Must-do itineraries: top 10 snowshoe hikes in Savoie

In winter, Savoie is known for its picture-postcard landscapes and its incredible diversity of snowshoe trails. With its snow-covered massifs, unspoilt forests and panoramic views of the Alps, the region offers the ideal terrain for nature lovers and escape seekers. The walks here are suitable for everyone: families, groups of friends, sports enthusiasts and the simply curious who want to experience the pleasure of making progress in the fresh snow.

Comparison of the 10 best snowshoe hikes in Savoie

With the support of specialist guides like those at Wildhartt, each route becomes accessible and safe, enhancing discovery while limiting the impact on the environment.

1. Col du Granier: panoramic route

Exceptional views and easy access

The Col du Granier snowshoe trail is a must for discovering Savoie in the snow. Easily accessible from Chambéry or Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, this route starts at the Col itself (1134 m) and is suitable for everyone, including beginners. The gradual ascent quickly reveals spectacular views of the Granier peaks, the Chartreuse and, on a clear day, the Mont-Blanc massif.

The route features a mostly open loop through fir forests and immaculate clearings. The moderate altitude of the pass guarantees reliable snow cover throughout the winter. The snowshoe walk here is not very technical (easy to medium level) and is perfect for a friendly or family outing. Allow around 2 to 3 hours' walking for a total difference in altitude of around 300 metres.

For more information on conditions at the Col du Granier and to see the official map of the snowshoe trail, visit the Savoie Mont Blanc website or the Chartreuse Tourisme website. This route, in the heart of a spectacular landscape, is a perfect illustration of the diversity of snowshoeing in Savoie.

2. Le Revard: snow and enchanted forests

The Revard massif, located near Aix-les-Bains and overlooking Lac du Bourget, is the ideal snowshoeing route for those looking to immerse themselves in fresh snow and undergrowth. The Revard trails pass through thick forests, often laden with powder snow, where tranquillity reigns and each stage reveals a new viewpoint of the peaks of the Jura and the Northern Alps.

Winter scenery and atmosphere

As you make your way across the plateau on snowshoes, the frosted branches create an enchanting backdrop. The silence is interrupted only by the crunch of footsteps on the snow, far from any hustle and bustle. On a clear day, the view opens out over the valley and the Bauges mountain range.

Accessibility and advice for beginners

• Easy start from the Revard car park or the mountain resort
• Regular signposting to avoid the risk of getting lost
• Ideal for a first snowshoeing experience, thanks to the low altitude difference (+150 m)
• Snowshoes can be hired on site
• Bring thick gloves and warm clothing

For more discoveries in complete confidence, following a guide like those at Wildhartt guarantees safety and naturalist commentary in the field. The Revard site remains a must for savouring the magic of the Savoyard winter.

3. Lac de La Thuile: a magical setting in the heart of the mountains

A lake frozen in snow and silence

Snowshoe trekking around Lac de La Thuile offers a total immersion in a peaceful winter atmosphere. When winter covers the shores and surface of the lake with a thick layer of snow, the landscape becomes silent and mysterious. This easy trail (approx. 1hr 45mins, 120m Ascent) is suitable for everyone and offers the chance to walk among fir trees sprinkled with white, with the peaks of the Bauges massif as a backdrop.

The site is easily accessed from the village of La Thuile. There are several starting points, with dedicated car parks in season. The loop goes around the lake and occasionally wanders into quiet forests. It's a route renowned for its remarkable peace and quiet and its little-visited natural scenery.

Photographers and landscape lovers will love the low winter light, the sharp contrasts and the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. If you want to explore this area in complete safety or discover its secrets off the beaten track, taking part in a guided outing with a guide, such as those offered by Wildhartt, is a pleasant and reassuring option.

4. Margériaz: an easy, scenic route

The Margériaz is particularly popular with hikers looking for an easy outing with exceptional views of the entire Alpine chain. This snowshoe trail, well known to the locals, starts from the large car park at the Margériaz resort, where parking is easy even in high season. The gently undulating route follows snow-covered ridges, with views stretching from Mont-Blanc to the nearby Chartreuse and Bauges mountains.

An accessible and safe route

The route follows wide, well-marked paths. It avoids avalanche-prone areas and limits the number of passages through undergrowth, providing a high level of safety for families and beginners. The route, which lasts around 2 hours, crosses wide alpine pastures, accessible under snow even with little experience. For those wishing to enjoy the route in complete tranquillity, specialist guides, like those at Wildhartt, provide expert advice and explanations of the surrounding landscape.

• Easy parking in the large car park at the Margériaz resort
• Regular signposting, clear paths
• Outstanding views of the Alps
• Ideal for beginners aged 7 and over

This route ticks all the boxes for a reliable outing: accessibility, comfort, safety and wide-open landscapes all year round.

5. Mont Charvin: nature loop and sublime views

The snowshoe loop around Mont Charvin attracts visitors with its unspoilt natural scenery and views of the Aravis mountain range. The trail often starts from the hamlet of Les Chandoz or Le Bouchet Mont Charvin, following a forest route that leads to open mountain pastures, where you can see the relief of the Haute-Savoie.

A wild route with unique views

This hike will charm you with its peaceful atmosphere and the diversity of its panoramas: ethereal forests, white valleys and ridges offering breathtaking views in several directions. It may require a little experience: this intermediate-level route has an Ascent of around 430 metres for a 3? hour walk, with a few steep sections where snowshoes with crampons are recommended.

• Bring snowshoes suitable for deep snow and telescopic poles.
• Bring a warm jacket, gloves and sunglasses (there is a lot of sun here).
• It's best to set off with a detailed guidebook or accompanied by a local guide who knows the area and where the safe passages are.

Wildhartt offers guided outings in this area, allowing you to discover the local wildlife or adapt the loop to the level of each group. This is an excellent nature trail for hikers already at ease in mountainous terrain.

6. Plateau de Beauregard: perfect for families

The Plateau de Beauregard invites young and old to enjoy a snowy walk that combines accessibility, safety and full immersion in nature. With just 100 metres of ascent and a duration of around 1? hours, this is one of the most suitable snowshoe hikes for families and beginners.

A snow haven within easy reach

The trail starts from the village of Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin or the Col de la Croix Fry, with several well-equipped car parks. The wide, signposted path winds gently through open alpine meadows, then plunges into immaculate snow dotted with small fir trees and unobstructed views of the Aravis mountain range. This route is still passable even in heavy snow, with no major obstacles to overcome.

• Path suitable for children and multi-generational outings
• Picnic area on the plateau
• Clearly signposted, with no vertiginous sections
• Sledging available for younger children at the start or end of the outing

Hiring a qualified guide, like the Wildhartt guides, gives you the opportunity to observe the local wildlife and learn about safety on snow. A peaceful mountain hut in winter, the Beauregard plateau guarantees relaxation and shared family memories, whatever your level.

7. Chartreuse savoyarde: secret trails to explore

Crossing the Savoyard Chartreuse on snowshoes is an experience in the heart of nature, far from the crowded routes. This region, renowned for its unspoilt wildlife and deep forests, offers a host of secret trails to suit all abilities. Some of the best spots include the Alpette and Mont Outheran ridges, which offer uninterrupted views of the Chartreuse and Mont-Blanc. The Cirque de Saint-Même, a little-known area in winter, offers a silent atmosphere with partially frozen waterfalls, ideal for those seeking tranquillity.

Tips for exploring the Chartreuse trails

• Plan your route in advance: signposting in winter can be less visible than on the great classics.
• Choose the marked trails or ask a local guide for advice, especially in fresh snow or fog.
• Adapt your equipment, as some sections alternate between undergrowth and ridges exposed to the wind.
• Respect nature: observe wildlife without disturbing it, especially in areas where deer and chamois roam.

For those looking for a wild and safe experience, guides like those at Wildhartt organise exclusive off-piste outings, with wildlife observation and a route adapted to each group. Find an adventure in the Savoyard Chartreuse to explore these secret corners while guaranteeing the safety and serenity of the walk.

8. Pointe de la Galoppaz: a challenging climb

The ascent to the pointe de la Galoppaz is for sports enthusiasts looking for a demanding hike rewarded by unrivalled panoramic views. This route will appeal to fans of steep slopes and spectacular views of the Belledonne range, the Chartreuse and the peaks of the Bauges massif. The hike generally starts from the Prés Ronds car park, near the village of Thoiry. The route alternates between forest paths and wide open mountain pastures, with an Ascent of around 700 metres to be covered in four hours.

Access, preparation and safety

• Start: Prés Ronds car park or Col de Marocaz car park, depending on snow conditions.
• You need to be in good physical condition and used to steep terrain
• Snowshoes with crampons and telescopic poles are strongly recommended for good grip on the slopes.
• Thermal clothing, warm lined gloves and goggles are recommended
• Check the avalanche bulletin(Météo France montagne) before setting off

In winter, visibility at the summit offers a 360-degree view of the Alps and makes for some memorable photo stops. For those who wish to tackle this challenging climb in complete safety, Wildhartt offers guided outings so that you can follow the most reliable route and adjust it according to the conditions of the day.

9. Croix du Nivolet: the panoramic classic

The Croix du Nivolet winter route is a classic among snowshoe hikes in Savoie. The trail often starts from the Féclaz car park, follows wide forest tracks and then climbs steadily up an open ridge. All along the way, the scenery reveals remarkable views of Chambéry, the Combe de Savoie valley and, at the summit, the whole of Lac du Bourget.

An accessible but exposed climb

The route takes around 3? hours to complete, with a 600-metre Ascent, and is accessible to anyone in good shape. Bordered by fir trees and alternating between wooded and open sections, it offers a varied experience but requires vigilance. In fresh snow, the final ridge can become slippery and sometimes exposed to the wind. In winter, the summit of the Nivolet cross (1547 m) offers a breathtaking view of the legendary cross visible from the whole valley.

• Always take a map or GPS with you: fog is common on the Revard plateau.
• Choose equipment suited to deep snow and sub-zero temperatures
• Opt for snowshoes with a good grip for the last few exposed metres.
• Choose a group or guided outing, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Specialist guides such as those at Wildhartt can help you make progress and improve safety, so that everyone can enjoy the panorama with complete peace of mind.

10. Wildhartt tips for a successful snowshoe hike

The success of a snowshoe hike depends on anticipating and adapting to mountain conditions. The Wildhartt guides have specific recommendations for preparing each outing: always check the weather and avalanche risk via Météo France Montagne, choose an itinerary suited to your level and equip yourself with breathable, windproof clothing as well as thick gloves and hats.

Why choose a guided hike?

There are two key advantages to going accompanied: safety, thanks to expert management of the routes according to the conditions, and the discovery of landscapes and paths off the beaten track. Wildhartt's qualified guides tailor each tour to the group, reveal local wildlife or history, and provide reassuring guiding even in fresh snow or poor visibility. Discover all our guided adventures to enhance your mountain experience.

• Outings to suit all levels, from beginners to experts
• Recommended equipment: light snowshoes, telescopic poles, headlamp if setting off early in the morning.
• Limited groups for an authentic, natural experience

You can book a guided snowshoe outing on the Wildhartt site in just a few minutes. This choice guarantees a calm experience, adapted and enriched by the advice of experts in the field.

Frequently asked questions about snowshoe trekking in Savoie

The ideal time to enjoy snowshoe trekking in Savoie is from December to March, when the snow covers the paths and forests for a long time. It is vital to check the weather conditions and avalanche warnings before each outing to ensure your safety.

What equipment should you take?

• Snowshoes suitable for fresh or packed snow, with a reliable binding system.
• Telescopic poles for balance.
• Warm clothing: waterproof jackets, technical under-layers, hat, gloves and neck warmer.
• Waterproof climbing boots.
• Sunglasses and sun cream at all altitudes.

Safety in the mountains means anticipating the risks (steep slopes, unstable weather). It is advisable to stay on the marked routes and to take a map, GPS or dedicated application with you. DVA kit (detector, shovel, probe) is recommended for outings in difficult terrain. Always tell someone close to you before setting off.

Going out with a professional guide, like those offered by Wildhartt, provides a reassuring framework: the itinerary is adapted to the level of the group and the guiding takes care of safety, reading the terrain and discovering nature. This means that beginners and families can enjoy the outing to the full, while autonomy requires a certain amount of winter mountain experience.

Summary: choosing the right snowshoe itinerary in Savoie

To choose the right snowshoeing itinerary in Savoie, you first need to define your priorities: duration, level of difficulty, altitude difference and the type of scenery you want. The routes on offer offer a variety of experiences that are accessible to everyone, from family hikers to enthusiasts of sporting panoramas. Short routes such as the Plateau de Beauregard or Lac de La Thuile are suitable for beginners and families, while those looking for more adventure will choose the Pointe de la Galoppaz or Mont Charvin.

Tailor your hike to your preferences and abilities

• Open landscapes: choose the Margériaz or the Nivolet cross for 360-degree views of the Alps.
• Forest atmosphere, snow and silence: Le Revard or certain loops of the Chartreuse are ideal.
• Moderate level and nature immersion: The Mont Charvin loop or the Col du Granier offer an accessible challenge
• Off the beaten track: Opt for the secret routes in the Savoyard Chartreuse.
• Beginners, children or varied groups: Beauregard and Lac de La Thuile are the easiest to get to.

The choice of season also influences the experience: abundant snow cover guarantees great tracks, but requires vigilance about the weather and the risk of avalanches. The presence of professional guides ensures safety and allows you to discover lesser-known places, while adapting the outing to the level of the group.

Savoie remains a benchmark destination for the diversity of its itineraries and the beauty of its unspoilt countryside. By varying the mountain ranges and the scenery, it's easy for everyone to find a hike to suit their needs. To explore lesser-known areas or make progress in safety, it's advisable to rely on the expertise of professionals like those at Wildhartt, who organise guided outings accessible to all. This is the ideal way to get to grips with the mountains, enhance your snowshoeing experience and enjoy the very best of snowshoeing.