3 SPOTS BETWEEN ANNECY AND LES ARAVIS
The Aravis, his favourite playground
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PIERRICK AUBERT
Pierrick has been a member of the Cairn Team for several seasons now, and loves exploring the surrounding area!
In summer and winter alike, he sets off to discover and, above all, rediscover all the landscapes that change their appearance with the seasons.
Whether he's on his boots for a hike or a trail outing, or on skis for a ride, Pierrick never stops pacing the trails around his home. Here's a look at his 3 favourite spots.
I've been living in the Thônes valley for almost 5 years, right between La Tournette and the Aravis mountains.
I love the area because there's so much to do and enjoy, whatever the season.
It's the ideal playground for running, cycling, riding, climbing... and all that with friends!
SEE BIOGRAPHY
SPOT 1 : LA TOURNETTE
I love it because I can do it from home without taking the car, all year round.
I often run it in the summer. There are lots of variations to avoid getting bored and to extend the run when you're in shape.
In winter, it's a great spot for ski touring. Since I've lived in the area, I've climbed there once or twice a month, hiking and running. For me, it's an all-round spot that allows me to enjoy myself as much as to train without having to go very far.
An anecdote? My family and I got together for a sunrise once.
We set off at 3.30am with the headlamp on and arrived at the top of a ridge, where we settled down to eat a square of chocolate while waiting for the sun to rise.
We waited patiently and when the first rays appeared in the distance, we realised we weren't alone.
Two large ibexes are sitting behind us, watching us curiously.
This is a mountain range where you see a lot of them, and they're not very shy.
SPOT 2 : LA POINTE PERCÉE
Je l’adore parce que je peux la faire depuis la maison sans prendre la voiture et ce tout l’année.
L’été, j’y cours souvent. Il y a plein de variantes pour éviter de se lasser et pour rallonger quand on est en forme.
L’hiver, c’est un super spot pour le ski de rando. Depuis que j’habite dans le secteur, j’y grimpe une ou deux fois par mois en randonnée et en course à pied. Pour moi, c’est le spot hyper complet qui me permet autant de me faire plaisir que de m'entraîner sans aller bien loin.
Une anecdote ? Avec de la famille, on s’est motivé pour un lever de soleil une fois.
Départ à 3h30 à la frontale et arrivée en haut d’une crête, on se pose pour manger un carreau de chocolat en attendant que le jour se lève.
On attend sagement et quand les premiers rayons percent au loin, on se rend compte qu’on est pas tout seuls.
Deux gros bouquetins sont installés derrière nous et nous observent curieusement.
Faut savoir que c’est un massif où on en voit énormément, et ils ne sont pas très craintifs.
SPOT 2 : LA POINTE DE MERDASSIER
This summit marks the border between Manigod and La Clusaz.
I love going there very early at night to enjoy the sunrise on the Savoie side.
Once at the top, you have a 360° view of the Aravis pass, Mont Blanc in the distance, Etale, Tournette and all the surrounding valleys.
So far, I've done it as a trail, which is a short vertical kilometre, but it can also be done as a ski tour from the slopes of La Clusaz, pushing up to the summit via the Épaule.
Maybe I'll do it this winter!
Oh, and for those who prefer sunsets, you can also do it in the evening!
It's not really an anecdote, but I really like this summit because it's magnificent and practical.
I can put it on my commute between home and the office.
All I have to do is wake up a few hours earlier than usual, grab a bit of water and a jacket, and then I can pop my croissants on the way to work.
Isn't life great?
SOME PHOTOS BY @Pierrickexplore
