Winter Canyoning:
the winter adventure at Lake Annecy
A unique activity in France, off-season. Descend the Angon Canyon in winter, in icy landscapes, equipped with a high-end dry suit that keeps you dry. An extraordinary experience worth living at least once.
When the Angon Canyon transforms
From spring to autumn, the Angon Canyon is known for its waterfalls, playful jumps and summery atmosphere. But when winter arrives, a completely different place reveals itself. The landscapes freeze, the trees lose their leaves, ice formations appear at the edge of the waterfalls, and the golden winter light gives the site an almost surreal atmosphere.
From November to April, we offer a formula unique in France: descending the Angon Canyon in deep winter, equipped with high-end dry suits that keep you dry and warm. On the programme: the same jumps, slides and abseils as in summer, but in a radically different setting.
It's an activity few providers offer, because it requires very expensive specialist equipment and real technical mastery. That's also why it remains confidential: we only run it on request, in small groups (6 people max). An experience worth doing at least once in a lifetime.
Four good reasons to try the winter experience
Winter reveals facets of the canyon that summer never shows.
A magical setting
Partially frozen waterfalls, snow on the banks, water clearer than in summer. An almost surreal atmosphere that no photo fully captures.
The canyon to yourselves
No crowds, no tourists, no noise. An intimacy summer never allows. It's your canyon for the duration of the descent.
Golden winter light
The low winter sun creates a warm, magical light that floods into the gorges. The best canyon photos of the year are taken in winter.
An alternative to skiing
Staying near Annecy or Aix-les-Bains in winter and looking for something other than skiing? Winter canyoning is the perfect original activity.
What if we told you it's warmer than in summer?
This is the big surprise of winter canyoning: you often feel less cold than in summer. The reason is simple. In summer, you wear a 5mm neoprene wetsuit that water seeps into. The neoprene warms this water, but during breaks or long swims, the cold sensation comes back fast.
In winter, it's the opposite: water cannot enter the dry suit. You wear your warm clothes under the suit (leggings, t-shirt, fleece), and you stay perfectly dry throughout the descent. Only hands and face are exposed — hence the neoprene gloves and balaclava we provide.
Result: most of our clients leave saying they were less cold than expected, and many even think they were warmer than in summer. The secret is the equipment.
☀ Summer · Wetsuit
Water seeps in, neoprene warms it, possible cold sensations during breaks.
❄ Winter · Dry suit
You stay dry, warm clothes underneath, total cold isolation.
Your winter trip, step by step
A 2h30 descent of the Angon Canyon in winter mode, from briefing to chalet return.
Welcome & winter equipment
Meet at our Angon chalet, by the lake. The winter briefing is longer than in summer: we take time to explain how the dry suit works, how to dress underneath, and the canyon's specifics in winter mode. Full equipment: dry suit, oversocks, harness, helmet, neoprene balaclava and gloves.
Approach hike in snowy decor
The approach is via Angon's tourist walkways, which take on a totally different dimension in winter — fewer people, possible snow on the steps, breathtaking views over the waterfalls. We reach the canyon entry at the "Letterbox".
The descent in winter mode
You experience the lower section of the Angon Canyon in Discovery format: the "Letterbox" passage, several small abseils, the siphon (always optional), natural slides and a few jumps. The water flow is higher than in summer due to snowmelt and rain, making the descent slightly more sporty — and therefore more exciting.
Exit & hot drink
Exit by the lakeside, walk back to the chalet. Hot shower at the chalet, gear return, complimentary hot drink offered. We take time to debrief the trip over a tea or hot chocolate before parting.
What we provide, what you bring
The equipment to stay dry and warm is crucial in winter. We provide all the technical high-end gear.
Provided by our guides
- High-end dry suit (4× more expensive than a classic wetsuit)
- Neoprene balaclava for head and neck
- Neoprene gloves for hands
- Oversocks adapted to cold
- Certified helmet and canyoning harness
- Technical gear (ropes, descender, lanyards)
- State-certified guide supervision
- Complimentary hot drink on return
To bring yourself
- Warm clothing to wear UNDER the dry suit:
- Leggings or thin jogging pants (no jeans)
- Long-sleeve T-shirt + thin fleece
- Thin socks (ours go on top)
- A real pair of sports or mountain shoes (high tops preferred)
- Down jacket or warm coat for before/after
- Beanie and gloves for before/after the activity
- Towel and change of clothes
What's the difference with summer canyoning?
To help you choose between a summer trip and a winter experience.
This trip is for you if...
Winter canyoning is a unique experience that suits specific profiles.
Non-ski winter holidaymaker
Staying in the Annecy or Aix-les-Bains region in winter and looking for an original activity beyond ski resorts. A unique day in your week.
Photo enthusiast
The canyon in winter is the best possible photo session. Golden light, snow, ice formations: a rare visual gift. Bring your GoPro or waterproof camera.
Experience gift
Looking for an original gift idea for someone who loves the outdoors? A winter canyoning voucher is more memorable than a dinner. Gift vouchers available.
Returning canyoner
You've already done canyoning in summer and want a new experience? Winter canyoning will give you a completely new dimension of the activity.
Why €87?
We explain exactly the price difference with a summer trip. No hidden fees, just the real cost of high-end equipment.
What our customers say
Reviews from clients who tried winter canyoning with our team.
"We were afraid of being cold: zero issue. The dry suits are incredible, we stayed warm throughout the trip. The canyon in winter is just magical. Definitely doing it again."
"An extraordinary experience. We were the only ones in the entire canyon, the atmosphere was almost mystical. The guides are top-notch, real winter expertise. Special mention for the hot chocolate at the end."
"Perfect activity to break from skiing during our holidays in Haute-Savoie. The kids (15 and 17) loved it, and so did we. The photos are incredible with the winter light."
Your questions about winter canyoning
Answers to the questions we get most often about this trip.
Will I really feel cold during the trip?
How do I book winter canyoning?
What days and times are available?
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Why is the minimum age 15 in winter when it's 8 in summer?
What happens in case of very bad weather?
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
Is there a minimum number of participants?
Is it a good gift?
Ready to live the winter experience?
Winter canyoning is not bookable online. Send us your desired date and number of people, we reply within 24h on weekdays to confirm the trip.