Snowshoe Trail: The Descent to Les Esserts

This route offers stunning panoramic views of the Dent d'Oche, the Château d'Oche, and Lake Geneva.
Discover the alpine chalets of Les Pellys and Les Esserts.

There are two options: purchase a pedestrian pass and take the Pré-Richard chairlift.
The route then begins at the top of the chairlift and consists entirely of a descent.

Or take the round-trip route from the bottom of the resort (allow 2 hours and 30 minutes).

From the top station of the Pré-Richard chairlift, head down along the right side of the trail.
Once you reach the flat section, continue to the right, following the fence surrounding a small lake.
At the end of the flat section, cross the trail and the Pellys T-bar lift to take a trail that climbs to the left and leads to a clearing.
Descend via the trail that branches off to the right, which will take you to the flat area where the Mont Baron and Pellys T-bar lifts begin.
Descend a little further, heading toward the right side of the chalet.
The trail enters the forest, winds through a few switchbacks, and emerges into a meadow.
Then descend to the Esserts chalets.
Take the trail that heads into the forest and descends alongside the stream.
Do not take the paths branching off to the right that lead to the Lanche trail.
You’ll reach the parking lot; simply cross it to reach the base of the chairlift.

The snowshoeing itinerary is marked out with purple snowshoeing markers.

There are two ways to complete this route:

Option 1: by chairlift — purchase a pedestrian lift ticket and take the Pré-Richard chairlift. The hike then begins at the top and is all downhill.

Option 2: Round trip on foot — start at the base of the resort and hike the route in both directions. Allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Route from the top of the Pré-Richard chairlift

1. From the top of the Pré-Richard chairlift, begin the descent by following the trail to the right.

2. Once you reach the flat section, continue to the right and follow the fence surrounding a small lake.

3. At the end of the flat section, cross the trail and the Pellys ski lift.

4. Then take the trail that climbs to the left and follow it to a clearing.

5. In the clearing, take the trail that descends to the right. This trail leads to the flat area at the base of the Mont Baron and Pellys ski lifts.

6. Continue downhill toward the right side of the chalet.

7. Take the forest path, which winds a few times before opening onto a meadow.

8. Descend across the meadow to the Esserts chalets.

9. At the chalets, take the trail that enters the forest and descends alongside the stream.

10. Continue the descent, staying on this trail. Do not take the paths branching off to the right, as they lead to the Lanche trail.

11. Continue to the parking lot, then cross it to reach the base of the Pré-Richard chairlift.