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Winter has long been one of my favourite time on lake Annecy. Crisp air, clear views and a deserted lake makes winter a special time of year. Ideal for long walks along the lake. An ideal time of the year to re-charge your batteries away from it all. The water in the lake, although very cold at this time of the year, looks very still and peaceful. Not the time to swim, but a good time to appreciate the lake as it should be seen: wild, beautiful, unspoiled and free of summer tourist crowds.

The downside to winter on the lake is that many lake-side bars and restaurants are closed. So you need to plan your lunch carefully. May be take a pick-nick or head to Annecy old town, which has always places open for a snack, drink, lunch or dinner.

If you ski, lake Annecy offers an stunning choice of ski resorts nearby. There are at least 5 resorts within 40 min drive from the lake. See my other posts on skiing near lake Annecy. Being a skier myself, I love the winters here on lake Annecy. It allows me to get away from it all, enjoy the peace of the lake and the nearby mountains …. and it allows me to dive in and out of ski resorts for a half day skiing here and there….  On that note, I am off to La Clusaz for a half day skiing. 23euro ski pass is a bargain too, compared to the 48euro a day in the bigger more famous ski resorts in the region.

My husband is a keen skier and for him the choice of where to go is vast, as there are ski resorts all around Annecy itself.  These are a little smaller than your average Val d’Isere hotspots (although we have been known to travel to Tignes and Val a few times!), but still well equipped and offering good restaurants and facilities, ideal for both our palates! My husband’s favourites are La Clusaz and Megeve, but there are many other ski resorts nearby. If you browse this blog you will find all the nearby ski resorts. I am sure my husband has been going on about them in his own blog posts.

Of course, after sunning yourself for a while watching all the snow sports around you, it’s time to do some exercise of your own!  There are some lovely walks around the Lake itself with plenty of stops along the way to have a coffee.  For those who enjoy cycling, there are cycle paths to make the whole experience not only safer but much more enjoyable.  Simply cycle around and feel the fresh air and take in the breathtaking landscape, mountains all around, and of course the lake itself standing still and majestic at this time of year.

One of my favourite spots that I particularly like to go to each time I am in Annecy, is Col de la Forclaz or , a sight high up with 2 restaurants.  In the summer, it’s a great place to see the paragliders taking off while sampling some local aperitifs, but in the winter, the surroundings take on an enchanting presence.  The road to Col de Forcaz is a winding one to say the least, but it is well worth it, especially when you see the lake in its full glory.

So, after all the shopping, (Annecy Old Town is only a stone’s throw away wherever you stay in Annecy), walking, cycling or simply sightseeing is done- it’s back to the relaxation with that book, under the blanket with that sun on your face, BLISS!