The Semnoz is a mountain near Annecy that stretches over 16 km between Annecy, Le Col de Leschaux, Alby-sur-Chéran, and Saint-Jorioz. An exceptional view awaits you at the summit, ranging from the Mont Blanc chain to the Écrins massif, passing by the Bourget Lake to Aix les Bains. Whether in summer or winter, the Semnoz is truly the favorite mountain of the people of Annecy.
The favorite mountain of the people of Annecy
This large mountain rises to 1,699 meters above sea level and stretches over 15 kilometers long. It starts on the foothills of Saint Jorioz and ends overlooking the city of Annecy at the level of the Basilica of the Visitation. The summit of the Semnoz consists of a large plateau located 20 minutes from Annecy by car. You can admire the Tournette, the Bauges, and especially Mont Blanc in good weather. Two hotel-restaurants at the summit offer excellent local specialties such as rhubarb pie and porcini mushroom fondue. You can also sleep in a unique accommodation, igloos!
In winter, the Semnoz massif welcomes the people of Annecy and vacationers with its alpine and cross-country ski resort that offers dozens of kilometers of slopes. It is also possible to practice snowboarding, monoskiing, or even sledding thanks to the sledding track installed in the heart of the resort.
Summer is no less interesting as the massif offers beautiful walks and hikes on foot or by mountain bike amidst the alpine pastures, paragliders, and animals. This massif is particularly appreciated by mountain bike enthusiasts with its many marked trails. It also features a summer tobogganing station, which will provide you with great sensations.
The Puisots
By taking the road that leads to the summit of the Semnoz from Annecy. After driving for about 10 minutes, you arrive at a large clearing on your left: The Puisots. You can park along the road or in the parking lot on the left. The buildings correspond to the leisure center of the Puisots, which welcomes many children each year to enjoy a few days in the mountains.
You can also have a picnic at the wooden tables. By going up to the top of the meadow, you can follow the path to discover the fauna and flora of the Alps. In winter, the Puisots transform into a vast sledding track.
Summer activities at the Semnoz
The summer resort offers many activities for visitors: tobogganing, deval’kart track, mini-kart circuit for the youngest, downhill rollerblading, and of course many bike or walking trails. Paragliding enthusiasts can also take off from the summit. The Semnoz is a mountain for families, and many marked walks allow you to discover the fauna and flora of the Northern Alps.
Guided hikes take place twice a day, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The morning departure is at 9:45 AM in front of the central ticket office, and the walk lasts about 3 hours. The afternoon hike benefits from the ascent via the Télémix and lasts two hours. Each group of 15 people follows the lumberjack trail up towards the Grands Chalets. The guide meets the animals and explains the forest ecosystem. You can take advantage of the free shuttles to go up to the Semnoz. The price for these educational hikes is €10 for adults and €8 for those under 16.
Skiing at the Semnoz
The ski resort has 18 alpine ski slopes, 9 cross-country ski slopes, as well as many snowshoe hikes and a sledding track. You will also find a ski school and shops: hotels, restaurants, bars, equipment rentals.
More information: The Semnoz ski resort
Superb video of the Semnoz under the snow filmed by a drone
Photo of the Semnoz
Photo of the Semnoz seen from the Albigny beach in Annecy.
