Discover the 4 most beautiful hikes in Semnoz, Annecy, a stunning ski resort. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery and experience nature at its finest while exploring the crête trail and other scenic trails accessible by the ski lift.

If you find yourself in Haute-Savoie, you simply cannot miss the alpine experience and the most beautiful hikes in Semnoz! This popular destination for Annecy residents offers a wealth of activities to enjoy year-round, from hiking and snowshoeing to skiing. Discover the best trails on this famous mountain summit. Whether you’re looking for a resort getaway or a challenging course, Semnoz has it all.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Annecy, the Semnoz mountain massif stretches from the Chéran river to the shores of Lake Annecy. With stunning alpine meadows and breathtaking views of the Bauges, Alps, and Jura massifs, Semnoz is a true gem in the region. Take a ski lift up to the summit and explore the beautiful crête trail.

In the heart of Haute-Savoie, Semnoz park offers an alpine experience that will certainly meet each of your desires. It’s very simple, between hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or mountain biking, the Semnoz represents the paradise of outdoor activities. What are the essential crête trail routes of the massif? Here is our selection of 4 hikes that will give you a full view.

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Most Beautiful Hikes in Semnoz

1. The Gruffy and the Semnoz

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Distance: 13.2 km
• Height difference: 1,158 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Let’s kick off our selection of Semnoz mountain trails with a thrilling and challenging alpine experience. This trail takes you to the Semnoz plateau through the village of Gruffy, offering a refreshing and scenic escape from the summer heat. The trail passes through the undergrowth, giving you the chance to soak in the lush surroundings while enjoying a ski-like adventure.

As you climb towards the crest of Châtillon, the real magic of the mountain hike begins. The trail offers an awe-inspiring alpine experience with a panorama of the highest peaks of Haute-Savoie, a sight to behold. Finally, you will reach Semnoz through its spectacular ridges, allowing you to discover the Savoyard hinterland including Bauges, Bornes, Aravis, Beaufortain, and of course, the iconic Mont-Blanc. This track is truly an original by Chloé Perceval.

Pro tip: On the Semnoz mountain track, an altitude restaurant called the “Courant d’Ere” can be found. It provides a delicious gourmet stopover before you continue your ascent on the La Visitation loop.

2. The tour of the Semnoz plateau

• Duration: about 3 hours
• Distance: 8.4 km
• Height difference: 405 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

When visiting Haute-Savoie, one cannot miss the tour of the Semnoz plateau which offers breathtaking views of the region. Climbing the real summit of Semnoz, the Crêt de Châtillon, is a must-do for runners at 1,699 meters above sea level. This trail provides spectacular panoramas of the Bauges, Aravis, and Mont Blanc massifs, making it an ideal track for a run.

As the crête trail area in Semnoz mountain is very popular with the locals, it’s best to avoid the busiest hours and set off early to fully enjoy the hike. An altitude restaurant and direct cheese sales are also available along the track. Take a lunch break in the heart of nature and bring back the best local souvenirs.

3. The Semnoz by Leschaux

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Distance: 15.1 km
• Height difference: 801 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Starting from Leschaux, an alternative route to reach the top of Semnoz is to climb up the Crêt du Châtillon trail, then continue on the track to the Crêt de Tertere, Crêt de la Grande Danne, before finally reaching the shores of Lake Annecy.

This scenic track will take you through picturesque villages of Haute-Savoie, and offer you breathtaking views of the Bauges massif, as well as the city of Annecy and its beautiful lake. This easy and accessible hike is the perfect option for exploring Semnoz and Lake Annecy in one day.

4. The Semnoz by the ridge trail

• Duration: about 6 hours
• Distance: 16.3 km
• Height difference: 686 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

A last solution to discover the Semnoz is to make a loop from Annecy. This will allow you to get a great view of the lake during a good part of the hike.

Passing through the Promontory and La Croix du Chef-Lieu, this alternative allows you to take a less touristy path and have access to mountain panoramas including the Tournette. It is also a sublime view of Lake Annecy that will be offered to you on the entire return.

Magnificent, sporty, and holding the most unmissable panoramas of the region, it is the hike to Semnoz that will show you the different attractions of Haute-Savoie, including la visitation. I hope you find the article “hikes in Semnoz” helpful.