The Semnoz is a mountain in the Annecy region that stretches for 16 km between Annecy, the Col de Leschaux, Alby-sur-Chéran and Saint-Jorioz. An exceptional view is offered to you at the top, from the Mont Blanc range to the Massif des Ecrins, passing by the Lac du Bourget at Aix les Bains. Whether in summer or winter, the Semnoz is truly the favourite mountain of the people of Annecy.
The favourite mountain of the people of Annecy
This large mountain culminates at an altitude of 1,699 metres and is 15 kilometres long. It begins in the foothills of Saint Jorioz and ends overlooking the town of Annecy at the Basilique de la Visitation. The summit of Semnoz is a large plateau which is located 20 minutes from Annecy by car. You can admire the Tournette, the Bauges and especially the Mont-Blanc in good weather. Two hotel-restaurants at the summit offer excellent local specialities such as rhubarb pie and fondue aux cêpes. You can also sleep in unusual accommodation, igloos!
In winter, the Semnoz massif welcomes the inhabitants of Annecy and holidaymakers with its downhill and cross-country ski resort which offers dozens of kilometres of runs. It is also possible to practice snowboarding, monoskiing, or even sledging thanks to the sledging track installed in the heart of the resort. The restaurant at the summit offers excellent Savoyard cuisine. We recommend the cep fondue and the homemade rubarb pie.
The summer is not without interest as the massif offers beautiful walks and hikes on foot or mountain bike in the middle of the mountain pastures, paragliders and animals. This massif is particularly appreciated by mountain bike enthusiasts with its numerous marked trails. There is also a summer tobogganing station, which will give you a good feeling.
Les Puisots
By taking the road to the summit of Semnoz from Annecy. After driving for about 10 minutes, you will come to a large clearing on your left: Les Puisots. You can park along the road or in the car park on the left. The buildings correspond to the Puisots summer camp which welcomes many children every year to enjoy a few days in the mountains.
You can also picnic on the wooden tables. 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 become a huge sledge run.
Summer activities in Semnoz
The summer resort offers many activities to visitors: sledge run, deval’kart track, minikart circuit for the youngest, rollerblading down the slopes and of course many bike rides and walks. Paragliding enthusiasts can also take off from the summit. The Semnoz is a mountain for families and there are many signposted walks 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 cash desk and the walk lasts about 3 hours. The afternoon ride is supported by a Telemix lift and lasts two hours. Each group of 15 people follows the lumberjack trail up to the Grands Chalets. The guide meets the animals and explains the ecosystem of the forest. You can take advantage of the free shuttle bus service up to the Semnoz. The price of these educational hikes is 10 € for adults and 8 € for under 16s.
Find all the information about the Semnoz on the official website of the resort: www.semnoz.fr
Skiing in Semnoz
The ski resort has 18 downhill ski slopes, 9 cross-country ski slopes, as well as numerous snowshoeing trails and a sledge run. You will also find a ski school as well as shops: hotels, restaurants, bars, equipment rental.
More information : The Semnoz ski resort
Superb video of Semnoz under the snow filmed by a drone
<
Photo of the Semnoz
Photo of the Semnoz seen from the Albigny beach in Annecy.
