Hiking guidebooks

Hiking guidebooks, route guides... discover at Snowleader a curated selection of books and guidebooks to help you plan your walking adventures, whether in the mountains or on lowland trails, with a particularly rich collection focused on the Northern Alps, from Annecy to Mont Blanc via the Aravis and Bauges ranges.

Why choose a hiking guidebook?

The hiking guidebook has been the trusted companion of walkers for decades, helping you prepare your outings thoroughly. Far more than just a book, it brings together the fieldwork of guides, mountain leaders and enthusiasts who have explored the routes in all conditions. Publications from renowned publishers such as Glénat, Chamina or Gap are based on a rigorous methodology: GPS mapping, step-by-step descriptions, and difficulty ratings using proven scales. This reliability makes all the difference when you set out independently.

The benefits of guidebooks for planning your hikes

A guidebook lets you visualise your outing before you even lace up your boots. You'll find all the key elements for a successful hike, clearly summarised:

• routes checked in the field by authors who have walked them in real conditions;
• detailed maps with GPS tracks usable on mobile apps;
• precise information on elevation, walking time and difficulty level;
• seasonal advice, including ideal periods and sections to avoid in case of snow or flooding;
• information on refuges, water points and public transport access;
• cultural and natural insights to enrich every kilometre.

Unlike a mobile app, which depends on battery life and network coverage, a paper guidebook can be consulted in any situation, including at camp or in remote valleys.

How to use a guidebook for a successful hike

Do you read your guidebook the night before you set off? This simple habit can make a big difference on the trail. By reviewing the step-by-step description and comparing it with a 1:25,000 scale IGN map, you can identify landmarks, tricky junctions and any technical sections. To plot a hike directly on a topographic map, look for contour lines to assess real elevation gain, follow the dashed black lines marking trails, and note decision points at intersections. Once on the move, keep the guidebook handy in an outer pocket of your pack: regular checks of key points will save you many unnecessary detours.

Our hiking guidebooks for the Northern Alps

The Northern Alps offer an unrivalled density of routes in France, from the shores of Lake Annecy to the foothills of Mont Blanc. Our selection focuses on this exceptional playground, with guidebooks from Glénat, Chamina, Gap and Tardivel covering everything from family walks to more challenging ascents of the great Savoyard peaks.

Around Annecy and its lake

Bordered by the Bauges to the west and La Tournette to the east, the Annecy basin offers a variety of outings that make a dedicated guidebook essential. Titles such as Autour d'Annecy, 44 itinéraires, Mes randonnées autour d'Annecy en 53 itinéraires (Gap) or Les plus belles randonnées autour du lac d'Annecy list the classic loops: Mont Veyrier, Roc des Bœufs, Semnoz or the lake circuit via the heights. These guides are suitable for both relaxed family days and more energetic outings along panoramic ridges.

Aravis, Bornes and the Bauges Massif

Further north, the Aravis and Bornes ranges offer a succession of accessible peaks, perfect for day hikes or more alpine routes towards Pointe Percée or Trou de la Mouche. The guides Bornes-Aravis and Dans les Aravis, 30 walks from Glénat are ideal for exploring this area. In the Bauges, a pre-Alpine massif and Regional Natural Park, the guidebook Massif des Bauges, 20 walks opens up a more secluded playground, dotted with alpine pastures, limestone combes and charming villages.

Haute-Savoie and the Mont Blanc Massif

Higher up, Haute-Savoie offers hikers a range of iconic peaks. The book Haute-Savoie, les 30 plus beaux sommets published by Chamina is a reference for those looking to escape the busiest trails and aim for the viewpoints of Chablais, Faucigny or the Mont Blanc region. For snowshoe enthusiasts, the guide Mont Blanc Raquettes by Tardivel extends the activity into winter, with marked and safe routes to enjoy the snowy landscapes around Chamonix and Saint-Gervais.

Around Lyon, escapes close to the city

For walkers based in the Lyon area, the guidebooks Autour de Lyon and Les environs de Lyon à pied offer short outings accessible by public transport, from the Monts d'Or to the Pilat massif and the Loire gorges. An ideal option for weekends or spontaneous half-day trips.

Choosing the right guidebook for your level

Before buying a guidebook, ask yourself a simple question: what type of outing do you really want to do in the coming months? A common mistake is to be tempted by a book featuring prestigious routes you'll never actually attempt. A good guidebook is one that matches your current activity, fitness level and desire for exploration.

Guidebooks for beginners

If you're just starting out, look for guidebooks offering accessible loops that meet these criteria:

• distance under 15 kilometres per day;
• moderate elevation gain, ideally under 600 metres;
• waymarked trails by FFRandonnée (yellow PR, red and white GR);
• clear explanations on map reading and navigation;
• advice on essential kit to bring.

The "Les plus belles balades" and "Promenades et Randonnées" collections are particularly suitable for a gentle progression, with short, clear sheets and routes tested for accessibility.

Guides for experienced hikers

For seasoned walkers seeking more challenging adventures, guidebooks become more technical: multi-day alpine traverses, self-sufficient treks, high-altitude bivouacs, and off-trail sections. A hiking guidebook can be used to plan off-piste routes, provided you are confident with map reading, using GPS and compass, and have solid mountain experience. Reference books include ratings (F, PD, AD from classic mountaineering applied to hiking), descriptions of exposed sections and warnings about areas prone to late snow. To take your mountain adventures further, our selection of climbing and mountaineering guidebooks naturally extends your options, with books dedicated to equipped routes and classic ascents.

FAQ about hiking guidebooks

How important is a guidebook for hiking safety?

A guidebook directly contributes to your safety by helping you anticipate what the terrain has in store. Exposed sections, stream crossings, sloping paths or late-lying snowfields are all mentioned, as are escape routes to a refuge or village in case of bad weather. Combined with a reliable weather forecast and a recent IGN map, it greatly reduces the unexpected, though it never replaces the vigilance required for any outing in nature.

What are the differences between a paper guidebook and a hiking app?

The two formats are complementary rather than competing. A paper guidebook can be consulted in any situation, offers an overview of the mapping, and benefits from editorial work that apps often lack. Mobile apps, on the other hand, provide real-time geolocation, track recording and the ability to quickly switch to an alternative route. In practice, many hikers plan their outing with the guidebook and then use the app as a tool for on-the-ground checks.

What additional equipment is useful alongside a guidebook?

A guidebook alone does not make for a successful outing. Also bring:

• an up-to-date IGN Top25 map of the area;
• a compass and ideally a GPS or an app with offline mapping;
• a whistle and survival blanket, essentials in every hiker's pack;
• a first aid kit suited to the duration and commitment level of your outing;
• clothing appropriate for the conditions: three-layer system, footwear suited to the terrain, and a well-fitted backpack.

How to care for and store your guidebooks?

Hiking guidebooks travel with you on the trail, so a few precautions will help them last for many seasons. A waterproof pouch, such as a resealable plastic bag, protects the book from rain and condensation while walking. At home, store them flat, away from direct sunlight that can fade covers, and avoid damp rooms that could warp the paper. Spiral-bound or plastic-coated editions are more resistant to heavy use and are ideal for multi-day trips.

Find our full selection of hiking guidebooks at Snowleader, and feel free to contact our team via online chat for personalised advice based on your favourite region. Free delivery from €199 and free returns within 60 days on all our outdoor books and guides.