Snowshoeing
Walking on snow and escaping into the Alps with snowshoes
Among the many winter mountain activities, snowshoeing is back in the spotlight. Long viewed as an ancestral way of moving across snow, it has now become a nature-led activity, accessible, sporty or contemplative depending on your mood. In the French Alps, from La Plagne to Courchevel, via Les Arcs and Méribel, the finest snowshoeing outings offer a different way to discover the mountain. Between silent forests, immaculate panoramas and secret valleys, the magic happens with every step.
The history of snowshoes
Snowshoes are not a recent invention. They have been used for more than 5,000 years, particularly in Asia and North America, as a way of moving across snow without sinking. Once made of wood and leather thongs, they were vital for hunting, trading and migration. In Europe, their use was more marginal, reserved for the most heavily snow-covered regions. It was not until the 20th century that they became a leisure activity, first among hikers, then with the wider public. Today, modern models in plastic or aluminium make for an easy and pleasant practice, with or without a guide.
The finest snowshoeing outings in the Alps
The French Alps are full of marked or wild routes for snowshoeing, either on your own or with a mountain guide. Here are some of the finest outings in the leading Tarentaise resorts of Savoie.
🏔️ La Plagne
La Plagne is a true paradise for snowshoers. Numerous trails wind through forests, alpine pastures and high-altitude plateaus. The route to the Dou du Praz plateau offers a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, while the path through the Champagny-le-Haut Valley dives into a postcard-perfect setting at the heart of a protected site, on the doorstep of the Vanoise National Park.
But La Plagne’s must-see is its dolines…
The dolines of La Plagne: a geological adventure on snowshoes
Dolines are surprising natural formations: bowl-like depressions carved into the limestone by erosion that dot the plateaus of the La Plagne area. In winter, they fill with snow to form a lunar landscape, undulating, silent, almost surreal. They are an exceptional playground for snowshoeing enthusiasts in search of peace and quiet. The Plagne Villages and Plagne Bellecôte sectors and the Arpette plateau offer magical routes through these snow-filled hollows. It is also a perfect place to spot animal tracks and reconnect with nature.
❄️ Méribel
In Méribel, snowshoeing is an invitation to contemplation. The Lac de Tueda trail is particularly popular: it skirts a nature reserve with views of the peaks of the Vanoise National Park. By setting off early, it is not unusual to encounter chamois or mountain hares. For a sportier outing, the climb to the Plan refuge takes you higher up to enjoy the valley from a different angle.
🎿 Courchevel
Courchevel offers magnificent snowshoeing loops, well marked and safe. The Bois de la Rosière is a classic: a dense, silent forest with snow-covered clearings perfect for a gourmet break. Lovers of breathtaking views can head towards the Col de la Loze, for an immersion among the firs with the glaciers of the Vanoise as a backdrop.
🏞️ Les Arcs
Les Arcs combines pistes, alpine pastures and forests, offering many routes accessible to snowshoers. The Peisey-Vallandry sector, less crowded, offers walks in a wild, preserved atmosphere. The Vallon de Rosuel path, at the heart of the Vanoise National Park, is a must. Accessible to all, it winds between frozen waterfalls, mountain chalets and majestic panoramas.
The best times for snowshoeing
Snowshoeing can be enjoyed from the first snowfalls, generally from mid-December, until the spring thaw. Here are the best moments to make the most of it:
- December: the magic of Christmas in the mountains gives a special flavour to year-end holidays in the Alps.
- January: a peaceful atmosphere, fresh and abundant snow, perfect for animal tracks and photography.
- February: busier, but with magical landscapes and often plenty of snow.
- March: longer days, milder weather, ideal for longer outings and sunny breaks.
- April: at altitude, the snow is still there, and conditions are excellent for hiking without the cold.
For lovers of silence, snowshoeing outings in the late afternoon offer magical atmospheres, especially during guided sessions with a head torch.
Did you know? Snowshoeing trivia
For a long time, snowshoeing had a slightly old-fashioned image, perceived as a “granny activity”. Yet, during a local competition in the Alps in the 1990s, a snowshoe runner managed to beat cross-country skiers on a very steep ascent thanks to better grip… Ever since, the discipline has gained popularity, and some snowshoe trail races now bring seasoned athletes head-to-head through snow-covered forests. Just goes to show — snowshoeing can also rhyme with performance!
Why rent a chalet for a snowy mountain holiday with snowshoeing?
Choosing a chalet for a snow holiday means opting for total immersion in the mountain atmosphere. And for an activity such as snowshoeing, it is even more relevant:
- Set off on foot: many chalets sit right next to snowshoe trails or forests.
- Cosy atmosphere: after a walk in the cold, what a pleasure to come back to a fireside, a hot drink or a sauna.
- Practical storage: boot room, drying space for clothes, snowshoe storage… it’s all there.
- Stunning views: chalets are often located high up, offering panoramic mountain views at sunrise or sunset.
- Conviviality: it is the perfect format for groups of friends or families wanting to share authentic moments after the effort. Skiers and non-skiers gather comfortably back at the chalet after a fine day on the slopes or out in the open air.
In short, the chalet is the perfect complement to the slow mountain experience that snowshoeing offers.
What if you tried snowshoeing on your next mountain stay?
Snowshoeing is much more than an alternative to skiing: it offers total immersion in the mountain at a slower, more intimate pace. From the forests of Méribel to the ridges of Courchevel, from the mysterious dolines of La Plagne to the wild valleys of Les Arcs, the French Alps are full of varied and magical itineraries. Whether enjoyed as a family or alone, with or without a mountain guide, snowshoe walks delight with their accessibility and authenticity. And to make the most of this experience, renting a chalet in the Alps lets you enjoy winter differently, blending comfort and nature.
Fun and accessible to all, snowshoes are the perfect way to wander into the charming hidden corners of the area, away from the crowds of the ski resorts. An ideal mountain activity in groups, with family or as a corporate retreat — easy and full of surprises. To learn more, discover the snowshoeing experience in the Alps.
Get in touch with us to organise your next snowshoeing chalet holiday in the Alps!
