Snowshoe itinerary : Col du Saix

Hard
3h
4.1km
Round trip
+300m
-300m
Snowshoe itinerary : Col du Saix image1

Description

One of the most beautiful snowshoe hikes in the Abondance valley, a must-do.

Head up the road to La Ville du Nant, where you’ll discover beautiful chalets, traditional farms, and chapels.
At the end of the road, continue along the forest road, then take the trail that leads to the Col du Saix.
Return via the same route. You can also continue your hike toward Barbossine and Petit Châtel (follow the signs for Châtel).

To get to the starting point:
Free municipal shuttle or intercity bus lines 21 and 12: La Ville du Nant stop
On foot: take the pedestrian trail to the Pont du Moulin (allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach La Ville du Nant from the village center)
By car: park at the Pont du Moulin

Marking

Beacons snowshoeing purple.

Map references

Amenities

Guided steps

  1. From La Ville du Nant, head up the road, taking the time to admire the beautiful chalets, traditional farms, and chapels that line the route.

  2. At the end of the road, continue on the forest road.

  3. Then follow the trail that climbs up to the Col du Saix.

  4. Once at the Col du Saix, take in the scenery before beginning your return trip.

  5. To head back down, take the same route in the opposite direction back to La Ville du Nant.
    Alternative route to extend the hike

  6. From the Col du Saix, you can continue toward Barbossine and Petit Châtel by following the signs for Châtel.

Sustainable Tourism

To respect agricultural practices, natural areas, and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Keep and sort your trash, stay on the trails, and close gates behind you.

If you encounter an animal, stop and let it pass.

Do not stray from the trail to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Keep your dog on a leash, or better yet, let it rest in the warmth!

Use designated areas (not the ski runs) and observe opening hours (to prevent nighttime damage).

Make sure you don’t get caught by nightfall.

Stay on marked trails for your safety.

Check the trail’s opening hours and accessibility.

Wear winter-appropriate gear and warm clothing.

Choose a trail and difficulty level suited to your ability.

Check the weather forecast—conditions change quickly in the mountains.

Address
Hameau de La Ville du Nant, 74360, La Chapelle-d'Abondance
Opening
From 19/12 to 28/03 daily. The dates when the trails are open may vary depending on snow conditions and trail markings. Please note that if the avalanche risk is level 4 or higher, the trail is closed by municipal ordinance. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Subject to favorable weather, Subject to snow conditions

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Address
Hameau de La Ville du Nant, 74360, La Chapelle-d'Abondance
Opening
From 19/12 to 28/03 daily. The dates when the trails are open may vary depending on snow conditions and trail markings. Please note that if the avalanche risk is level 4 or higher, the trail is closed by municipal ordinance. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Subject to favorable weather, Subject to snow conditions