Mont-Saxonnex: Nature and mountain sports

Mont-Saxonnex combines alpine activities with hiking, nature observation and climbing. Differences in season, route type and landscape give you concrete points of reference for planning.

Nature, wildlife and trails

The Plateau de Cenise is a mountain hiking area used by hikers and walkers. The marked out-and-back route to Col de Cenise is 3.6 kilometres long, includes 151 metres of elevation gain and is listed as taking 1 hour and 5 minutes. The route offers open views of the Bargy range and the Arve Valley. Another route type is the Rochers de Leschaux circular hike: it starts in Mont-Saxonnex and covers 11.7 kilometres with 685 metres of elevation gain. This means you can compare an out-and-back route with a specified duration with a longer loop covering considerably more distance and elevation gain. Trail conditions may vary by season.

Lac Bénit is a glacial lake in the Bargy range and is located in a Natura 2000 site. Its endemic fauna includes alpine newts, common frogs, toads and salamanders, among other species. These species also make the lake interesting for travellers who are interested in wildlife as well as the scenery.

A pair of bearded vultures has lived in Mont-Saxonnex since 1988/89. Visitors can take part in observation and population monitoring coordinated by Asters. However, taking part does not guarantee that you will see the birds: sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

Trails along the Torrent du Bronze also add to the local walking options. The La Pellaz route runs along the stream in both summer and winter and is accessible to everyone; trail conditions may still vary by season. From the edge of Mont-Saxonnex, a roughly paved path follows the same stream to the Oratoire de la Gouille.

Winter activities and snowshoeing

The Mont-Saxonnex ski area has 6.5 kilometres of downhill ski pistes, 9 kilometres of ski touring routes and two sledging runs. Operations depend on snow conditions. The Piste de luge de l’éterlou is a sledging run for children at the foot of the ski pistes; it is also seasonal and dependent on snow conditions.

Another winter option is a snowshoe hike to Lac Bénit from the Morsullaz chairlift. Check access conditions before setting out. This lets you plan alpine ski pistes, ski touring routes, sledging and snowshoeing as different winter activities.

Climbing at the Gorge du Cé

The Via ferrata de la Gorge du Cé offers two routes graded AD and D. The routes include walkways, suspension bridges and hidden caves; zip lines are optional. The Gorge du Cé climbing crag in Mont-Saxonnex has 29 limestone routes graded from 5c to 8b. This lets you compare two different climbing options: the via ferrata routes and the climbing crag routes, described by their number and grades. Before taking part in the via ferrata, check access and equipment requirements; before visiting the climbing crag, check current route information and local conditions.

Discover more destinations: Thônes, Thollon, Morillon, Sales, La Rivière-Enverse, Argonay, Armoy, Annecy-Le-Vieux

For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.