15 snowshoeing spots, far from the crowds

Far North” atmosphere

Auvergne

#1 – Le Lioran / Prat de Bouc

For a truly natural experience, head for the Col de Prat de Bouc above the resort of Le Lioran. Here, everything invites you to contemplate, with snowshoes on your feet. In front of you rises the high volcanic plateau of the Planèze de Saint-Flour. Trapper atmosphere guaranteed!

Pyrenees

#2 – Grand Tourmalet / Payolle

In the Hautes-Pyrénées, head to the Payolle Nordic area, also aptly named “Petit Canada”, for a zen break in the heart of nature… For lovers of wide open spaces, you’ve come to the right place: 15km of trails around the lake surrounded by a magnificent forest.

Haute-Savoie

#3 – Les Gets / Le Mont Caly

Facing Mont Blanc, this little haven of peace, far from the ski lifts, offers a breathtaking view on snowshoes. The only way to reach this viewpoint is on snowshoes (or cross-country skis), in untracked areas where you become one with nature.

Haute-Savoie

#4 – Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc / Au P’tit Riquet

Haute-Savoie is the place for an unusual night-time snowshoe outing. In the moonlight, head up to the P’tit Riquet refuge on the Saint-Gervais ski area to enjoy a home-made stuffing. It’s an experience that’s sure to please fans of unusual souvenirs!

Breathtaking panoramas

Hautes-Alpes

#5 – Montgenèvre / Bois de Sestrières

In the Hautes-Alpes, on a gentle slope, with snowshoes on your feet, your steps will take you through a beautiful larch forest. The wide, groomed path takes you to a lookout with an exceptional view of the Briançonnais.

Isère

#6 – Alpe d’Huez / La ronde des lacs

To enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the Oisans and Belledonne regions from this walk, there are two options: set off from the Alpe d’Huez resort for a day’s walk or take the ski lifts up to 2100 for a snowshoe hike lasting around 2h15 to discover Lac Besson, the Grandes Rousses mirror, Lac Noir and, for the more adventurous, Lac Carrelet.

Southern Alps

#7 – Montclar / Lake Saint Léger

If you want to discover some sumptuous scenery without getting too sporty, this snowshoe loop around the Lac de Saint Léger is for you! It’s a 4.5km snowshoe trek with a 100m positive ascent, and the added bonus is a sublime view of the surrounding countryside in the fresh air!

Southern Alps

#8 – Isola 2000 / Col de la Lombarde

From the resort, set off to climb the Col de la Lombarde on the damned road on the border between Italy and France. The panorama that awaits you is breathtaking on both the French and Italian slopes, all after a good hour’s effort from the centre of the resort.

A family start

Isère

#9 – Chamrousse / The Arselle plateau

Fancy giving snowshoeing a try? Then this walk on the Arselle plateau is for you. Starting out from the Nordic area, it’s into the forest that you go, alongside the cross-country skiers. Then, once on the ridge, you can admire the valley and surrounding mountains. A short, immersive walk in the heart of nature, suitable for everyone.

Vosges

#10 – Gérardmer / A multitude of possibilities

Gérardmer in the Vosges offers a range of routes to suit all abilities. Those looking for a short Sunday stroll will find something to suit them on the Cerceys trail.

Vosges

#11 – La Bresse / Lac des Corbeaux

For those of you who don’t like long walks, we’ve found the solution! In the Vosges, with snowshoes on your feet, it’s to discover the Lac des Corbeaux that we set off, with just 1 km to walk. And there you discover a lake surrounded by a beautiful forest in an ancient glacial cirque.

Auvergne

#12 – Le Mont Dore / Le salon du Capucin

Famille Plus special! Several routes can be taken from the Capucin cross-country ski base in the Auvergne resort. A specially designed itinerary will introduce your little ones to snowshoeing. Dressed Davy Crockett-style, you can walk the 800m of the Tibou trail, answering riddles with the help of signs along the way.

Savoie

#13 – Les Karellis / Lac de Pramol

In the Maurienne, immerse yourself in nature for a 4.5km loop through the larch forest. The goal? To reach the Lac de Pramol, where the imposing Croix des Têtes, the highest limestone cliff in France, is reflected. It’s not a long walk, but you can enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in the middle of the mountains.

Notice to sports enthusiasts

Hautes-Alpes

#14 – Les Orres / Lake Sainte Marguerite

For sporty types, head for Lake Sainte Marguerite in the Hautes-Alpes from the resort of Les Orres. This snowshoeing loop is a 10km round trip with a 500m vertical drop. The route takes you past the pretty little Eyssalette hut.

Savoie

#15 – Le Corbier / Le Col d’Arves

In Savoie, it’s time to admire a splendid panorama of the famous Aiguilles d’Arves. So get your gear on and set off towards the Col d’Arves for a slightly challenging 8km loop. After almost 200m of ascent, the panoramic views make up for all your efforts.

Hautes-Alpes

# 16 – Puy-Saint-Vincent / La Tête d’Oréac

If you’re a fan of great views, this is the place for you! This hike, with a difference in altitude of over 500m, takes you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Ecrins massif.