Let’s be honest: at La Clusaz, we’re not exactly practicing exact science. But we’ve still read some serious stuff about happiness hormones : the famous DOSE team: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins, and it turns out we tick every box here without even trying.
So instead of asking you “hike or chill?”, we’re offering something more fun: pick your hormone and we’ll find you the perfect program! No prescription needed 😉
DOPAMINE: For small-victory addicts
This is the “hell yeah, I actually did it” molecule. It runs on goals, challenges, and little rewards after the effort… If you’re the type who needs to check a box off your bucket list to feel happy, La Clusaz will be your favorite playground :
- Lace up some proper hiking boots and head for the Pointe de Merdassier : nothing beats that feeling of pride at the summit, and especially the view, even if on the way up you were in full “I’m going to die” mode.
- After a good climb, we suggest coming back down the best way possible : grab a mountain bike pass and hit an enduro or DH trail. From La Motte to Les Encarnes, you’re spoiled for choice, and every corner you clear without ending up in the rocks is a free hit of dopamine. Tested and approved by Killian (Bron), and by us too. We just took a bit longer than him to get down…
- To finish in style, head to the pizzeria of your choice, then go hunt for the best spot to enjoy it, right as the sky decides to put on a show. If you want to nail the timing, we actually wrote an article on that: our top 5 most beautiful sunsets in La Clusaz.
OXYTOCIN: For those coming as a pack (or a couple, or with their dog)
Oxytocin is the cuddle hormone. It loves bonds, human warmth, and also has a soft spot for four-legged animals. In short, it’s basically made for a holiday in Haute-Savoie.
- Go say hello to the Abondance cows, the real local stars (right behind Candide, obviously) at one of our many farms. Sounds silly put like that, but scratching the head of a cow staring at you with those big eyes works every single time. And if you’d rather leave without the smell of the herd stuck to you, save the cuddles for your other half, your brother, or your buddy.
- Stroll as a family or with friends along the trails around Lac des Confins, nothing more than that, just walking and being together, that counts. Happiness is found in simple things, isn’t that what they say ?
- Share a good Savoyard meal : fondue is meant to be eaten as a group, it’s the law ! The more forks dipped into the same pot, the more oxytocin goes up, makes sense. Well, we’re not going to give away all our favorite fondue spots, so try them all and make up your own mind.
SEROTONIN: To find a bit of calm, and some sun too
Serotonin is stability, sleep, and above all the sun’s BFF… And who said you need to go to the beach to catch some rays? Around here we’ve got plenty of sun, and we’re not shy about saying it.
- Take a gentle walk at sunrise or sunset, just to get your dose of vitamin D without rushing (and without dripping all over your towel).
- Try outdoor yoga or opt for a swim at the Espace Aquatique : your choice, but anything that moves gently and relaxes you is worth taking.
- Take the time to breathe, meditate, or simply sit and do nothing facing the Aravis mountains. Around here, we call that “chilling with a view” : our favorite local sport.
ENDORPHINS: For those who like to suffer (just the right amount)
Endorphins are the ones that show up after the effort and make you say “actually, that was amazing” when 10 minutes earlier you were cursing your thighs.
- Chain trail runs back to back until you can’t feel your legs anymore. It’s painful, it’s stupid, it’s exactly the point.
- Try La Bascule : no rails, no loops, but it’s the one attraction here you can’t afford to miss. Just you, the void, and a stunning view (assuming you manage to actually open your eyes to admire it).
- Have a good laugh : an evening with friends, a solid fit of laughter, that works too (way less tiring than trail running and less nerve-wracking than La Bascule).
And what if you just want all four at once?
You’re allowed! And we won’t lie to you, for us, that’s probably the best plan : a mountain bike descent with friends (dopamine + oxytocin), followed by a feel-good fondue (serotonin + oxytocin), and a good laughing fit once evening comes (endorphins). The body doesn’t discriminate, it takes whatever you give it, and we’ve just handed you all the keys to spoil it properly !
