Walking - Sentier de La Loy: a snowshoe trail from Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie

A pleasant snowshoeing loop starting from the Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie chapel. Perched on a solitary spur in the middle of the upper Belleville valley, this 17th-century building is undoubtedly the most revered sanctuary in the Tarentaise! With the feel of a spiritual retreat, the trail guides you to the quiet hamlet of La Loy, passing through the ski resort of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Far from the crowds, the route unfolds to reveal a magnificent panorama over the Belleville valley.

"The Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie chapel is dusted with white crystals. The path climbs gently through the meadows. At this time of year, I imagine the wildlife has taken shelter in the copses of trees. Look! The tracks of a mountain hare bounding away! The gentle twittering of tits breaks the silence around me; the mountain welcomes me for a moment of tranquillity."
Céline Rutten, park ranger at Vanoise National Park.

From the Notre-Dame de la Vie sanctuary car park, take the groomed trail heading up towards Pas de Cherferie. Cross the ski slope (at the marked crossing), pass under the Saint-Martin 1 gondola lift and, on your left, follow the signs for "village la Loy" to the hamlet of the same name. The loop continues past the "La loy" mountain restaurant, then heads back down along the same path used for the ascent.
When crossing ski slopes, look carefully uphill for oncoming skiers.