River.

This Grand Foron borns near the Col de la Colombière, a pass that leads to the Aravis and Thônes valleys. The river downstream reaches the Arve valley and the Faucigny, drawing on the map the departmental highway 4. Le Petit Foron has its source in the Col des Annes and one of its tributaries in the Col de l’Oulettaz.

The Col de la Madeleine is one of the starting points for a hike to the summit of Pointe Percée (summit of the Aravis mountain chain).

Le Reposoir is a charming mountain village, where calm and cordiality can be almost breathed. This ski resort is ideal for the beginner and family audience, allowing you to enjoy skiing with all the comforts of the bigger resorts.

Le Reposoir is a family ski resort

The village has the snow garden, cable rope and blue, green and red trails. The snowgarden is open and free for beginners.

Chalet Neuf sector (located 3 kilometers from the town) welcomes the most experienced skiers in a wild area crowded by mountain goats and vultures. In this sector we find 5 lifts and 1 free telecord, in addition to the magic carpet of the French ski school (ESF).

Le Forclaz Jolie is a forest path accessible for 8 years that runs above the village of Le Reposoir. You will arrive at the mountain pastures of La Forclaz, where a viewpoint awaits you with panoramic views of the resort and the surrounding peaks.

Visit the resort surroundings

Cross the village and head to the Col de la Colombière. The exit takes place at a sharp curve in Bellegarde, where you can leave your vehicle and where you will find the sign “Planzury” as a starting point. From this point, we can visit La Forclaz. We also have free transportation from the resort to the La Forclaz chalets.

The return of the route is done on the same path. For hiking trails, the ascent begins at a place called “Saint-Bruno”, near an old farmhouse with tavaillon facades. We will find a trail prepared for driving courses in snow and 4×4 that goes up to “La Cha”. The path passes over the Malatrait country house, an old residence very similar to the one mentioned above. This path continues through the forest with a more sustained climb to La Cha chalets. The return of the route is done on the same path.

Skiing in Le Reposoir: the resort’s strong points

An authentic village in the heart of the Aravis

Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, in the Arve Valley and at the foot of the famous Chartreuse du Reposoir, this small Savoyard resort embodies the essence of authentic, contemplative mountain life. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Aravis massif, Le Reposoir offers a preserved natural environment and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to disconnect from the urban rhythm. It is a resort where snow, silence, and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.

A modest but charming ski area

The Le Reposoir alpine ski area has 5 slopes served by 3 ski lifts, allowing for safe and accessible skiing, particularly suited to families, beginners, and school groups. The slopes, located in a wooded and protected setting, enjoy good snow quality thanks to their north-facing orientation. The small size of the resort is precisely what gives it its charm: here, skiing is enjoyed without haste and without crowds.

Ideal for learning and socializing

Le Reposoir is a natural ski school. Its human scale and peaceful atmosphere encourage progressive learning and socializing among skiers. The local instructors, who are very involved in the life of the valley, offer personalized teaching, combining pedagogy, safety, and pleasure. The resort also has areas for snowshoeing, sledding, and snow games, ideal for families.

An environment of great natural beauty

At the foot of the Col de la Colombière, famous for the Tour de France, Le Reposoir offers landscapes of unique beauty: fir forests, snow-covered pastures, and the emblematic presence of the Chartreuse, a Carthusian monastery founded in the 12th century and still inhabited by monks. This spiritual and natural heritage gives the place a unique atmosphere of serenity, where tourism is respectfully integrated into local life.

A resort committed to sustainability

Le Reposoir is part of a growing movement of sustainable micro-resorts in the French Alps. Its tourism development is based on sobriety and respect for the natural environment. Snow management and infrastructure maintenance are carried out with energy efficiency and minimal landscape intervention in mind. In addition, the municipality is committed to shared mobility and the promotion of local products, strengthening the link between mountains, agriculture, and tourism.

Activities all year round

Beyond winter, Le Reposoir offers a wide range of activities: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, alpine yoga, and spiritual retreats. Its meadows and forests are transformed into a wellness paradise during the summer. The trails to the Col de la Colombière, the Pointe Percée, and the Lac de Lessy are particularly popular with hikers and photographers. This continuity of offerings consolidates Le Reposoir as a four-season mountain destination.

Hospitality and authenticity

The spirit of the place is reflected in its inhabitants. The accommodation, run by local families, and the small restaurants serving traditional Savoyard dishes (such as tartiflette or croziflette) contribute to a warm and sincere experience. Here, visitors are part of the human and natural landscape of the valley, not just its tourist economy.

Limitations to consider

The ski area is small and cannot be compared to the large resorts in the surrounding area (such as La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand), but it is precisely this small scale that gives it its charm. Le Reposoir offers an intimate, quiet, and authentic alternative for those seeking to reconnect with the essence of the mountains.

A secret gem of the French Alps

Le Reposoir represents a model of balance between spirituality, nature, and sport. Its size, authenticity, and commitment to sustainability make it a discreet but essential gem within France’s Alpine heritage. It is a resort where you can ski calmly, breathe fresh air, and rediscover the original meaning of the mountains: harmony between humans and their environment.