Saint-Jean-De-Sixt: Hiking, Winter Trails and Culture

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt combines hiking and mountain biking routes with winter trails, culture and summer events. In summer, the area is shaped by rolling landscapes with forests, ridges and open panoramas across the valley. Saint-Jean-de-Sixt lies at the heart of the Route des Grandes Alpes between the Col de la Colombière and the Col des Aravis, and can serve as a starting point for two stages. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different route profiles and seasonal offerings.

Hiking and Winter Trails

The Petite boucle du Crêt No. 28 is a winter route suitable for beginners, as well as a sunny, family-friendly walking trail above the village. The loop is 2.4 kilometres long, with 80 metres of ascent and 80 metres of descent. Along the way, you can look out over Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and the Tournette massif. The trail is groomed; snowshoes are not required.

The Trail No. 16 Suet/La Mare/Traversiers in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt offers a very different challenge. Rated difficult, it covers 14.7 kilometres, with 1,100 metres of ascent and 1,100 metres of descent. Comparing it with the Petite boucle brings the differences into focus: instead of a short winter loop for beginners, this is a difficult route with significant distance and elevation gain. Route details may be revised; check the information before setting out.

Mountain Biking and the Alpine Route

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt has two cross-country mountain bike routes that pass through forests and mountain pastures. Le Bois de l’Envers is a difficult seven-kilometre loop. It starts at the Saint-Jean-de-Sixt tourist office and has 220 metres of ascent and 220 metres of descent. Another loop, Le Tour du Danay, also starts in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and runs between the village, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz.

The Route des Grandes Alpes is also worth considering when exploring cycling options: it can serve as the basis for two stages that may start in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. The two named mountain passes define the geographical setting for this route connection. This means you can find both specific cross-country loops in the area and a link to a longer Alpine route; the route characteristics listed for each differ significantly.

Culture and Summer Events

The Église Saint Jean Baptiste was built in 1868, replacing the former Église du Crêt. The Chapelle du Villaret also recalls the area’s history: it stands on the site of the family farm in the hamlet of Villaret, where Saint Pierre Favre was born on 13 April 1506. The chapel was restored in 1982. It is open daily from 1 May to 31 October; check the opening hours before your visit.

Saint Jean de Zik is a summer concert series. The 2026 programme included concerts every Friday in July and August from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Place de l’ancienne école. A local association offered drinks and light refreshments. For future travel years, check the event dates.

Reblochon production is another experience on offer: at the Ferme du Suet, a guided visit covers the production process and ends with a tasting and drinks. The dates listed for 2026 ran from 6 July to 24 August. If you are planning a visit for a later year, check whether and when the experience will be offered again.

Seasonal Connections

Seasonal shuttles connect Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, making it possible to travel between the villages throughout the day. Seasonal operating hours are key to planning; check the current summer timetable before your trip. This will help you coordinate the shuttle connections, routes and dates of seasonal activities with your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Sales, Le Reposoir, Plateau Dʼassy, Saint-Jean-D'aulps, Faverges, Larringes, Bonneville, Le Praz De Lys

For the wider travel overview: Haute-Savoie.