Snowshoe hike on Plateau du Semnoz

Last winter, I tried snowshoeing and visited a few of the nordic skiing resorts around Annecy. Most of them have prepared tracks (with packed snow) for walking and snowshoes. The first resort I visited was the one closest to Annecy, at Station du Semnoz.

Here is a map of the path I walked (download KML):

The prepared tracks for snowshoes are on the Plateau. To get to the resort, I took the SIBRA winter shuttle: It goes from the center of Annecy to the resort everyday during school holidays and on weekends and Wednesdays the rest of the time. It is possible to rent snowshoes there but my father had lent me his snowshoes so no need. Once at the resort, I walked around for a few hours.

Above, the shuttle doesn’t go to the Plateau like during summer. I got off at Chalet Nordique de la Forêt.

Above, there was not a lot of snow in this area (Secteur du Berger) so at first, I didn’t put the snowshoes on.

Above, summit (Crêt de Châtillon) and some alpine skiing slopes.

Above, Bauges.

Above, path to the Plateau.

Above, snowcats.

Above, Pays de l’Albanais below.

Above, looking towards Lac du Bourget.

Above, when there was more snow, I put the snowshoes on.

Above, to the Plateau.

Above, arriving at the Plateau.

Above, Crêt de Châtillon and Chalet Nordique du Plateau.

Above, since there was not much snow, the tracks had not really been prepared.

Above, Pic de Jallouvre.

Above, Tête de la Mandallaz.

Above, Mont Trélod.

Above, Mont Margeriaz.

Above, La Tournette.

Above, Crêt de l’Aigle.

Above, Mont Blanc.

Above, snowmobile.

Above, Pointe Percée and the Aravis range.

Above, La Tournette and Mont Blanc.

Above, Colombier d’Aillon.

Above, walking back down in order to catch the bus.

Above, sunset on Mont du Chat.

Above, back below the summit after sunset.

Above, SIBRA shuttle.