Snowshoe Trail: The Descent to Les Esserts

There are two options: purchase a pedestrian pass and take the Pré-Richard chairlift. The route then begins at the top of the chairlift and consists entirely of a descent. Or take the round-trip route from the bottom of the resort (allow 2 hours and 30 minutes). From the top station of the Pré-Richard chairlift, head down along the right side of the trail. Once you reach the flat section, continue to the right, following the fence surrounding a small lake. At the end of the flat section, cross the trail and the Pellys T-bar lift to take a trail that climbs to the left and leads to a clearing. Descend via the trail that branches off to the right, which will take you to the flat area where the Mont Baron and Pellys T-bar lifts begin. Descend a little further, heading toward the right side of the chalet. The trail enters the forest, winds through a few switchbacks, and emerges into a meadow. Then descend to the Esserts chalets. Take the trail that heads into the forest and descends alongside the stream. Do not take the paths branching off to the right that lead to the Lanche trail. You’ll reach the parking lot; simply cross it to reach the base of the chairlift.