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Snowshoe Trail: The Lain Alpine Pasture
Description
Discover the hamlet of Lain and its mountain pasture, and walk across the snow-covered meadows overlooking the hamlet of “Chez les Vesin.”
To reach the trail in Lain—a place where flax and hemp were once processed—head toward the hamlet of Chez les Vesin, passing in front of the church.
At the intersection, turn right onto “Route des Plagnes.”
After about 400 m, at a fountain and a wayside shrine, turn left onto “Route de l’Emmontagnée.” You’ll reach the start of the trail 50 m further on, where you can put on your snowshoes and take the “Chemin de Lain .”
After an ascent that runs mostly through the woods, you’ll reach some signposts; follow the path that continues on flat ground, keeping to the far right. The first buildings come into view; to your left is a large open space, overlooked by the Mémises cliff, Mount César, and further to the right, Mount Bénand (snowshoe tracks may crisscross this area—do not follow these tracks, as they will lead you into unmarked areas).
As you continue along the marked trail, you’ll come across other barns, some of which have been renovated.
This was where the farmers from the hamlets of Chez les Vesin and Chez Cachat stored their hay. They would come to retrieve it in winter using “hay sleds” to feed their animals.
After passing the barn on your right, follow the long descent through the woods.
At the bottom of this descent, as you emerge from the woods, veer slightly to the right onto the path that will lead you to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the towering Mémises Cliffs.
Continue along the edge of the woods, and you’ll soon see the houses of the hamlet of Chez les Vesin.
At the next intersection, head up to the right; you’ll rejoin the path you took on the way up.
From there, head back down to the left to continue toward the town center.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 19/12/2026 to 28/03/2027
- From 19/12/2027 to 28/03/2028
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme Leman Mountains Explore - 15/10/2026
leman-mountains-explore.com
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Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Mountain location
Ski resort
Lake view
Resort centre
Sustainable tourism
To respect agricultural practices, natural areas, and wildlife, please keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Keep and sort your trash, stay on the trails, and close gates behind you.
If you encounter an animal, stop and let it pass.
Do not stray from the trail to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Keep your dog on a leash, or better yet, let it rest in the warmth!
Use designated areas (not the ski runs) and observe opening hours (to prevent nighttime damage).
Make sure you don’t get caught by nightfall.
Stay on marked trails for your safety.
Check the trail’s opening hours and accessibility.
Wear winter-appropriate gear and warm clothing.
Choose a trail and difficulty level suited to your ability.
Check the weather forecast—conditions change quickly in the mountains.
Open period
From 19/12 to 28/03 daily.
The dates when the trails are open may vary depending on snow conditions and trail markings.
Please note that if the avalanche risk is level 4 or higher, the trail is closed by municipal ordinance.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Type of land
Non-groomed itinerary
Contact
Phone : 04 50 70 90 01
Email : thollonlesmemises@ot-peva.com
Website : https://leman-mountains-explore.com
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
A guide to snowshoe trails is available for 1€ at tourist information offices in the Pays d’Évian and Vallée d’Abondance regions.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1. Head toward the hamlet of Chez les Vesin, passing in front of the church.
2. At the intersection, turn right onto “Route des Plagnes.”
3. After about 400 m, at a fountain and a wayside shrine, turn left onto “Route de l’Emmontagnée.”
4. About 50 m further on, reach the trailhead, put on your snowshoes, and take the “Chemin de Lain.”
5. After a climb that mostly winds through the woods, you’ll reach some signposts; follow the flat path farthest to the right.
6. Continue along the marked trail, passing the first buildings. On your left, admire the wide-open view dominated by the Mémises cliff, Mount César, and Mount Bénand. Be careful not to follow the snowshoe tracks off the marked trail.
7. Continue along the trail to discover other barns, some of which have been renovated. They were once used to store hay collected in winter by farmers using hay sleds.
8. After passing the barn on your right, follow the long descent through the woods.
9. At the bottom of the descent, as you emerge from the woods, veer slightly to the right to reach a lovely viewpoint overlooking the imposing Mémises Cliff.
10. Continue along the edge of the woods until you see the houses of the hamlet of Chez les Vesin.
11. At the next intersection, head up to the right to rejoin the path you took on the way there.
12. Then turn left to head back down toward the town center.
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of livestock and wildlife.
