
Outdoor
Le Semnoz
Annecy’s gateway to winter’s wonderlandA small ski area with a big heart, the wide open spaces on the summit plateau of Mount Semnoz offer the opportunity for the entire family to enjoy to the fullest everything that winter has to offer, from fun-filled activities on snow to lively events. A breath of fresh air is guaranteed!
Covered in snow
Year after year Mount Semnoz reveals another side of itself, with so many amazing activities to enjoy whatever the weather or snow conditions.
This year’s white winter offers visitors the chance to choose one of many ways to play on snow. When it comes to alpine skiing, the ski area’s eighteen groomed runs are ideal for families and the easy-going skier, with low-angle slopes on the Annecy side, and a few steeper runs on the Bauges side of the hill. The two sides meet at the 1704-meter summit.
In optimal conditions, the snow park opens and offers a wide variety of tabletops and other features for both skiers and snowboarders alike.

© Monica Dalmasso
When it comes to the Nordic ski area, cross-country skiers –using classic or skating technique – have everything they need to glide through the forest and marvel at the surrounding landscapes on 35 km of groomed trails.
Whether on foot or snowshoes, the area’s marked trails offer hikers a well-earned breath of fresh air and the chance to rejuvenate.
Mount Semnoz also set aside two designated snow kiting areas for those looking to harness the power of the wind… as well as their arms to slide on snow. With so many amusing adventures to have on the summit plateau, respecting the designated spaces for each specific activity ensures that everyone can take full advantage of their favorite pastime or learn a new snow-sport. This also means that everyone stays safe!

© Gilles Piel
A full-schedule of ice-cold events
By providing such a spectacular outdoor playground, Mount Semnoz hosts a wide variety of popular sporting events.
Among them, the “Trail Blanc du Semnoz” on Saturday, January 25, will put local trail runners to the test: at 17:30 on the dot, as daylight begins to fade, runners will don their headlamps and embark on a nighttime adventure, marveling at the beautiful sunset, the views of Lake Annecy and a quick glimpse in the distance of the Northern French Alps’ highest peaks. The 11.5 km course (subject to change based on weather conditions), with 460 meters of vertical gain (and loss), provided last year’s 800 participants with an unforgettable experience. While registration has already closed for the 2025 edition, you can still immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere by joining the crowd to cheer on runners at the start and finish lines.

© Julien Teulé
The other nighttime event of the season, Full Moon Nordique, takes place, as its name suggests, during a full moon. The program includes biathlon, cross-country skiing, as well as other activities and entertainment to immerse families in the magical world of the mountains by moonlight. During this unique moment where time seems to stand still, come savor and experience the event on Wednesday, February 12.
While not open to the public, the Critérium des Collèges (Middle School Criterium) brings together public and private middle schools from throughout the area (Haute-Savoie) for a day filled with fun and educational workshops, as well as an introduction to Nordic skiing in all its forms, a testament to just how committed Mount Semnoz is to teaching our youth. Local students will enjoy slalom skiing, timed events, the biathlon, gymkhana, orienteering on skis, obstacle courses, learning how to use an avalanche transceiver, as well as other fun games on Wednesday, February 19, in partnership with Haute-Savoie Nordic.
On Saturday, March 1st, snowboarders will take to the slopes for a friendly competition open to all. The Ride & Bangingbees Contest, organized by the media and events company Bangingbees Productions alongside the snowboard brand Ride Snowboards. Register the day of the event on location, and head to the snow park to enjoy this unique show of talent for snowboarders of all levels.
The very first edition of the Razorback Race will take place on Saturday, March 22. For this festive, nighttime, warm and friendly ski-mountaineering race, fifty participants will ski up the 200 meters of vertical gain from the bottom to the top of the ski area (and then ski back down). To ensure the event respects the core values of the Bauges Mountains Natural Regional Park, it is organized in partnership with the non-profit organization Tetrabeer – which partners with the ski area to clean up litter at the end of the winter and summer seasons once the lifts close, and relies on more than one-hundred volunteers who work hard to keep this local natural wonder as clean and pristine as possible. “The idea is to organize a festive sporting event as well as inform everyone on how to properly adventure into the backcountry on skis,” explains Brennan Cochetel, who oversees sales, communications, and events for the ski area.
The winter season on Mount Semnoz means experiencing snow sports to their fullest. The Unor National Biathlon Race and the alpine skiing competition organized on the Bauges side of the ski area, with 120 participating kids, just ended, represent just a few wonderful examples of how the ski area makes the mountains accessible through a wide variety of environmentally-friendly activities.
A testing ground by nature being so close to Annecy, Mount Semnoz remains a place where nature reigns, cared for and protected by local stakeholders.
In just a few of months, when winter ends, the ski runs will transform into beautiful alpine meadows and pastures, with flowers in full bloom just as nature intended.

© Gilles Piel
Mount Semnoz Winter Sports Area
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 01 20 30 – alpine skiing
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 01 16 48 – cross-country skiing / Chalet de la Forêt
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 01 19 41 – cross-country skiing / Chalet du Plateau
Another story
Top of page photo credit:
- © Gilles Piel
Journalist: Gaëlle Tagliabue
Translation: Darin Reisman