After our great snowshoeing trip to the Nant du Beurre last year, we were keen to do another one, but this time we wanted something a bit easier, without having to spend the night in a refuge. The Plateau des Glières was the obvious choice: a wild setting steeped in history, stunning views of the Aravis, and the promise of a good mountain meal at the end of the day.
There were four of us, spurred on by the mild weather for a late-winter weekend.
The Drive#
It took us about 45 minutes to get to the Plateau des Glières from Annecy, driving through Thorens-Glières. The road winds up in switchbacks and can be tricky in the winter, so snow tires are an absolute must. There are a few free parking lots at the top of the plateau. We parked at the main one, near the Maison du Plateau, at around 1,440 meters up.
The Hike#
Distance: ~8-9 km round-trip | Elevation gain: ~450 m | Duration: 3 to 4 hours | Difficulty: moderate
You start out from the Maison du Plateau. First, you cross the Clairière des Mouilles, a big snowy peatbog area where the scenery is already amazing.
It’s flat, so you can just cruise along. Then comes the climb through the forest. There’s about twenty minutes of pretty steep switchbacks—that’s the toughest part of the trail. You come out at the Plan du Loup, at 1,668 meters, right at the foot of the Pointe de Puvat cliffs, which form an impressive little cirque.
After that, you head up the southwest slopes to the Pas du Loup. That’s where the landscape completely opens up. The huge Plateau des Auges appears, dominated by the Montagne des Auges at 1,822 meters. The view is spectacular: the Aravis, the Pointe Percée, the Dents de Lanfon, and if it’s clear, Mont Blanc off in the distance. The Chalets des Auges are down below.
If you’re feeling motivated, you can push on to the summit. You go down the same way—just be careful in the forest switchbacks, it’s easy to slip.
The Dinner at Chez Regina#
Back on the plateau, we headed over to Chez Regina, a mountain restaurant sitting at 1,400 meters. It’s the first chalet you see coming up from Petit-Bornand—you really can’t miss it.
They are very welcoming, and it has that classic Savoyard vibe with a sunny terrace and an all-wood interior. The food is homemade using fresh local ingredients. We absolutely stuffed ourselves on their house specialties: the famous potato fritters, served with salad, cold cuts, and a pot of cheese fondue—it’s a must-have on the plateau.
A quick tip: book your table at 04.50.22.80.46, especially on the weekend. The place is popular and spots are limited.
We headed back to the car, headlamps on. A great weekend to break the Parisian routine.
Budget#
Parking: free
On-site snowshoe rental (if requisite): ~10-12 € per day
Chez Regina: anticipate approximately 22 € for the potato fritters (inclusive of salad, cured meats, and cheese), and 20 € for the fondue. They take credit cards.
