Bernex: Hiking Trails, Winter Sports and Local Heritage

Bernex offers a range of activities for a stay: the ski area and bike park sit alongside hikes to mountain lakes and through alpine pastures, while the church, chapels and local distilling tradition add to the appeal. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bernex, it’s best to start by deciding when to travel and which activities you have planned. Some activities are subject to opening hours, reservations, weather or seasonal conditions.

Winter Sports and Bike Park

The Bernex ski area spans elevations from 1,000 to 2,000 metres and has 19 runs. Check its seasonal operating status before your stay. Ski touring is permitted during opening hours on the routes marked and designated for this purpose; current resort rules and conditions apply.

The Bernex Bike Park adds to the winter sports options with groomed trails ranging from green to black, as well as a jump zone. Its trail layout may change from one season to the next. The focus therefore differs clearly: in the ski area, it’s on the runs and elevation range; for ski touring, on designated routes and opening hours; and in the bike park, on the trails available and the jump zone.

Hikes Among Lakes, Pastures and Villages

The Boucle du lac de la Case d'Oche starts at the parking area at La Fétiuère in the municipality of Bernex and leads to two mountain lakes. Weather and snow conditions are decisive for access. The Circuit des chapelles offers a different theme: this easy, freely accessible hiking trail passes through Bernex’s religious heritage. Here, too, access depends on the weather and snow conditions.

The Tour du Mont Bénand combines pastures and villages with views of Les Mémises, Mont César, Dent d'Oche and Lac Léman. The hike is described as suitable for families, while also being somewhat strenuous; weather and seasonal conditions affect access. This distinguishes it from the Circuit des chapelles not only in its scenery, but also in its stated level of exertion.

The Chalets en alpage loop offers a glimpse into life on the alpine pastures of Bernex. The buildings at Malpasset, La Tailla, Le Tirou and La Bonne Eau have changed little since they were built around 100 years ago. The focus here is on the cultural landscape and its buildings. Marmots may be spotted at Lac de la Case, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Church, History and Distilling Tradition

Église Saint-Ours was built between 1848 and 1851 in a purely Italian style of the 1850s, reminiscent of Tuscan basilicas. A local historical episode is also associated with the church and rectory: after the Waldensians plundered both, the residents set their camp on fire. This gave rise to the nickname “Bourla-Kam,” meaning “camp burners.”

At Distillerie de la Dent d'Oche, you can join a guided tour by appointment. The tour explains the steps involved in making the fruit specialties; confirm the visit arrangements before you travel. The distillery is associated with a tradition of itinerant distillers spanning more than 100 years and four generations. They distilled selected fruits using an old method.

Horse-Riding Activities and Getting There

For 2026, the Ranch équestre de Bernex lists horse or pony rides throughout the year, as well as guided pony walks for younger children. Reservations are required. If you’re travelling with children, you can include this specific activity in your plans without assuming that it has the same requirements as the different hiking trails.

From Évian, you can reach Bernex by taxi or shuttle in about 15 minutes. This is an approximate journey time; check the travel time and shuttle service before setting off. When looking for a hotel in Bernex, travel dates and activities are a useful starting point: your plans will differ depending on whether you’re focusing on winter sports, hiking trails, local history or a scheduled visit to the distillery.

Discover more destinations: Étrembières, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Sixt-Fer-À-Cheval, Ville-En-Sallaz, Thénésol, Bonne, Vétraz-Monthoux, Thônes.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.