With its hilly landscape, windy ridges and deep woods (still home to Lynx and Capercaillie), it's hard not to think of the Far North and the forests of the Taiga when you travel through the Jura's snowy valleys. The Jura is a paradise for hiking and for Nordic activities (snowshoeing, cross-country skiing...), with mountain pastures and ski resorts on a more human scale. Over a week between France and Switzerland, the various hikes explore wild and unspoilt spots, offering outstanding panoramas of Lake Geneva and the entire Alpine chain.
You will like
Discover the Jura region, a wild and little-visited massif;
A Nordic landscape perfectly suited to snowshoeing, for hikes accessible to all;
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Geneva;
Meet at 6.00 pm at your accommodation for a briefing with your guide.
Snowshoeing is dependent on the weather and snow conditions. To ensure that the hikes run smoothly and to manage the risk of avalanches, the programme may be modified, in order to make the most of each itinerary and for obvious safety reasons. The mountain leader takes the final decision on each excursion and holds a briefing with the group each evening to outline the day's programme for the following day.
The walking times and elevation changes given below are therefore indicative only, as the guide will adjust the pace and walks to the group throughout the week.
Day 2
SWISS MOUNTAIN PASTURES - CARROZ HUT
A beautiful loop hike on the other side of the border to kick off the week. Crossing alpine pastures and snow-covered meadows to reach the charming Carroz hut and its panoramic view of the Alps. 5 hour walk / Elevation : +/-400m
Day 3
DÔLE SUMMIT
The summit of La Dôle, with its characteristic large white ball, is a must-see peak on the crests of the Jura mountains and can be seen from almost anywhere in the Lake Geneva region. From its 1677m altitude, this unique belvedere offers an imposing panorama of the giants of the Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, from the Oberland to the Écrins...
5 hour walk / Elevation : +/-500m
Day 4
THE RISOUX FOREST
Depart by bus for the mythical Risoux forest, home to the emblematic and extremely rare Tetras . Cross these woods steeped in history to enjoy lunch in a cosy little refuge nestling among the spruce trees. Return via the Swiss coombs, with a good chance of spotting chamois. 5 hour walk / Elevation : +/-350m
Day 5
HIKING IN THE HAUTES COMBES
The scattered settlements in these gentle rolling hills give the landscape a special character and energy that never leaves anyone unmoved. A real postcard with the view of the Monts Jura and the crêt de Chalam. 5 hour walk / Elevation : +/-350m
Day 6
ON THE CRETES OF JURA
A circular walk along the ridges. The path leads to the edge of the Noirmont Nature Reserve, a wild sanctuary home to many species including wolves, lynx and tetras. 5 hour walk / Elevation : +/-500m
Day 7
The tour ends at around 10 a.m. after breakfast.
The programme is subject to change depending on snow conditions, imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the course.
The trip
LEVEL **
Altitude difference: +/- 400 to 650 m following the steps.
Walking time: about 5 hours of walking per day, depending on the level of the group.
Physical level: accessible to all, even to hikers who have never snowshoeing.
Stay in the same accommodation every evening, allowing you to rest for a day if necessary
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 8 people supervised by a qualified professional (mountain guide).
ACCOMODATION
In rural cottage : 6 nights in small dormitories.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are served at the accommodation. For lunch, picnic lunches are provided by the accommodation, except one day over the week, a hot meal will be enjoyed in a mountain refuge.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at 6pm at your accomodation : : gîte la Grenotte, 39220 Prémanon.
BY TRAIN Go: departure from Gare de Lyon (Paris) at 12:18 pm arrival in Geneva at 3:30 pm ( www.sncf-connect.com).
Then train Geneva - La Cure, departure Geneva at 15:50, change in Nyon and arrival at 17:15 ( www.sbb.ch/fr). Return: departure from the Cure at 10:44, arrival in Geneva at 12:00. Train from Geneva at 12:30 to Paris, arrival at 15:42.
The schedules given are indicative and must be checked with SNCF and SBB. oui.sncf; sbb.ch/
BY CAR
From Paris, join the A6 direction Lyon then A36 (Besancon, Dôle) and A39 towards Grenoble/ Geneva. Exit N°7 Lausane, Pontarlier, then follow the N83 then N5 towards Poligny, Champagnole, Morbier, La Cure and finally Gîte d'étape La Grenotte (476 - chemin de Bacon - 39220 PREMANON)
End of stay saturday around 10am at the accommodation, after breakfast.
TO CONTACT US
If you are late, please call the agency: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT LIST
Material for snowshoeing (snowshoes and poles) is provided. However, if you have your own equipment and would like to use it you are free to do so.
Clothing
Waterproof ski or winter walking trousers
Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
Breathable or merino wool leggings
Fleece or jumper
Insulating down jacket
2 pairs of ski gloves and a warm hat
Walking socks (1 pair per day)
Sturdy waterproof walking boots
Other Equipment
Rucksack minimum 35 litre capacity
Sunglasses and ski mask
Sun cream
Water bottle and Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 35 to 40 litres for your avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
7 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Comfortable Lodge
Level ** 
From 895 €
Next departure on 16/02/25
