1. 360° view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura – Crête des Mémises (Thollon-les-Mémise)
1 hour – 90 m elevation gain – 2.4 km
This route is renowned for its stunning 360° panoramic views;‘the finest viewpoint over Lake Geneva’, according to the Michelin Guide.
At the top of the Thollon-les-Mémises cable car, take the path leading uphill to the left of the access to the ski slopes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a splendid view of the Pics des Mémises and its snow-covered chalets, as well as numerous Swiss peaks. With a bit of luck, you might also spot some ibex, which are often seen on the surrounding ridges and rocks, adding a touch of wilderness to this beautiful walk!
Cretes Des Memises hiking with Alpevian Nature
Bernex snowshoeing
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2. In the footsteps of animals – The L’Envers circular walk (Bernex)
1 hour 30 minutes – 244 m elevation gain – 3.8 km
The trail winds through the Envers forest, offering the chance to spot the tracks left by its inhabitants, including roe deer and rabbits. It also leads to the Esserts mountain pasture, offering a panoramic view of the village of Bernex.
There aretwo possible starting points: at the bottom of the Pré-Richard chairlift or at the Bernex Tourist Information Office.
3. Heritage – Trail of chapels and oratories (Abondance)
2 hours – 150 m elevation gain – 4.6 km
Along this route, you’ll discover the architectural heritage (farmhouses, chalets, oratories and chapels) that makes the Abondance Valley so special.
From the Lac des Plagnes car park, head down towards the Chapel of Saint Anne (1671), follow the road for about a hundred metres and reach the next chapel, that of Saint Théodule (1646).
La Chapelle D Ab Raquette Panthiaz Patrick Brault 19
Snowshoeing Abondance
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4. Wilderness – Via Bayard past the waterfall (La Chapelle d’Abondance)
1 hr 45 mins – 120 m elevation gain – 0.8 km
A walk through the heart of the Mont de Grange game reserve. If you keep quiet, you might be lucky enough to spot roe deer, red deer and chamois.
After passing the waterfall, head up to the Sur Bayard chalet. Up there (1,130 m), the view over the Braitaz ski area, Châtel and the Pointe du Morclan is well worth the effort!
Part of the route crosses cross-country ski trails, so please take care to stay on the footpath.
5. Chalets and farmhouses – The Col du Saix (Chapelle d’Abondance)
! This snowshoe route is temporarily closed due to an increased risk of avalanches (the same applies to the Boucle du Tromby) !
3 hours – 441 m elevation gain – 5 km
This walk is for the fittest walkers, but it is one of the most beautiful in the Abondance Valley. Starting from the Moulin bridge, it winds its way through forests, charming chalets, traditional farmhouses and chapels towards Saix (1,518 m).
Village La Chapelle D Abondance
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