Snowshoes available at the Chalets de l’Epion and at the Col du Potat

Head to Saint-Pierre d’Albigny and then on to the Col du Frène (950 m). Park in the designated car park.
The start of the trails is next to the cross.

(S/E) Head towards Col du Potat – Dent d’Arclusaz.
The path winds through the forest and crosses two small clearings; it emerges onto a track which you cross to immediately join the signposted path: the Sentier de l’Arclusaz.

(1) This path climbs a little more steeply than the previous section.
It passes through a gate and emerges into a valley, and a little further on reaches a junction.

(2) There are two options:
- 50 metres to the right, you can rejoin the track you crossed earlier; simply follow this track to reach the Chalet de l’Épion.
- We opted for an ‘adventure’ route, covering a few hundred metres through the valley before cutting diagonally up the right-hand side of the valley, eventually emerging into a large meadow below the Chalet de l’Épion.

(3) Go round the chalets to take the path that descends gently to the Col du Potat (1,351 m).

(4) Head towards L’Arclusaz – this is a chance to test how well your snowshoes grip on steeper slopes and to add an extra 200 m of elevation gain.

(5) Return to the Col du Potat.

(4) To avoid climbing back up to the Chalet de l’Épion, follow the fence; the path will lead to a small mountain pasture.

(6) Continue along the same level to reach the track mentioned above.

(7) Follow this track down to the point where it crosses the Arclusaz path.

(1) From there, head back along the section you took on the way up to rejoin the (S/E).

Ensure you have good snowshoe equipment.
Take extreme care on the slopes of Arclusaz if there is snow.
Do not set off too early to allow the sun time to rise and light up the route; in November, setting off at 10.00 is more than enough.

In the village of Saint-Pierre d’Albigny, there are two cheese shops where you can stock up on cheese.