Hiking Croix du Nivolet - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Croix du Nivolet: trails, map and practical info

Savoie • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

4.7 Appreciated by 23 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 07/05/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7 km
Elevation
640 ft
Duration
3h15
Max altitude
1,547 ft
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Croix du Nivolet? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
73230 Les Deserts, France
GPS coordinates
45.613584, 5.965761499999999
Phone
Not available

When?

Opening hours
Open 24 hours every day
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.613584, 5.965761499999999
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
12 Reviews
C
Claire
Feb 3, 2025
Exceptional viewpoint that rewards the moderate climb! The gentle ascent through alpine forest is beautiful and well-maintained. Perfect for photography enthusiasts - the panoramic views of Lake Bourget and Mont Blanc are simply stunning. Trail is accessible year-round, whether with hiking boots in summer or snowshoes in winter. A must-do hike for anyone visiting the Savoie region.
E
Emma
Jan 15, 2025
Started early to avoid crowds and it made all the difference! The trail through the forest was mostly shaded which was perfect for the warm weather. Rocky terrain with roots requires sturdy hiking boots. The 360-degree views from the cross are absolutely spectacular - Lake Bourget, Chambéry, and surrounding peaks. Gets very busy after 11am so definitely arrive early.
J
James
Dec 8, 2024
Popular local classic that lives up to its reputation. The forest path is mostly shaded, perfect for hot summer days. Trail becomes quite technical with steel ladder sections and rocky terrain requiring good footwear. Views from the summit are extraordinary - you can see the entire Bauges massif. Bring plenty of water as marked water points may not be functioning.
M
Marcus
Nov 28, 2024
Fantastic family hike! The trail is well-marked and accessible for children despite the elevation gain. We took our time and enjoyed beautiful autumn colors in the forest. The summit cross offers breathtaking panoramic views worth every step. Note that parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Highly recommend bringing water as there are no facilities along the route.
D
David
Oct 14, 2024
Great workout with rewarding summit views! The constant uphill provides excellent exercise opportunity. Met friendly hikers along the way and everyone was helpful. The cross at 1547m offers magnificent panoramas across the Bauges mountains. Weather can change quickly so check conditions before heading out. Recommend hiking poles for the rocky sections and steep parts of the trail.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
640.00
1547.00
3h15
No
No
The Croix du Nivolet trail is 6.5 km long and takes approximately 3h15 to complete. This duration includes the moderate pace needed for the 640m elevation gain.
The Croix du Nivolet trail is rated as moderate difficulty. With 640m of elevation gain over 6.5 km, it requires good physical fitness and some hiking experience.
The Croix du Nivolet trail is moderate difficulty, which may be challenging for complete beginners. The 640m elevation gain over 6.5 km requires good physical preparation and basic hiking experience.
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Update : June 2026