Snowshoeing in Savoie
In short
Three snowshoe routes are worth the trip in Savoie this winter: the Dos de Crêt-Voland in the Belleville valley (easy, 4 h), Mont Rosset from La Côte d’Aime (easy, 7 h) and the Grand Crétet near the Nant du Beurre refuge (8 h). Enough to enjoy views of the Vanoise, the Beaufortain and Mont Blanc, depending on the route chosen.
Key takeaways
- Dos de Crêt-Voland (Belleville valley): easy, 4 h, 500 m of ascent, view of the Grande Casse and Mont Blanc.
- Mont Rosset (La Côte d’Aime): easy, 7 h, about 1,000 m of ascent, view of the Vanoise and the Gran Paradiso.
- Grand Crétet (Nant du Beurre refuge): 8 h, 900 m of ascent, view of the Grande Lauzière.
- Recommended safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, with prior training.
Snowshoeing in the mountains is very popular with visitors to Savoie and the north of the Isère. It lets you discover the wild beauty of many sites in the region.
Experienced hikers can choose one of the many routes near the ski resorts. Prior training in using an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe is recommended to better manage avalanche risks.
Below, we suggest three of the most popular routes among snowshoeing enthusiasts.
Snowshoeing on the Dos de Crêt-Voland, in the Belleville valley
The Dos de Crêt-Voland, starting from Béranger (Saint-Martin-de-Belleville), is an easy snowshoe hike lasting 4 hours with 500 metres of ascent, about 40 km (45 min) from our campsite via Moûtiers. This route, near the 3 Vallées ski area, lets you discover several natural panoramas, such as the Encombres valley. It is a varied route with fairly gentle slopes among many mountain pasture chalets.
On reaching the summit ridge, you can see the Grande Casse and the Grand Bec, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc massif.
Along the route, you can also admire the Lauzière range, the Beaufortain, the Bauges and La Tournette up close.
A real treat for snowshoe hiking fans!
Snowshoeing up Mont Rosset
Mont Rosset is an easy snowshoe hike lasting 7 hours with close to 1,000 metres of ascent from La Côte d’Aime. According to experts, the route remains accessible for amateurs as it has no technical difficulties. It offers views of the splendour of the Vanoise peaks, the Gran Paradiso, the Italian Ruitor massif and the iconic Pierra Menta.
The route starts halfway between the chalet clearings and the forest. The adventure then continues gradually to the summit ridge. Once at the top of the Roignais, you can see the highest point of the Beaufortain, at an altitude of 2,995 metres. A moment of euphoria for hikers, especially those reaching one of Savoie's summits for the first time.
Snowshoeing up the Grand Crétet
At 2,292 metres, the Grand Crétet is an ideal summit for snowshoe hiking in Savoie. This route, very close to the Nant du Beurre municipal refuge, takes about 8 hours with 900 metres of ascent. Along the way, you cross many pastures suited to snowshoeing. However, avoid the groomed Nordic ski tracks.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Grande Lauzière massif on this route. Note that it takes an hour to reach the summit via the slopes. You will then be welcomed by an outstanding viewpoint over the Vanoise and the Beaufortain.
In conclusion
To make the most of your stay in the region, we recommend the Eden de la Vanoise campsite, a top accommodation choice with every comfort.
The campsite attracts many snowshoeing enthusiasts, an activity known for its health benefits. Muscle strengthening, mental balance and a healthy cardiovascular system are among its main advantages.
Sébastien’s tipCheck the avalanche risk bulletin before each outing, even on these routes considered easy, and always go with someone who knows how to use a transceiver, shovel and probe: these are mountain outings, not simple waymarked walks.