Would you like to discover snow-covered landscapes this winter? Here are the best snowshoe hikes in the Alps!
In winter, the authority of the Alpine landscape can be frightening. From the highest peaks in Europe to the small streams nestling in peaceful valleys… everything seems inaccessible. But think again! This wilderness is not just for snow sports enthusiasts.
For those who prefer a more contemplative approach, there’s also the option of taming the snow. So don’t delay, strap on your snowshoes and set off to discover these dazzling landscapes! Here are the 13 most beautiful snowshoe hikes in the Alps.
1. The deer trail
Photo credit: Shutterstock – aaltair
- Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Distance: 2.4 km
- Height difference: 173 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
This is one of the best snowshoe hikes in the Alps. And with good reason: the Deer Trail lives up to its name. At the end of this well-marked loop, you arrive at the Mouilles watering hole. This spot is known to be a frequent visitor of deer…
A word of advice: hike early in the morning for the best chance of success!
2. The Charmoz ridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – michelangeloop
- Duration: 1 day
- Distance: 12.6 km
- Height difference: 1,042 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
The trail that takes you to the summits of Charmoz begins at Le Couteray. A three-hour climb awaits you. But don’t worry: it’s all worth it! Once you reach the top, the panorama is breathtaking. The Aiguilles Rouges massif and Mont-Blanc stretch out spectacularly before you.
A true moment of escape, not to be missed among snowshoe hikes in the Alps.
3. Lac Vert loop
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JJM Photography
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Height difference: 110 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Of all the snowshoe hikes in the Alps, the Lac Vert loop is perhaps the one that best combines accessibility and wonder. The trail is easy and well-marked. It takes you all the way around Lac Vert.
The transparency of its placid waters allows us to observe the vegetation sleeping at the bottom of the lake. This is what gives the lake its astonishing color. But this jewel of the Alps has another magic trick up its sleeve. The reflection of Mont Blanc on its surface is sharper than anywhere else.
4. The Dioux circuit
Photo credit: Facebook – Au fil des chemins de Nat & Jack
- Duration: 1 hour
- Distance: 2.3 km
- Height difference: 34 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Head to the Chartreuse massif for one of the most enjoyable snowshoe hikes in the Alps. This short loop links Saint-Hilaire to Saint-Bernard-du-Touvet, offering a refreshing family outing. An ideal (and not too tiring) excuse to enjoy a hot chocolate after a day in the snow!
On the program: a splendid panorama of the Grésivaudan valley and the discovery of the pretty Dioux waterfalls.
5. Granier pass
Photo credit: Shutterstock – EBASCOL
- Duration: 2h30
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Height difference: 108 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
A true natural monument, the Granier massif is the emblematic silhouette of Chambéry. Among other attributes that make it unique, it is split by the highest cliff in France! And yet, the hike up it is very accessible, and can even be done in winter with snowshoes on your feet.
The reward: a magnificent view of the Chambéry basin, Lac du Bourget, the Combe de Savoie, the Bauges and Mont-Blanc. A must-see.
6. La pointe de la Cochette
Photo credit: Facebook – Chartreuse Tourisme
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Height difference: 426 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Often overshadowed by its prestigious neighbors ( Mont Granier, Grand Som, Charmant Som and Chamechaude), Pointe de la Clochette is home to one of the best snowshoeing trails in the Alps. In a land where the snow often conceals dangerous traps, this trail allows you to evolve in complete safety.
And of course, the panorama is superb! A not-to-be-missed getaway to enjoy the alpine snows and admire the diaphanous peaks.
7. La boucle du rocher Diseur
Photo credit: Shutterstock – xc
- Duration: 3h30
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Height difference: 288 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Looking for an accessible snowshoe hike in the Hautes-Alpes? The Rocher Diseur loop is a versatile family trail. While in summer it’s just as easy to hike as it is to mountain bike, in winter it’s easy to cross on snowshoes.
Leave from the Montgenèvre tourist office to reach the Diseur rock. Just follow the signs. Once at the top, you can admire the panoramic view over the Durance and Clarée valleys, then Briançon.
If you’d like to discover the magnificent Clarée valley in depth, we recommend this snowshoeing and orienteering excursion in the Hautes-Alpes. During the 3-day expedition, you’ll learn the basics of mountain orientation and safety from a local expert guide, and discover the breathtaking scenery that the Hautes-Alpes has to offer.
8. The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges loop
Photo credit: Shutterstock – zhukovvlad
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Height difference: 55 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Want to discover one of the best snowshoe hikes in the Alps? Then take the Prorel gondola lift in the Southern Alps. Your objective? To reach the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel on the Dran plain!
The trail’s backdrop is the snow-covered plateau, dazzling and immense. Magnificent vistas await you of the various mountains, rocks, teeth and peaks all around.
9. Lombarde pass
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Wirestock Images
- Duration: 4h30
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 331 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Welcome to the Alpes-Maritimes! Put on your snowshoes and set off to discover the Col de la Lombarde. A lovely hike awaits you. It takes place along the Mercantour, straddling France andItaly. The landscape is beautiful, luminous and relaxing. Ideal for recharging your batteries.
There are no difficulties along the way. However, you should allow about six hours to complete it. Enough to test your endurance!
10. The Monal loop
Photo credit: Shutterstock – plprod
- Duration: 5 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Height difference: 626 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
To discover one of the most beautiful snowshoe hikes in the Alps, head for the Tarentaise valley. The Monal loop takes you through 10 kilometers of forest trails. Ruined chapels, Alpine chalets and picturesque streams all add to the enchantment.
If you feel like it, leave the path for a moment to reach the Raie waterfall. A little wonder!
11. The frozen Rouget waterfall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Makafushigi
- Duration: 3h30
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Ascent: 453 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
In winter, Haute-Savoie reveals new surprises in the heart of its wild landscapes… Among them is the so-called Queen of the Alps: the Rouget waterfall and its 80-metre drop. Put on your snowshoes and set off to discover the waterfall as it appears, motionless and frozen!
The round trip takes three and a half hours. For more information on this snowshoe hike, visit the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval tourist office.
12. La Croix du Colomban
Photo credit: Shutterstock – angelshot
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 380 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Looking for a snowshoe hike near La Clusaz? Then set off on the Croix du Colomban, a trail that allows you to discover unspoilt snow-covered landscapes.
Follow the signs without being distracted by hikers’ footprints. This is a beautiful loop, offering all the charm of the alpine pastures. Don’t miss the little detour to reach the cross and enjoy the panoramic view over the valley!
13. The Astragales circuit
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difference in altitude: 508 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
It’s impossible to list the most beautiful snowshoe hikes in the Alps without mentioning Queyras! The Astragales trail takes in some of the region’s pretty hamlets. In particular, it takes you to Europe’s highest village, Saint-Véran.
Fantastic views of the Guil valley, mountains, mountain pastures and forests. A real breath of fresh air!