In the fall and winter, Haute-Savoie and Savoie vibrate to the rhythm of major, highly anticipated events that attract locals and tourists alike. Here are the essentials to note in your diary.
Events in Annecy
The Return of the Alpine Pastures 2024
Saturday October 12, 2024 – Annecy
Le Retour des alpages, an unmissable event in Annecy, is held every year on the second Saturday in October and perpetuates a medieval tradition marking the end of summer, when the herds leave the mountain pastures to return to the stables for the winter.
The morning is dedicated to the arrival of artisans and animals in the city, while the afternoon takes place the traditional parade of animals and folk groups, accompanied by entertainment and stands of local producers until the end of the day.
→ The Return of the Alpine Pastures 2024
Christmas in the Alps 2024
From November 23, 2024 to January 4, 2025 – Annecy
Christmas in the Alps is the magic of Christmas that takes over Annecy and the towns of Greater Annecy. Don’t miss the eight Christmas markets that await you, accompanied by activities and entertainment for everyone: shows, illuminations, workshops, visits from Santa Claus, ice rink, and much more.
Like every year, the Village des Alpes will be set up in front of the Courrier shopping center and will offer a space where you can savor delicious dishes, taste various drinks and enjoy lively evenings.
→ Christmas in the Alps 2024
The Saint-André Fair 2024
Tuesday December 3, 2024 – Annecy
Every first Tuesday in December, the city comes alive with hundreds of sellers, local and from far away, offering a wide range of products. On the program, no less than 1,100 merchants set up on 5.5 km of displays, offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, kitchen utensils, gadgets, food and much more.
On site, don’t miss out on tasting delicious local and seasonal specialties such as diots, soup, cheese, cold meats, tartiflette, chestnuts and even mulled wine. Please note that every year, the fair is accompanied by the Saint-André funfair, which takes place for two weeks on the Place des Roma.
→ The Saint-André fair 2024
The GlaGla Race 2025
From January 17 to 19, 2025 (dates to be confirmed) – Talloires-Montmin
The GlaGla Race is a unique stand-up paddle race that takes place every January, attracting nearly 830 enthusiasts from 31 countries. The objective of this unusual race? Paddle in winter on Lake Annecy, with a water temperature of only 4°C!
Participants can choose between two routes: one of 15 km and another of 6.5 km, both starting from the village of Talloires-Montmin. Competitions generally take place on Saturday, while Friday is devoted to activities, conferences and paddle yoga sessions. If conditions do not permit, Sunday is reserved as a backup day.
→ The Glagla Race 2025
Venetian Carnival 2025
From March 7 to 9, 2025 – Annecy
The Venetian Carnival is one of the most anticipated events in the little Venice of the Alps. Around 500 costume enthusiasts gather in Annecy to amaze the public with traditional Venetian costumes.
Every year, hundreds of people put on their most beautiful costumes decorated with embroidery and lace to stroll slowly through the streets of the old town. They pose, parade and also gather on a podium installed in the Gardens of Europe.
Events in Haute-Savoie
The Great Odyssey VVF 2025
From January 11 to 23, 2025 – Megève
The Great Odyssey VVF is the largest sled dog event in Europe, bringing together 8 nations. Since 2005, this race has covered 50 villages, towns and resorts in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
For its new edition in 2025, the race will welcome 65 mushers and their 600 athletic dogs. They will set off for 14 days of competition, covering 400 km and 12,000 meters of elevation gain. The departure will be in Megève, and the participants will pass through 10 villages before finishing their journey in Villard-de-Lans.
→ See the full itinerary.
Le Kandahar 2025
Upcoming dates – Chamonix.
The Kandahar is a downhill race held on the famous “La Verte des Houches” track in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Despite its name, this slope is one of the most difficult on the Alpine Skiing World Cup circuit.
Each year, around 20,000 enthusiasts come to watch the performances of the best slalom riders in the world, all ready to give the best of themselves during two days of events. The event also offers a giant screen, refreshment bars, a catering area, as well as a stage animated by concerts and various activities between rounds.
→ Le Kandahar 2025
Heart slide 2025
From March 21 to 23, 2025 – Le Grand-Bornand.
The “Glisse en Cœur” charity ski race returns to Grand-Bornand for a new edition. The objective of this event? Ski non-stop for 24 hours, in teams and relays, to support a charitable cause. In 2025, the focus is on childhood, with the participation of four associations: Les Puits du Désert, the Laurette Fugain Association, the Compagnie Après la Pluie, and Women Safe and Children. In addition to these main causes, 5 to 6 other sponsored associations will also benefit from donations from this event.
At the same time, concerts and a torchlight descent are organized on the Charmieux snow front in Grand-Bornand Chinaillon. Since its creation, Glisse en Cœur has supported 27 associations, distributing nearly 5 million euros in donations in total.
→ Heart slide 2025
Rock the piste 2025
From March 16 to 22, 2025 – Domaine des Portes du Soleil.
The Rock the Pistes festival, a unique musical experience in the heart of the Portes du Soleil area, invites you to enjoy daytime concerts on ephemeral stages in the heart of the slopes, accessible only by ski. After a good day on the slopes, the festivities continue with après-ski concerts in the resorts.
To participate in this unmissable event, all you need to do is purchase the Ski Concert Pass (Portes du Soleil ski pass). On the program: French-speaking and international artists will liven up the slopes from 1:30 p.m., followed by evening concerts for an exceptional LIVE week. The opportunity to combine skiing and music.
→ Rock the piste 2025
Events in Savoie
The Criterium of the first snow 2024
December 14 and 15, 2024 – Val d’Isère.
The Critérium de la Première Neige, the first French stage and emblematic event of the Alpine Ski World Cup, has marked the start of the season in Val-d’Isère since 1955. Bringing together the best skiers in the world, this event offers not only two days of competitions, but also numerous activities to entertain the public.
→ The Criterium of the first snow 2025
