The best snowshoe hikes
With snowshoes on your feet, stride through the powder snow of the Jura Mountains. Snowshoeing is a great way to fully appreciate the wide open spaces and spectacular scenery. Anyone can do this activity which promises a unique blend of all things Nordic! Discover our top snowshoe hikes to be tested without delay.
Snowshoe hiking at La Chapelle-des-Bois
In the department of Doubs, on the Swiss border, try this snowshoe hike at La Chapelle-des-Bois. The trail around the lakes of Les Mortes and Bellefontaine has to be one of the most beautiful for snowshoers.
Located to the south-west of the village, this is a popular walk with families. It takes just over 2 hours to cover the 8km trail (elevation range 50 metres).
Chapelle-des-Bois Nordic site practical info
Snowshoe hiking on the Hauteville plateau
In Upper Bugey, a village named Hauteville stands at an elevation of 850 metres. The site of La Praille offers access to 28km of waymarked snowshoe trails.
The Crêtes itinerary (6.5 km, elevation range 412 metres) takes you to the top of La Praille in 2 1/2 hours. Your efforts will be rewarded by a magnificent 360° panorama over the Alps and Mont-Blanc.
Snowshoe hiking around Grand Colombier
At 1,531 metres above sea level, the Grand Colombier is the highest point of the Bugey region in Ain. It offers a panoramic view over the Alps, Mont-Blanc, Bourget Lake and the Rhône. On this 10.5km loop trail you'll enjoy superb views and wide open spaces on the heights of Grand Colombier!!
Snowshoe hiking in the Hautes Combes
Perfect for snowshoeing, the Hautes Combes (high valleys) are perfect for snowshoeing, with multiple footpaths that unfurl between elevations of 900 and 1,500 metres.
You can reach the waymarked itinerary (12km, 400m elevation range) from the Nordic site of Giron. Snowshoers who are keen to venture into the wilds will love following this succession of glades and snow-covered forests which leads to the Roche Fauconnière panoramic viewpoint!
Snowshoe hiking in the Grandvaux Nordic area
Located between the Hérisson waterfalls and the resort of Les Rousses, the Grandvaux site is truly Nordic by nature. The sensational landscapes of the Grandvaux plateau unfurl between elevations of 880 and 1,170 metres.
From Prénovel you can take the 6km Belvédère de la Brire trail, which crosses the Piards forest.
Snowshoe hiking in Métabief
The resort of Métabief has some lovely snowshoe trails. At 1,463 metres, the top of the Mont d'Or is a magnificent viewpoint. The Métabief ski area is the perfect playground for Nordic sports and features 60km of snowshoe trails.
Tackle the Alpage des Granges Raguin trail, a difficult 7.5km hike, and stop for a break at the Alpage des Granges Raguin Nordic site for a delicious meal prepared from high-quality local produce!
