Snowshoeing
Snow walking and snowshoeing in the Alps
Among the many winter activities in the mountains, snowshoes snow are back in the spotlight. Long considered an ancestral mode of transport, they are today a nature activity, accessible, sporty or contemplative, depending on your desires. In the French alps, La Plagne à Courchevel, Via Les Arcs et Meribel, the most beautiful snowshoe outings offer a different way to discover the mountains. Between silent forests, pristine panoramas and secret valleys, the magic happens with every step.
The History of Snowshoes
The snowshoes are not a recent invention. They have been used for over 5 years, particularly in Asia and North America, to move on snow without sinking. Once made of wood and leather thongs, they were vital for hunting, trade, or migration. In Europe, their use was more marginal, reserved for areas with very high snowfall. It was only in the 000th century that they became a leisure activity, first among hikers, then among the general public. Today, modern models made of plastic or aluminum allow for easy and pleasant use, with or without a guide.
The best snowshoeing excursions in the Alps
The French Alps are full of marked or wild routes for practicing snowshoes Snowshoeing, either independently or with a mountain guide. Here are some of the most beautiful outings in the major resorts of Tarentaise in Savoie.
🏔️ La Plagne
La Plagne is a true paradise for snowshoe hikers. Numerous trails wind through it. forests, mountain pastures and high plateaus. The route to the Dou du Praz plateau offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc, while the trail of the Valley of Champagny-le-Haut immerse yourself in a postcard setting, in the heart of a listed site at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park.
But the best part of La Plagne is its sinkholes...
The Dolines of La Plagne: A geological adventure on snowshoes
The sinkholes are amazing natural formations: a kind of basin dug into the limestone by erosion, they dot the plateaus of the La Plagne area. In winter, they fill with snow and form a lunar landscape, hilly, silent, almost unreal. It is an exceptional playground for snowshoe enthusiasts in search of tranquility. The sector of Plagne Villages et Plagne Bellecote and Arpette plateau offer magical routes through these snowy hollows. It is also a perfect place to observe animal tracks and reconnect with nature.
❄️ Méribel
In Méribel, snowshoeing is an invitation to contemplation. Tueda Lake Trail is particularly popular: it runs alongside a nature reserve, with views of the peaks of the Vanoise National Park. If you leave early, it is not uncommon to come across chamois or mountain hares. For a more sporty outing, the ascent to the Plan refuge allows you to gain height and observe the valley from another angle.
🎿 Courchevel
Courchevel offers magnificent snowshoe loops, well marked and safe. Rosière Woods is a classic: a dense, silent forest with snowy clearings perfect for a gourmet break. Lovers of breathtaking views can head to the Loze pass, for an immersion among the fir trees, with the Vanoise glaciers as a backdrop.
🏞️ Les Arcs
The Arcs combine slopes, mountain pastures and forests, and offer numerous routes accessible to snowshoers. The Peisey-Vallandry sector, less frequented, offers walks in a wild and preserved atmosphere. The Rosuel Valley path, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, is a must-see. Accessible to all, it winds between frozen waterfalls, alpine chalets and majestic panoramas.
The best times to go snowshoeing
Snowshoeing can be practiced from the first snows, generally from mid-December, until the snow melts at spring. Here are the best times to enjoy it:
- December : the magic of Christmas in the mountains gives a special flavor to the end-of-year holidays in the Alps.
- January : calm atmosphere, fresh and abundant snow, perfect for animal tracks and photography.
- February : more visitors but magical and often very snowy landscapes.
- Mars : longer days, milder weather, ideal for longer outings and sunny breaks.
- April : at altitude, the snow remains present, and the conditions are excellent for hiking without too much cold.
For lovers of silence, snowshoe outings en late afternoon offer magical atmospheres, especially during supervised outings with headlamp.
Did you know about snowshoes?
For a long time, snowshoeing had a somewhat old-fashioned image, seen as a "grandma's" activity. However, during a local competition in the Alps in the 1990s, a snowshoe runner managed to beat cross-country skiers on a very steep climb, thanks to better grip... Since then, the discipline has gained popularity, and some snowshoe trails see seasoned athletes compete through snowy forests. As you can see, snowshoeing can also rhyme with performance!
Why rent a chalet for a mountain and snowshoeing vacation?
Opt for a chalet When you go on a snow holiday, you're choosing total immersion in the mountain atmosphere. And for an activity like snowshoeing, it's even more relevant:
- Departure on foot : many chalets are located in the immediate vicinity of snowshoe trails or forests.
- Cocooning atmosphere : after a hike in the cold, what a pleasure to find a fireplace, a hot drink or a sauna.
- Convenient storage : shoe room, space for drying clothes, storage for snowshoes... everything is there.
- Amazing views : the chalets are often high up, offering a panoramic view of the mountains at sunrise or sunset.
- Conviviality : this is the ideal option for groups of friends or families looking to share authentic moments after their workout. Skiers and non-skiers alike can comfortably gather in the chalet after a wonderful day on the slopes or in the great outdoors.
In short, the chalet perfectly completes the experience. slow mountain what snowshoeing offers.
What if you went snowshoeing during your next mountain trip?
The snowshoes are much more than an alternative to skiing: they offer a total immersion in the mountains, at a gentler, more intimate pace. Forests of Meribel to the crests of Courchevel, mysterious sinkholes of La Plagne to the wild valleys of Les ArcsThe French Alps are full of varied and magical trails. Whether you're doing it with family or solo, with or without a mountain guide, snowshoe hikes are appealing for their accessibility and authenticity. And to fully enjoy this experience, rent a chalet in the Alps allows you to experience winter differently, between comfort and nature.
Playful and accessible to all, snowshoes are the right plan for a walk leading to the charming hidden corners of the area, away from the crowds of the ski resorts. An ideal mountain activity for groups, families or business seminars, easy and full of surprises. To find out more, check out theexperience snowshoeing in the French Alps.
Contact us to organize your next snowshoeing stay in a chalet in the Alps !
