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La Plagne Snowshoe Adventures: Trails, Tips, and Gear
La Plagne snowshoe outings offer a serene and beautiful way to explore the French Alps away from the bustling ski slopes. Whether you're new to walking in snowshoes or a seasoned pro, La Plagne’s wide range of trails will leave you in awe of the breathtaking scenery. With routes suitable for all fitness levels, from families with children to more adventurous hikers, there's something for everyone. Add to that the unique opportunity to encounter wildlife, explore pristine alpine forests, and immerse yourself in snow-covered tranquillity, and you have one of the best non-skiing activities in La Plagne.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to snowshoe La Plagne, from the best routes to safety tips, gear recommendations, and insider advice from a local (me!). Plus, I’ll answer common FAQs and share some personal experiences to help you make the most of your time snowshoeing in La Plagne.
Why Snowshoe in La Plagne?
La Plagne is known for its extensive ski area, but it's also a fantastic destination for snowshoeing. The variety of marked trails, ease of access, and stunning views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks make it a prime location for this winter activity.
One of the main advantages of snowshoeing is that it allows you to explore areas off the beaten path, far from the busy ski runs. You can move at your own pace, stop to take photos, or simply enjoy the solitude and silence of the snow-covered landscape. Snowshoeing also tends to be more budget-friendly, as gear is less expensive to rent, and many trails are free to access.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk through pine forests or a more challenging ascent for panoramic views, snowshoe La Plagne is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the mountains.
The Best Snowshoe Trails in La Plagne
La Plagne offers a range of well-marked snowshoe trails, each with its unique scenery and level of difficulty. Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy stroll or a seasoned snowshoer craving a challenge, here are some of the top trails in La Plagne based on the latest route information.
1. Cavard Circuit (Beginner to Intermediate)
The Cavard Circuit is an excellent option for those seeking a peaceful walk through the forest, with some gentle elevation changes. The trail starts from Plagne 1800 and passes by La Mine pumping station, heading into a large clearing at Cavard. From there, it follows the Arc stream and offers views of the surrounding mountains. This trail can be extended by connecting to other paths near the bobsleigh run.
- Distance: 4.5 km (same trail there and back)
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Starting Point: Plagne 1800, near the car park opposite the chairlift
- Highlights: Peaceful forest, Arc stream, and options to connect to the Les Mairiers path
Jen’s insider Tip: This is a perfect route for families or beginners who want to ease into snowshoeing, with the option to take a free shuttle bus back from the bobsleigh run if needed.
2. Dou du Praz Circuit (Intermediate)
This 5 km circuit is a popular trail for its breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. The path is shared with cross-country skiers and dog-sled teams, so you'll get a glimpse of multiple winter sports in action. The trail starts from Plagne Centre and climbs into the forest before reaching the scenic Dou du Praz plateau, where there are picnic tables and even a kiddies' sledging area.
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Starting Point: Plagne Centre, near the automatic petrol station
- Highlights: Mont Blanc views, picnic area, and kiddies' sledging zone
Jen’s insider Tip: Enjoy lunch at the Dou Du Praz altitude restaurant on the plateau and take in the panoramic views before heading back down towards Plagne Bellecôte.
3. Les Frasses Path (Intermediate to Advanced)
The Les Frasses Path connects Plagne Bellecôte with Montchavin, offering a moderately challenging snowshoe route with impressive views of the Beaufortain range and Mont Blanc. The route begins with a descent before winding through the forest towards Montchavin, providing a great mix of quiet forest paths and open spaces with stunning alpine vistas.
- Distance: 12 km (return)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Starting Point: Plagne Bellecôte
- Highlights: Forest walks, panoramic mountain views, and a potential stop at Plan Bois for a meal at an altitude restaurant
Jen’s insider Tip: Be aware that there's no shuttle bus back from Montchavin or Plan Bois, so you’ll need to hike back to Plagne Bellecôte.
4. Mairiers Path (Advanced)
For a more challenging snowshoe hike, the Mairiers Path is a 10 km out-and-back trail that starts from the top of the bobsleigh run in Plagne Centre. The route heads towards Plagne Montalbert, offering a mix of forested paths and open sections. This trail crosses several ski runs, so it's crucial to stay alert and yield to skiers.
- Distance: 10 km (return)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Starting Point: Top of the bobsleigh run, Plagne Centre
- Highlights: Forest paths, views over the valley, and the unique bobsleigh run
Jen’s insider Tip: There’s no shuttle bus from Plagne Montalbert, so you’ll need to walk back the same way to catch a bus back from Plagne Centre.
5. Lovatière Circuit (Beginner)
The Lovatière Circuit is ideal for beginners and those looking for a short, relaxing snowshoeing route. Starting from La Plagne Aime 2000, this trail takes you through beautiful spruce and larch forests, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the quiet of nature. It’s a great choice if you're short on time or want a gentle introduction to snowshoeing.
- Distance: 1.5 km (each way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 45 minutes (one way)
- Starting Point: La Plagne Aime 2000, under the Club Med building
- Highlights: Forest walk, peaceful atmosphere
Jen’s insider Tip: After completing the walk, head back up to Aime 2000 and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate with a view. I’d recommend Le Schuss restaurant for a great view of the piste.
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Beginner’s Guide: Getting Started with Snowshoeing
If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, don’t worry! It’s one of the easiest winter sports to pick up. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Learning the Basics
The beauty of snowshoeing is that it's just like walking—only on snow! Your snowshoes are designed to distribute your weight evenly so you don’t sink into deep snow. While it might feel a little strange at first, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
- Find Your Rhythm: The key is to find a steady rhythm. Take slightly wider steps than usual, and use poles to help with balance.
- Watch Your Step: Avoid lifting your feet too high. Instead, let the snowshoes glide over the surface as much as possible to conserve energy.
- Use Poles for Stability: Especially when going uphill or downhill, poles can provide extra stability and take some of the strain off your legs.
What You’ll Need
The great thing about snowshoeing is that you don’t need much gear compared to skiing or snowboarding. However, having the right beginner ski clothing will make your snowshoeing experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Snowshoes can be rented from most ski hire shops in La Plagne, including stores in Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, and Montchavin. If you’re new to snowshoeing, rental options are affordable and usually come with poles for extra stability.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or snow boots are a must. Make sure your boots are warm and have a good grip, as La Plagne’s trails can be slippery in parts. Wearing gaiters over your boots is also a good idea to keep snow from getting inside.
Clothing Layers are key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating layer (like fleece), and finish with a waterproof jacket and trousers. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a neck warmer, as temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Backpack: Bring a small backpack for essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a snowshoe trail map. If you're going on a longer or more remote trail, it's also a good idea to pack an emergency blanket and a fully charged phone.
Poles aren’t essential, but they can help with balance, particularly on steeper terrain or icy patches.
Snowshoeing with Kids in La Plagne
Snowshoeing is a fantastic family activity, especially for children. It’s an easy way to get outdoors, enjoy the snow, and spend quality time together away from the ski lifts. Honestly, kids of all ages can give it a go and enjoy rolling in the snow. I volunteered with my kids’ school when we took them all out on a snowshoe outing around Plagne Centre – and they were 3 and 4 years old! La Plagne offers several trails that are ideal for kids, with shorter distances, gentler terrain, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Tips for Snowshoeing with Children
- Choose Short, Flat Trails
Stick to shorter, family-friendly routes that don’t require too much effort. Trails like the Montchavin Forest Trail or the Les Bauches Trail are perfect for kids, as they offer gentle slopes and plenty of flat sections. - Bring Snacks and Breaks
Kids are more likely to stay enthusiastic about the adventure if you keep them fuelled with snacks and hydration. Bring water, some energy bars, and maybe even a treat like hot chocolate in a thermos. - Make It Fun
Snowshoeing with kids is all about keeping them engaged. Play games along the way, like spotting animal tracks, making snow angels, or counting how many different types of trees you pass. If you’re snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall, you can even take turns making the first footprints in untouched snow—always a kid favourite! - Ensure the Right Gear
Make sure children have properly fitting snowshoes. Most rental shops in La Plagne offer kid-sized snowshoes. Be sure to also dress them in layers and waterproof clothing—soggy kids are unhappy kids!
Best Family Snowshoe Trails in La Plagne
- Les Coches Loop: This short loop trail is perfect for younger kids, with a mix of forest and open areas. It’s close to Les Coches village, so if the kids get tired, you can easily head back.
- La Roche Forest Path: Another lovely option for families, this trail features wide-open paths and stunning views over the valley. It’s relatively short and close to amenities.
Packing Checklist for La Plagne Snowshoeing Outings
As a parent who lives in a ski resort and frequently heads out into the snow with my kids, I've learned the importance of packing the right gear for family snowshoeing adventures. Here’s what I always bring along to ensure we have a smooth and enjoyable day out.
Clothing
- Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings (one for each family member). I always choose moisture-wicking fabrics to keep everyone dry. We’re currently loving the thermals from Dare2b. They are a great fit, warm, and look good.
- Insulating layer: Fleece or down jackets to add warmth.
- Waterproof jackets and trousers: These are a must, as snowshoeing can get a little damp—especially if kids decide to play in the snow.
- Warm socks: I recommend Merino wool socks. I always pack an extra pair for the kids, just in case.
- Hats, gloves, and neck warmers: For everyone, and I pack spare gloves in case one pair gets wet. Let’s face it: the kids’ gloves are always soaking after a snowshoe adventure!
Gear
- Snowshoes: You can rent these at La Plagne, but make sure they fit correctly. The rental shop can help make sure you’ve got the right size.
- Poles: These are optional, but they’re helpful for balance, especially for kids.
- Backpack: With kids, a backpack is essential. I always bring a small backpack with essentials like snacks, water, suncream, and extra layers.
Extras
- Snacks and water: Plenty of snacks for the kids (granola bars, fruit, chocolate) and insulated bottles of water or hot drinks.
- Sunscreen: Even in winter, the sun can be strong, especially with the glare from the snow. Make sure you have a good mountain sun cream, optimised for Alpine conditions.
- Map: If you’re venturing on longer trails, bring a map or download the trail information on your phone.
- Phone/Camera: To capture the memories (and for emergencies).
- First aid kit: Just a small one with the basics (plasters, antiseptic wipes).
Check out this post if you need a full ski holiday packing checklist.
La Plagne Snowshoe Guides
If you’re new to snowshoeing or want a guided experience, La Plagne has several excellent providers that offer guided snowshoe tours.
Oxygene Ski School is well-known for its ski lessons. But they also offer fantastic guided snowshoe tours. Their experienced guides will lead you through some of La Plagne’s most beautiful, untouched trails while teaching you about the local flora and fauna. They even offer night snowshoeing tours, where you can experience the magic of the Alps under the stars.
ESF La Plagne offers both group and private snowshoe tours, which are perfect if you want to tailor your experience. Their guides know the area inside out and can take you off the beaten track for a more personalised adventure.
Evolution 2 is another great option for family-friendly snowshoe tours. Their guides are brilliant with kids and can turn your snowshoeing adventure into an educational experience, with plenty of opportunities to learn about local wildlife and alpine plants.
Safety Tips for Snowshoeing in La Plagne
Safety is crucial when snowshoeing in the mountains, especially if you’re venturing off marked trails or into higher elevations. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when snowshoeing in La Plagne:
- Check Weather Conditions
Before you set out, always check the local weather forecast. Snow and weather conditions can change rapidly in the Alps, and you don’t want to get caught in a storm unprepared. You can find up-to-date weather resorts for La Plagne on meteo.com. - Stick to Marked Trails
Unless you're highly experienced and equipped with proper navigation tools, it’s best to stay on marked trails. Venturing off-piste can be dangerous due to avalanche risk or becoming disoriented in unfamiliar terrain. - Pack the Essentials
Even for shorter routes, pack enough water and snacks to sustain you for a few hours. Always bring a fully charged phone, a headlamp in case it gets dark, and a La Plagne snowshoe map of the trails you plan to follow. - Watch for Wildlife
Snowshoeing offers a unique opportunity to spot wildlife, but be cautious not to disturb any animals you may encounter. Keep a safe distance, especially from larger mammals like deer. - Don’t Go Alone
If you’re new to snowshoeing or unfamiliar with the area, it’s always safer to go with someone else. Alternatively, you can book a guided snowshoe tour through one of La Plagne’s local operators, who can offer valuable insights into the region's natural history and wildlife.
That’s La Plagne & Snowshoe Adventures
Snowshoeing in La Plagne is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the French Alps, whether you're looking for a family outing or a solo adventure. With plenty of trails to choose from, you’ll never run out of new places to explore. And aside from snowshoeing adventures, there are lots of other non-skiing things to do with your family. From taking a swim in beautiful mountain swimming pools to parapenting or husky dog sledding. There’s more to ski holidays than just skiing!
See you on the slopes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to be fit to snowshoe in La Plagne?
A: Snowshoeing can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels. La Plagne offers trails for beginners, as well as more challenging routes for those looking for a workout.
Q: Can I rent snowshoes in La Plagne?
A: Yes! Most ski rental shops in La Plagne offer snowshoe rentals, typically for around €10–15 per day. Poles are often included in the rental.
Q: What should I wear for snowshoeing?
A: Dress in layers to stay warm and dry. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by a warm insulating layer, and finish with a waterproof jacket and trousers.
Q: Is snowshoeing safe?
A: Yes, as long as you stick to marked trails and are properly prepared. Always check the weather before heading out, and if you're not confident navigating, consider booking a guided tour.
Q: Can children go snowshoeing?
A: Absolutely! Snowshoeing is a great family activity, and many trails in La Plagne are suitable for children. Just make sure to pick a shorter, easier route if you're with younger kids.
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