Snowshoes are a fantastic way to see a quieter, more relaxed side of the mountains – places undisturbed by the lifts and pistes.
Chamonix snowshoe trails
There are 12 marked snowshoe trails around the Chamonix valley, including ones that start very close to us. This page has a list and PDF map
Our nearest Snowshoe loop, Les Tines
Snowshoe trail to Le Cerro
Marked trails from the lifts
One of the most beautiful is the high snowshoe path at the top of Flegere, perfect for non-skiers to enjoy a day out in the beautiful scenery and crisp air.
Snowshoeing isn’t at all technical and anyone who is comfortable walking can do it. It’s best when the snow is soft and thick – for icy conditions you may find it easier to walk on the trails with boots fitted with chains – easily available in shops here.
Snowshoes – the French is “raquettes” – can be rented inexpensively in most equipment hire shops, and walking shoes are fine, though they need to be ankle height at least to keep the snow out. Wool rather than cotton socks are also best to keep feet warm and dry. You’ll need ski poles, which are provided with the rental, and warm layers – snowshoeing can get hot on the way up!
Although the marked itineraries are well signed and generally in wooded areas, it’s still a high mountain environment and you should observe safety precautions. Make sure someone knows where you are, and when to expect you back. Keep a well charged phone with emergency numbers in an inside pocket.
Snowshoeing at Les Granges
Snowshoeing at Les Granges 
Some snowshoeing snapshots
Chamonix snowshoe guides
The Compagnie des Guides does a lot of snowshoe excursions from the easy and fun, to the highly adventurous.
Tracks and Trails (green travel award winners) run regular daytime and evening snowshoe excursions around Chamonix. You can also snowshoe at night to a restaurant for raclette, lots of fun, especially if there’s a full moon!
