Snow Shoe Walking - Route Samples in the Aravis

snowshoe walking Our snowshoe walks are graded to allow you to pick one suitable for your level of experience and ability. We describe our winter walks as follows:

Discovery - perfect for first time snowshoers to become accustomed to snow shoes and how best to walk in them. Gentle relaxing winter walks in the local vicinity.

Explorer - for guests who have used snow shoes in the past and want to take on some bigger, more challenging walks.

Adventurer - ideal for adept snowshoe walkers who would like to test their stamina and fitness with some large mountain walks.

The Gorge - our regular favourite!

1.5 - 2hrs return - Discovery

Leave the Lodge and walk down through the old village, taking a right hand turn into the woods heading for the river in the gorge. Follow the mostly flat path along, past the BunJ ride landing site (stop here to watch the bungy jumpers if you like). When you reach the road you cross the river again and double back on yourself to climb the hill back to the Lodge. A scenic yet gentle route great for first time snow shoe walkers.

Plateau de Beauregard

3-4 hours - Discovery

Take the Beauregard cable car from La Clusaz up to the Plateau Bearegard, a height of 1700 metres. From here you can see Mont Blanc as well as having some amazing views over La Clusaz one way and down the valley to Geneva the other. There are dedicated undulating snowshoeing tracks up here which you can follow around the perimeter of the plateau, watching other walkers, cross country skiers and downhill skiers and snowboarders too as you go. There are a couple of lovely restaurants perfect for refreshments up here. We think it's a great place to spend the day winter walking!

Tete du Danay

4-5 hours - Explorer

The Tete du Danay can be seen from the lodge which makes it ideal to go out and conquer as you become more familiar with walking in your snowshoes. Following steady uphill but well marked tracks you will be delighted with the stunning panorama when you reach the wide open summit. The downhill allows you to get to grips with sliding in your snow shoes in places and using your poles wisely. You come out at Lac de Confins which is a beautiful hamlet well served with restaurants and cafes. From there you can catch a bus back to the Lodge.

The Rosay Joyere circuit

4-5 hours - Explorer

Starting in Grand Bornand take the main cable car up to the Rosay. Walk from here uphill to the Chatillion restaurant and from there onwards, in the same direction as the skiers on the draglift, to the col. Cross the col and walk down the other side admiring the views of the Aravis mountains in front of you, following the downhill path until you come to the La Croix cafe , ideal for a rest stop a couple of hours into your walk. From here continue your circular walk through the Joyere section and back towards the Rosay lift, taking care to avoid skiers on a couple of occasions when you cross ski pistes. Finish back at the top of the Rosay lift where you can enjoy a snack before heading down in the lift back to the heart of Grand Bornand village

Col des Annes

5-6 hours - Adventurer

We will drop you at the bottom of the La Duche ski run in the Col des Annes valley. You can then make you way on snowshoes up through the woods, following the ridgeline along as you climb to Col Des Annes. As you climb the clearings amongst the trees allow amazing views of Pointe Percee, the tallest peak on the Aravis, which is situated opposite the ridge. On reaching the top, a height of 1,721 metres, you can look over the otherside of the col towards Chamonix. Your descent will take you parallel to a ski piste, giving you lots to watch as you make your way down.

If you would like to give snowshoeing a break for a day, why not try skiing, snowboarding or cross country skiing instead? Alternatively you could enjoy a swim, visit the city of Annecy, shop at one of the markets or just stay in the lodge and chill out. See our winter other-activites page for more details.