Karibuni Adventure and Activity Weekends in La Clusaz, Grand Bornand and St Jean de Sixt, Aravis Region, France

Mountain biking
There are numerous official way-marked routes graded with ski run colours, with 5 lifts open for bikes throughout the main summer season (June - September). A wide choice of cross-country routes are available on forest tracks, paths and trails. This activity is suitable for all, and is a great intro to Alpine Mountain Biking.
La Clusaz features 2 specific downhill routes with lift access, and Grand Bornand has one main downhill route - but some other fun tracks are there to be discovered. Full route cards and other maps are available from Karibuni and guiding is available, with full transport to top of routes provided using mini-buses. We have a range of quality GT mountain bikes for hire on-site.

Mountain Walking/Scrambling /Local Peaks
The region features a great network of well-maintained and signed footpaths, with route cards available from Karibuni. Lifts available to get to peaks and start of routes - many mountain restaurants and refuges open. We offer minibus lifts to the start of your walks as well as collection at end of the day. However, many walks start and end from the door. There are a number of exciting but attainable peaks in the region - with Mont Lachat 2000m, and the Aguille Vert providing great views across to Mont Blanc. Tete du Danay provides an impressive 360-degree panorama.

Via Ferrata
For most groups we use the La Clusaz via ferrata route which is easily accessible and suitable for beginners up to intermediate levels. All equipment is provided onsite - harness, helmet etc and you will be led by the experienced team of Mountain Guides. The activity involves making your way along a rock face similar to climbing/scrambling but taking a route prepared for you and always protected by a metal safety rope. It is a non-technical discipline and you do not need to have climbed before, but this gives you an amazing sensation of being high in the mountains and scaling an impressive rock face of the Aravis. The duration is 4-4.5 hours

Climbing
Your instructor and guide will provide the basic techniques and safety training to allow you to start rock climbing. Using a variety of routes, all specifically chosen for their easy and safe access but with challenging routes, your group will soon be immersed into the stunning rocks and crags surrounding La Clusaz and Grand Bornand. All equipment and instruction is provided, and suitable for all levels. Duration 3 hours.

Downhill Scooters
The Arapaho Scooters have large wheels, very efficient brakes and are lots of fun. We can take them up on the chair lifts or use our minibuses to transport you to the top of the hills. Then it's a mixture of freewheeling and scooting back down the tracks and trails into the village. Very similar to downhill mountain biking, but a new slant with these specifically designed off-road scooters. The routes will be geared to your group and minibus transport and all guides are provided.

Forest High Ropes Course
The local mountains are blessed with great growing conditions for magnificent pine trees. Consequently there are some great ropes courses slung high in the canopy in two different locations. Walk, balance, jump and swing from tree to tree, all some 12 metres up in the trees. The courses feature ladders, rope bridges, balance poles and finishes with some fast zip wires of up to 150m length. The rope courses are a good challenge for all. Duration 2-3 hrs for the main challenge course.

Canoe / kayak
Lake Annecy provides safe, flat water for canoeing (singles, twins) or kayaking whilst the rocky shoreline and villages provide suitable places for exploring for half-day sessions. Beaches and swimming areas are available to stop at to enjoy the crystal clear water. Lake Annecy is the purest lake in Europe and you can see why - with 23km length of pure, fresh but warm mountain water. Our stable sit-on kayaks are a fun way to travel along the shoreline and out onto the lake.

Canyoning
The rivers and streams that tumble from the high mountains into Lake Annecy are beautiful and clear, as well as creating interesting features and cascades to be discovere whilst canyoning. This is the best activity for curing a hangover - and involves you making your way down the river course. This could have you abseiling, swimming, floating or jumping in and on the water! This activity is run by the local Mountain Guides who provide all equipment, tuition etc. and it is perfect for a group of friends or work colleagues.

Horse riding
Sit back and let the horse take the strain as you climb up and down the local woodland trails. The calm horses are suitable for beginners, but there are also more lively horses for those that have ridden before. A great way to explore the scenery on this trek which will feature some trotting sections, with cantering for those that can.

GPS Trek
A high-tech treasure hunt with an old mining story to be discovered! Using your GPS units, you will be guided around the local hills in search of clues and evidence - all of which will guide you to your final destination, and hopefully the treasure chest. But, will you be the first team to navigate your way around the woods, or will your colleagues or mates have got their first. Sure to get the competitive spirit flowing amongst your group!

Luge
La Clusaz has a summer luge running in the village centre with telecabine access to the summit. Fast and thrilling for kids and adults alike, you take your sledge and start your descent in the metal toboggan runners. Sit back, put your feet up and think of the Cresta Run as you slide your way around banked turns and through tunnels - governing your speed with the pull brake between your legs. Each turn down will see you getting faster and faster as you explore the limits of the fun luge course.

Swimming
A beautiful and sunny outdoor swimming pool complex is available in Grand Bornand village with slides, 2 pools and swim-play areas. The outdoor pool complex (with gym, sauna etc) in La Clusaz is set higher up the hillside and so features spectacular mountain views while you swim. And don't forget those sun loungers by the poolside as during the summer it regularly gets into the mid-thirties!

Other Available Activities
These activities are all available in the Aravis Region and can be arranged by specific requests as part of our Custom Group Weekends. This is in addition to all of the activities listed above which are available to any group bookings. Also if you have a specific activity in mind then please ask us - as we can usually source this within a convenient range of our base.

Paragliding
Tandem flights and full beginner courses available locally. Grand Bornand is an excellent resort for tandem flights with 1000m of descent and a choice of pilots available. Lake Annecy and other sites half an hour away for beginner learn-to-fly courses as well as experts on-hand in the village for other requirements (cross-country courses etc)

River kayaking
Suitable local rivers (flow dependant) within 40mins drive provide white water. Further afield are larger, more flow-sure white water kayak rivers. The Isere River being a fine example of a highly regarded Kayaking river, but more suitable for experienced paddlers.

White Water Rafting
Local rivers provide some opportunities for white water rafting, but for more consistent conditions then a drive of 1hr takes you to Thonon les Bains or to The Isere River which offers canyoning, hydro-speeding, and white-water rafting. Most operators for rafting and canyoning provide all equipment, guides, tuition etc.

Quad biking
Off-road courses and trekking available in mixed woodland, with a flat course in nearby Thones just 7km away.

Fishing
25km of local rivers with trout fishing. Day permits available locally.

Go karting
Closest circuit in Thones, just 5km from our Lodge, with full Grand-Prix track or race features available on karts - safe and marshalled circuit. 2 larger circuits available within a half hour drive.

Tennis
2 courts in St Jean within 100m of the Lodge - membership and access to be arranged. Further 5 courts in Grand Bornand with instruction and lessons available. Equipment and rackets can be provided.

Table tennis
Table to be available on the terrace and also further 2 tables in St Jean village available to all.