In short: Gîte du Cruet in Saint-Eustache is about 25 minutes from Le Semnoz ski area (1,450–1,704 m): 19 downhill runs, 35 km of cross-country trails, snowshoe routes and sledging. Aillons-Margériaz is about 40 minutes away. The gîte sleeps 8, with underfloor heating and a cheese dairy opposite for raclette.
Le Semnoz, the ski area above the lake
Le Semnoz is the closest ski area to Annecy, set between 1,450 and 1,704 m. Its nickname, the "balcony of the Alps", comes from the 360° view from the Crêt de Châtillon, from Mont Blanc to the Aravis. From the gîte, it takes about 25 minutes to drive up via the Col de Leschaux.
Family downhill skiing
The area has 19 runs: 10 green, 4 blue, 4 red and 1 black, open from 9 am to 5 pm (semnoz.fr). It is ideal for learning, skiing as a family or enjoying a day without the crowds.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Le Semnoz offers 35 km of cross-country trails for classic and skating, in three sectors (semnoz.fr). Marked snowshoe trails, a sledging area and other snow activities are free to use.
Aillons-Margériaz, in the heart of the Bauges
About 40 minutes away, the Aillons-Margériaz ski area combines two sites, Aillons 1000 and Margériaz 1400, with runs winding through fir trees and a very family-friendly feel (aillons-margeriaz.com). For cross-country skiing, the Savoie Grand Revard plateau is also about 40 minutes away.
Ski touring and snowshoeing around the gîte
The Bauges are well known for ski touring. For a first try, the climb to the Crêt de Châtillon from the Semnoz ski area car park is only about 250 m of ascent (Skitour). More experienced skiers head for the Roc des Bœufs, the Pointe de la Sambuy or the Trélod. On snowshoes, the fir forests around Saint-Eustache offer silent walks, snow permitting.
Always check snow conditions and avalanche risk before heading off-piste.
After the snow: the barn
This is where the gîte really comes into its own. Underfloor heating warms your feet as soon as you walk in. The Fromagerie de la Cochette, just opposite, prepares raclette or fondue baskets to order; the equipment is at the gîte. Dinner for 8 under the beams of the cathedral-ceilinged living room, then board games or a film on the smart TV.
Christmas and winter holidays
- From late November to early January, the Noël des Alpes Christmas market brings Annecy to life, 30 minutes away: chalets, ice rink, lights.
- During school holidays, book early: the gîte can host two families together.
- Snow cover at mid-mountain resorts varies from year to year: the lake and the town, 10 and 30 minutes away, remain good alternatives.
