Snowshoeing near Annecy: Semnoz plateau with lake views

The calm of a snowy mountain comes from walking your own tracks in silence.

A three-hour snowshoeing activity near Annecy on the Semnoz plateau, where you trek through fresh snow with panoramic views of lakes Annecy and Bourget and the surrounding Alpine massifs. The guide provides snowshoes and poles. The route follows the plateau's open terrain at a pace that suits all fitness levels. English and French guides are available.

The experience

You start 30 minutes from Annecy at the Semnoz plateau, an emblematic winter site in Haute-Savoie. After getting acquainted with your guide and strapping on the snowshoes and poles provided, you head out onto the plateau itself. The route follows the open terrain, leaving your tracks one after another in the snow as you move through the winter landscape. The pace is steady but manageable: the guide sets it so everyone stays together.

What makes this plateau worth the trip is the panorama. From the height of Semnoz, you see across to both lakes Annecy and Bourget, and the surrounding Alpine massifs rise around them. On a clear day, the view frames the whole region. The snowshoeing itself is straightforward: you're walking, not climbing, and the fresh snow absorbs sound. That quiet is part of what draws people here: the mountain feels empty even though you're close enough to Annecy to drive back for dinner.

What’s included

• Snowshoes and poles provided.
• three-hour guided trek across the Semnoz plateau with a live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

AgesFrom age 6

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Alexperiencedescimes

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here since the guide sets one pace for everyone walking together. Choose this if you want a straightforward winter outing close to Annecy without technical climbing or long commutes.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Semnoz from Annecy, and how do I get there?

Semnoz sits 30 minutes from Annecy by car. The operator does not arrange transport, so you'll need your own vehicle or a taxi to reach the starting point.

What's included in the snowshoeing trip?

Snowshoes and poles are provided. You bring warm clothes and waterproof boots. The guide leads the group and sets the pace for the three-hour outing.

Can I do this if I've never snowshoed before?

Yes. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the guide introduces you to the snowshoes before you set out. No prior experience is needed.

What are the views like from Semnoz?

Semnoz offers panoramic views of lakes Annecy and Bourget and the surrounding Alpine massifs. The plateau's open terrain gives you sightlines across the region.