Saint Jean De Sixt

Located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is a traditional mountain village that functions as a strategic base camp for the wider Aravis ski domain. While it no longer operates its own downhill slopes, its position just three kilometres from both La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand makes it a practical alternative to staying directly in the larger resorts. The village sits at an average altitude of 963 metres and retains a quieter, year-round community atmosphere compared to its busier neighbours. For skiers willing to use the short local shuttle rides to the lifts, it provides access to 220 kilometres of pistes across the Aravis mountains while maintaining the character of a working Alpine parish.

Mountain culture and milestones

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt has a long history as an agricultural community in the Aravis mountains, existing well before the advent of winter tourism. The commune covers just over 12 square kilometres, sitting at a geographical crossroads between the Bornes massif and the Aravis range. The village was known as Villaret until it became part of France in 1860. In 1506, it was the birthplace of Peter Faber, one of the founders of the Jesuit order, and religious heritage remains visible in the village church and small wayside chapels.

The village did have its own modest ski area starting in 1961, when a small lift was installed at Mount Durand. A decade later, the community moved the operation to the Crêt sector at 1,020 metres, where it eventually grew to include five beginner slopes and a “snow rope” for learners. For decades, local children took their first turns on these village slopes. However, due to its low altitude and increasingly unreliable snow cover, the local lifts ceased major operations in 2017. They were permanently dismantled in 2021 by Domaines Skiables de France as part of an environmental initiative to remove obsolete infrastructure from the mountains. Today, the village embraces its role as a residential base and agricultural hub. It remains deeply tied to the production of Reblochon cheese, a staple of the Aravis valleys.

Valley bases: where to stay

The village is compact, meaning most accommodation options are within walking distance of the central amenities and the shuttle stops. Staying here is generally about trading ski-in/ski-out convenience for a quieter evening environment and easier road access down the valley towards Annecy.

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Accommodation largely consists of traditional chalets, converted farmhouses, and a few small family-run hotels. It lacks the large, purpose-built apartment blocks found in higher resorts, which helps preserve the traditional scale of the buildings.

Ski sectors at a glance

Because Saint-Jean-de-Sixt does not have its own lifts, skiers focus their days on the two major adjacent resorts. Both are reachable via frequent local buses that operate throughout the winter, usually taking around ten minutes to reach the base stations.

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The strategic location means you do not have to commit to one resort for the week. The Aravis ski pass covers both areas, allowing you to choose your destination each morning based on weather and group preference.

The mountain and skiing

Skiing from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt requires a short commute, but the reward is immediate access to the entire Aravis lift pass domain. When you turn left out of the village, you head toward La Clusaz. This resort is spread across five linked mountains. The Balme sector is the highest and most renowned, offering steep, unpisted bowls and excellent freeride terrain that holds snow well after a storm. The Aiguille and Beauregard sectors provide long, rolling blue and red runs through the trees, which are highly useful when visibility is poor on the upper peaks.

When you turn right from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, you head to Le Grand-Bornand. The skiing here is split between the village level and the higher Chinaillon sector. Le Grand-Bornand is generally softer in its topography than La Clusaz, featuring meticulously groomed cruising pistes and substantial snowpark facilities on Mount Lachat. It is heavily favoured by families and intermediate skiers looking for wide, confidence-building terrain.

This central position allows you to decide where to ski based on immediate conditions. If it is a clear, sunny day, the wide-open bowls of Le Grand-Bornand catch the light perfectly. If you want steep, challenging descents, you catch the bus to La Clusaz. You are never locked into just one side of the mountain, which is the primary advantage of treating Saint-Jean-de-Sixt as a base camp.

The village and après-ski

The atmosphere in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is noticeably calmer than in a purpose-built resort. You will not find loud slope-side bars or late-night clubs here. Instead, the village centre revolves around everyday Alpine life. There are bakeries, local shops, and a handful of traditional restaurants serving Savoyard specialities. Menus are heavily focused on local produce, particularly tartiflette, fondue, and dishes featuring the regional Reblochon cheese.

Après-ski tends to mean a quiet drink in a local café rather than dancing in ski boots. The Place de l’Ancienne École serves as the community focal point, hosting small events and markets throughout the year. For those who want high-energy evenings, La Clusaz is close enough for a taxi ride back, but Saint-Jean-de-Sixt itself shuts down early. It appeals to those who prefer to leave the noise on the mountain and return to a peaceful environment.

Snow and season

The village sits below 1,000 metres, meaning snow cover in the immediate streets can be variable, particularly at the beginning and end of the winter. However, the skiing takes place higher up in the Aravis domain, where conditions are generally reliable from mid-December through to late April.

The Aravis mountains benefit from their proximity to Mont Blanc, which often helps catch weather systems moving across the northern Alps. This microclimate delivers regular top-ups to the slopes above 1,500 metres. Even when the valley floor at Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is green, the upper sectors of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand usually maintain solid coverage, supported by extensive snowmaking networks on the lower return runs.

Summer and year-round

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is a genuine year-round community, not a winter-only outpost. When the snow melts, the surrounding pastures revert to farming, and the focus shifts to hiking and mountain biking. The village is an excellent starting point for walking trails into the Aravis range. A popular local hike is the trek up to the Danay, a forested peak that offers panoramic views over both La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand.

The area is also known for a unique extreme sports installation called the Bun J Ride, which combines a ski jump ramp with bungee jumping. Participants slide down the ramp on bicycles, sledges, or skis before dropping into the valley on bungee cords.

For road cyclists, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt sits on several established routes. It frequently serves as a waypoint for riders tackling the Col des Aravis and the Col de la Colombière, both of which are regular features in the Tour de France. During the summer months, the tourist office organises Friday evening concerts in the village square, bringing residents and visitors together.

Safety and mountain etiquette

While the village itself poses no mountain hazards, skiers heading up to the Aravis domain need to observe standard Alpine safety practices. The freeride areas in La Clusaz, particularly around the steep combes of Balme, require proper avalanche awareness and equipment. If you intend to leave the marked pistes, hiring a local guide is strongly recommended to navigate the rocky terrain safely.

The local bus system between the villages is efficient, but you should always check the time of the last shuttle down from the resorts. Missing the final bus means an expensive taxi ride or a long, cold walk along mountain roads in the dark. In the village, standard winter road rules apply. If you are driving up from the valley, ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tyres or chains, as the road up to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt can become snow-covered during heavy storms.

Who it suits best

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt works exceptionally well for families, budget-conscious skiers, and those who prioritise a quiet, authentic village atmosphere over doorstep skiing. The accommodation here is often more affordable than in the main resorts, making it a pragmatic choice for those willing to commute a few minutes each morning.

It is less suitable for groups looking for vibrant nightlife or skiers who insist on being first on the lift without having to catch a bus. If you view your accommodation as a peaceful retreat after a busy day on the slopes, this village delivers perfectly.

Getting there

– Geneva Airport: 50 km – Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport: 150 km – Nearest rail hub: Annecy

Written by the Alps2Alps editorial team.

This guide is published by Alps2Alps for general information only. It is not affiliated with Wikipedia or any resort, airport, or lift operator. Facts were accurate at the time of writing; always check official sources before travel.