Snowshoe rental: top places to explore winter

Snowshoeing first has the advantage of being inexpensive: you'll only have to pay a few euros for equipment rental per day, and possibly buy a pedestrian pass for the ski lifts, to reach certain starting points.

Sporty without being exclusive, it's also a winter activity that adapts to everyone, thanks to the variety of routes: small easy loops for families, longer itineraries or outings with significant elevation gain for experienced walkers.

This practice especially offers the opportunity to slow down and observe the snowy landscapes, animal tracks, mountain wildlife, etc. By following marked trails away from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes, snowshoeing allows you to enjoy a quieter, more authentic and rejuvenating mountain.

Are you looking for marked snowshoeing trails or providers for guided off-the-beaten-path excursions? Here are some of the most renowned ski resorts for their offer of walking or snowshoeing itineraries.

LES SAISIES AND ITS 65 KM OF TRAILS (NORTHERN ALPS)

In the area of Saisies, in Savoie, there are 65 km of marked ungroomed trails, designed for snowshoeing.

In total, you have access to 7 different itineraries, including the trail of the Col de la Lézette to warm up (3 km – 100 m D+), the circuit of the Saisies forest for a half-day hike (6 km – 250 m D+) or the ascent of Mont Bisanne for the most athletic in search of exceptional panoramas (8 km – 500 m D+).

The resort provides free shuttles to reach the different starting points for hikes, and you can also use several ski lifts as a pedestrian to reach the heights more quickly.

THE VILLAGES OF LA PLAGNE (NORTHERN ALPS)

Breathtaking landscapes, a wide variety of routes, hiking departures from different villages: La Plagne is an attractive resort for snowshoeing enthusiasts.

On the side of Champagny-en-Vanoise, there are 10 itineraries, of easy, moderate, or advanced level. Between snowy forests, panoramas of mountain villages, the valley and the peaks, passages through mountain hamlets: there's something for everyone!

From La Plagne-Vallée, you have access to 9 trails, which cater to families as well as experienced hikers, and which also allow you to enjoy a beautiful diversity of landscapes.

La Plagne Montalbert is the starting point for 7 hikes, some of which are playful and fun, perfect for an outing with the children.

Finally, from Montchavin-Les Coches, you can set out to conquer 6 snowshoeing itineraries : Plan Bois plateau for a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, crossing hamlets to connect Montchavin and Les Coches, etc.

Some routes are also traced from the other villages of La Plagne, and guides can accompany you almost everywhere on the domain.

THE RESORTS OF CHAMPSAUR VALGAUDEMAR (SOUTHERN ALPS)

In the Hautes-Alpes, the resorts of the Champsaur Valgaudemar valleys have a wide choice of marked trails to offer walkers.

On the side of the resort ofAncelle, there are 12 itineraries, from 1.8 km to 11 km, which allow you to marvel at the snowy landscapes. Departures are from the chalet of the Nordic site (6 routes with more or less difficulty), from the snowfront parking, from Saint-Hilaire and from Moissière.

If you reside in Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, you will find a pedestrian path and 3 snowshoe trails : 3 Serres loop for the view, Libouse Plateau to reach the high-altitude restaurant, and Bouscatu loop for a quiet stroll amidst snowy fields.

Nearby, Orcières-Merlette 1850 also has beautiful hikes to offer, but they are reserved for rather experienced hikers: Le Forest des Marches with its 6.5 km and 250 m D+ offers breathtaking panoramas, while the Discovery of the Hamlets leads you to the base of Orcières 1310 during a 7.8 km descent.

LES ROUSSES AND THE SURROUNDING NORDIC SITES (JURA)

The Jura is another mountain range particularly suitable for Nordic activities, whether cross-country skiing or hiking.

In Rousses and in nearby villages, there are a total of 74 km of marked trails that are accessible with snowshoes on your feet. Departures are mainly from the Rousses resort, which has 7 itineraries, from one kilometer to 8 km. So there's plenty to stroll with the children, but also more athletic routes to do in a half-day.

To discover other landscapes, you can also depart from Lamoura (6 itineraries), from Prémanon (one loop and a round trip) or from Bois d’Amont (4 km loop and 10 km hike to Chalet Gaillard).

THE FONT-ROMEU DOMAIN (PYRENEES)

Are you going to the Pyrenees? Font-Romeu is one of the best resorts for snowshoeing, especially if you are looking for undemanding routes and/or to do with children.

Departing from Font-Romeu, most hikes are easy level, with a low elevation gain and a walking time of about 1 hour.

For a bit more difficulty, you will have to go to Eyne Cambre d’Aze, which offers two athletic itineraries allowing you to reach superb viewpoints (Roques Blanques and Rec del Moli routes).

Finally, further north, the sector of the Galbe Valley offers 4 routes from 2.2 to 6.8 km, for all levels.

THE RESORTS OF THE SANCY MASSIF (MASSIF CENTRAL)

If you want to spend your winter holidays in the Massif Central, the Sancy massif is the ideal place for walking or snowshoeing.

Two main sectors gather 80 km of marked and groomed trails, also accessible to pedestrians with suitable hiking shoes:

• Besse Super-Besse and its 7 routes, on the side of the Vassivière Chapel, Lake Pavin and Puy de Chambourguet.

• La Bourboule Domain, Mont-Dore, Chastreix and La Tour d'Auvergne, revealing 12 routes of varying lengths, between wooded trails and high-altitude plateau.

If you opt for an accompanied outing with a guide, the hiking fee generally includes the provision of snowshoes and a pair of poles.

But if you wish to explore the routes independently, you will need to rent or buy your own equipment. To do this, head to the Sport 2000 online rental site, where most of our stores allow you to make your reservation in a few clicks at the best price: select your stay dates, then the resort where you will spend your holidays, and finally the store of your choice. Go to the “Cross-country and other slides” category to find snowshoes and add them to your cart.

And if snowshoes are not available online, it is often still possible to rent them directly in store, for half a day, a day, for several days or even for the entire week.

In store, the team will advise you on choosing the right size, wearing appropriate shoes for the activity, and properly using your snowshoes uphill and downhill. You can also ask for a pair of poles, almost essential to facilitate the ascent and to slow down the descent.