Le Semnoz

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Le Semnoz, affectionately nicknamed “the Annecy locals’ mountain”, is a vast plateau and Prealps summit rising to 1,702 metres (Crêt de Châtillon), offering an exceptional 360° panorama over Lake Annecy, the Bauges massif, the Aravis and Mont-Blanc. Easily accessible from Annecy, it’s a four-season nature leisure destination, valued for its family atmosphere and preserved setting. In winter, Le Semnoz becomes a friendly alpine and Nordic ski area, ideal for learning and relaxing. In summer, it becomes the playground of hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor activity enthusiasts, always with this breathtaking view as a backdrop.

📌 Northern French Alps – Haute-Savoie

Le Semnoz

📏 Altitude: 1480 m

🎿 Alpine skiing: 20 km

⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 35 km

🌟 Resort style: Snow stadium

💰 From 18.5 €/day (2025-2026)

10 green

4 blue

4 red

1 black

Overview of Le Semnoz

Le Semnoz is characterised by its vast high pastures, deep forests and open views. The architecture is discreet and integrated, consisting mainly of a few mountain restaurants, traditional mountain farms and leisure infrastructure (ski welcome chalets, summer sledging). The Cret de Chatillon summit — the highest point — has an orientation table to fully enjoy the panorama. The access roads — from the Annecy or Bauges sides — wind through varied landscapes. The overall impression is of a natural space where tourist developments have been designed to respect the environment.

Our review — Le Semnoz

★★☆☆☆ 2.8/5

Ski area — key figures — Le Semnoz

🌟 Snow stadium (Haute-Savoie)
📏 1480 m Village altitude (1702 m Top altitude)
🏨 509 tourist beds
🎿 19 runs

52.6%

21.1%

5.3%

🚠 12 ski lifts

Power moment^*: 1437 km.sk/h (Small resort)

Average lift age: 20 years

Get directions to Le Semnoz

When to visit

Le Semnoz in summer

In summer, Le Semnoz is a true green lung — ideal for escaping valley heat and enjoying a wealth of activities. Hiking is king, with numerous marked trails for all levels leading to the Cret de Chatillon for its 360° view, or through the high pastures to encounter the herds. Mountain biking is also very popular, with dedicated routes. The summer sledge and devalkart provide fun thrills for the whole family. It is also a site appreciated for picnicking, contemplating the landscapes and discovering local flora and fauna. The proximity of the Lac d’Annecy allows you to easily combine mountain pleasures with water activities.

🎯 Things to do in summer:

✅ Road cycling • ✅ Downhill MTB • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Tree climbing • ✅ Summer sledging

Le Semnoz in winter

In winter, Le Semnoz transforms into a convivial, family-friendly winter sports destination. Its alpine ski area is particularly well suited to beginners and children, with gentle runs and a safe environment. Nordic skiing is also well represented, with a fine area laid out in both classic and skating technique, offering magnificent views over the snowy Alps. Numerous marked snowshoe routes allow you to explore the forest and ridges at your own pace. Safe toboggan areas and activities such as dog sledding and ski joering (depending on the season) complete the offering for a successful snow day or stay — just a few minutes from Annecy.

🎯 Things to do in winter:

✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing • ✅ Winter walks

Skiing

Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Le Semnoz: Le Semnoz (alpin), Le Semnoz (nordique).

Ski area — Le Semnoz

⛰️ Altitudes: 1430 m – 1702 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 20 km
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 35 km
💰 Day pass: 18.5 €

The Semnoz alpine ski area is an ideal site for families and beginner to intermediate skiers. It extends across two slopes (Annecy and Bauges sides), between approximately 1,350 and 1,700 metres altitude. It offers around twenty runs (mainly green and blue, complemented by a few red), served by around ten ski lifts (mainly drag lifts and one chairlift). The ski area is known for its relaxed atmosphere, affordable prices and unbeatable views. A snowpark is generally laid out for freestyle enthusiasts. A perfect place to learn to ski gently or for a pleasure day’s skiing without the pressure of large ski areas.

Our full guide to Le Semnoz

Cross-country ski area — Le Semnoz

⛰️ Altitudes: 1390 m – 1640 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 35 km
💰 Day pass: 8 €

Le Semnoz is a very popular Nordic skiing destination, offering around 35 to 46 kilometres of trails (depending on sources and snowfall) in both classic and skating technique. The trails wind through forests and high-altitude plateaus, offering exceptional panoramas over the Lac d’Annecy, the Bauges, the Aravis and Mont Blanc. The ski area is spread across three sectors (La Foret, Le Grand Plateau, Plateau Berger) and offers routes at all levels (green, blue, red, one black). Nordic chalets provide equipment hire, warm rooms and information. An ideal setting for both sporty and contemplative cross-country skiing.

Our full guide to Le Semnoz

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