Mount Semnoz

Gateway to the Bauges Mountains (which earned Natural Regional Park status in 1995 and Geopark* certification in 2011), Mt. Semnoz provides a great place to spend time in the great outdoors through its truly unique mountain landscapes, local environmental protection policies, and concerted efforts to preserve the area’s natural, cultural, and economic heritage.

A popular, well-known geographic point of (extraordinary) interest, with breathtaking views of the Bauges Mountains, Mt. Semnoz possesses a singular natural mountain environment that the local authorities work to protect and preserve. Brennan Cochetel, who manages sales, marketing, communications, and event organization for the mountaintop recreation area, explains in detail the area’s strong identity.

(*Designated by UNESCO for areas with international geological significance.)

If there is one ski area that took the initiative to implement a four-season strategy, it is Mt. Semnoz. The recreation area has an uncanny ability to adapt to any weather or climate conditions, is well-diversified to offer a wide variety of fun activities any time of the year, and sticks to a set of guidelines that focus on accessibility and variety. Protecting and preserving the natural environment are also an integral part of this entire approach.

Instead of viewing the issue of unpredictable snow conditions with gloom and doom, Mt. Semnoz has always chosen to embrace any challenge as an opportunity to reinvent itself.

Site managers like to experiment in both summer and winter, which means that Mt. Semnoz offers an entire world of possibilities.

Mt. Semnoz

They choose to focus on simply having fun in the great outdoors. In winter, visitors enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as lesser-known activities such as snowkiting and sliding downhill on a “paret” or “yooner” (traditional and modern sled-like devices designed with a single ski, an inclined plank to sit on, and a handle for turning). In most cases, each activity has its own designated area, and visitors can partake in one or several of these activities in a single day.

Mt. Semnoz Winter Activities

During the summer months, visitors can choose between leisurely strolls and hikes to explore the area’s alpine pastures, stomach-dropping thrills on the alpine slide (no advance booking required), or two-wheeled adventures on an all-terrain kick scooter. The three new orienteering courses, each focusing on a specific aspect of the mountain environment – botany, grazing, and summer mountain sports – expand the number of activities that focus on the natural environment.

The most recent innovation, From’athlon, organized in partnership with AFTALP (Savoyard Traditional Cheese Association), a summer biathlon of sorts that includes an obstacle course on foot and shooting at targets with a laser rifle, offers a truly unique way to learn about the essence of the surrounding environment and its long-held pastoral traditions. A win-win combo.

Mt. Semnoz Summer Activities