The Croix du Nivolet From Le Sire

de fr

A magnificent snowshoe hike offering 360° panoramic views of the Alps, the Épine massif, Chartreuse and Bugey throughout the route, particularly at the Croix du Nivolet...
The Croix du Nivolet, the final destination, proudly overlooks Chambéry.
The return journey follows the same route, but is always different given the magical landscape in good weather.

Technical sheet

n°1780438
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.08 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to author: 3 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 304 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 301 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,548 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,413 m
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Photos

View of the lake under a cloudy sky on the way back
Artwork "LUNERUS"
View of the Croix du Nivolet at the start of the route
Purple lily

Description of the walk

From La Féclaz, drive towards the Le Sire car park.

(S/E) From the start, head to the right of the Téléski du Sire and follow the snowshoe markings (yellow stakes) indicating "la Croix du Nivolet". After a fairly steep climb, you will reach the Chalet du Sire.

(1) Walk along the cliff, heading south, following the snowshoe trail to reach the Refuge du Nivolet.

(2) Continue for about 100 metres until you reach the next fork. Take the steep path on the right that leads to the Croix de Nivolet, the highest point of the hike.

(3) From the cross, return via the same route to reach the Sire car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,416 m - Sire car park
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,522 m - Chalets du Sire
  3. 2 : km 2.87 - alt. 1,517 m - Refuge du Nivolet
  4. 3 : km 3.04 - alt. 1,546 m - CROIX DU NIVOLET
  5. S/E : km 6.08 - alt. 1,416 m - Sire car park

Practical information

The road is very clear in winter, but snow tyres are mandatory if you want to reach your destination.

(2) The Refuge du Nivolet is an open but protected shelter (made of reinforced concrete). It is possible to take shelter there in bad weather.

There is no water supply, so bring hot drinks if possible.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Loic19
Loic19
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

No technical difficulties, but the path is very rocky in places. Hiking boots and walking sticks were a great help, as we are over 65 and not particularly fit. There are few signs indicating which route to take on the way up, but thanks to the Visorando map, we had no problems. The view from the Nivolet cross is absolutely magnificent.

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DANIELFAURE
DANIELFAURE

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

superb view at La Croix, but the rest of the hike is average, often in the woods, very good when it's hot

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CAB743826
CAB743826

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Winter snowshoe hike: some difficulty finding the starting point. Very pleasant climb through deciduous woodland and magnificent view at the top, at Croix du Nivollet. I continued on towards the Sire chalets, which also offered superb views. Quick descent by road towards La Féclaz.

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Seassou
Seassou
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A lovely walk through the woods.
Very easy.
Total duration 2 hours 15 minutes with numerous photo breaks.
With or without snowshoes, on groomed snow.
A very popular but very pleasant route.
The view is magnificent, with the lake on the right, Mont du Chat opposite, and the Belledonne Massif on the left.
Best enjoyed, of course, when the sky is clear.

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fabrice mugnier
fabrice mugnier
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

problem following the route. I clearly don't understand Visiorando at all... It's not possible to retrace a route... If you get lost, when you look at the parish specific to Brittany options, it's very complicated to get back on the route

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~Justine~
~Justine~

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Hike with crampons in packed, frozen snow
Lovely view of Lake Bourget at the start.
An easy route sheltered from the wind in the woods, finally arriving at the cross, where the view from the top is magnificent!
Best done on a clear day to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the lake, Chambéry and the surrounding mountains.

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EDON
EDON

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

very beautiful parish-specific to Brittany hike!

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jancornillie
jancornillie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Easy two-hour family route with beautiful views.

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liliane.clarens
liliane.clarens

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Start on a grassy path lined with flowers, continuing through the forest, which is particularly beautiful at this time of year, along a stony trail to reach the Nivolet cross, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Chambéry conurbation, Aix-les-Bains, Lake Bourget and the surrounding peaks.
The site is very well secured by a barrier running along its perimeter, with two orientation tables.
Thanks to the author for this wonderful discovery.

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Monac
Monac

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Lovely walk, superb view

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Osmoz73
Osmoz73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes


A really nice hike to do with friends or family, not too steep, magnificent scenery in the early morning at 8 a.m. with a sea of clouds at the edge of the mountain range
With the finale at La Croix du Nivolet, top 👍🏻

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74DANIEL
74DANIEL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A lovely walk with the family, with children aged 9, 7 and 6. 2½ hours there and back. Beautiful views.

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Joris57
Joris57

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hike done as a couple in the morning, about 2½ hours round trip.
The paths are clear and easy to follow. The app works well.

I recommend it

Joris

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Chris94700
Chris94700

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Family walk with 360-degree views

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lucharles
lucharles

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Route covered on snowshoes. Some sections require removing snowshoes.
Very busy even on weekdays.
Very beautiful views in good weather.

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