Swiss Jura by mountain bike: alpine ridges and wild single tracks
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationJura / Swiss
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AgeFrom 18 - 55 years
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CO₂-Emissions40.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a mountain biking adventure in the heart of the Swiss Jura , on trails carefully selected for their beauty and technical challenge. This trip immerses you in wild and unspoiled nature, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Alps , from the Oberland to the Écrins , including the majestic Mont Blanc . Each day is punctuated by fun singletracks , perfect for lovers of dynamic mountain biking and thrills. Between dense forests and open ridges, the scenery alternates between a range of greens and imposing alpine peaks. After the exertion, relax in exceptional mountain huts , where you can enjoy magnificent sunsets over the surrounding summits. This trip is a total immersion in the authenticity of the Swiss Jura , combining a change of scenery, the pleasure of riding, and unspoiled nature . An unforgettable adventure that will appeal to both mountain biking enthusiasts and lovers of wide-open spaces !
The highlights
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Panoramic ridge with views of the Alps and Mont Blanc
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2 nights in a comfortable mountain refuge facing Mont Blanc
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A change of scenery as we arrive on the Swiss Riviera, on the shores of Lake Geneva
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 35 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 838 m
- Average daily descent: 998 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Management
Eric, a mountain biking instructor who lives in the Jura region all year round.
Program
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From Lake Joux to the summit of the Swiss Jura
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 8km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Vallorbe train station, followed by a short transfer. Departure from the village of Le Pont, on the shores of Lac de Joux , for an ascent through the alpine pastures of Mollendruz . The route winds between typical Jura woodlands, spruce forests, and vast pastures , offering a truly wild immersion. After a final push, arrival at Mont Tendre , the highest point of the Swiss Jura. A superb ridge line then leads to the mountain refuge for the night. Altitude 1600m , unspoiled atmosphere, and sunset over Mont Blanc as a backdrop. Overnight stay in an unstaffed mountain refuge .
Day 1 -
On the Jura mountain ridges, between Switzerland and France
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 37 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Heading towards the crest of the Swiss Jura mountains , a trail offering panoramic views of the Alps . Grassy singletracks lead us to Mont Salâ , an ideal viewpoint to take in our entire route, past and future, with Mont Blanc in the background. The descent crosses wild alpine pastures , dotted with traditional dry-stone walls . Here, for over 500 years , Swiss Gruyère d'Alpage AOC cheese has been produced in these vast summer pastures. Crossing into France, we arrive in Prémanon , where we spend the night in a gîte housed in a former Jura farmhouse .
Day 2 -
Between France and Switzerland, from Fort des Rousses to Lake Geneva
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 930 m
- Negative elevation 770 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day alternates between France and Switzerland , offering varied landscapes and enjoyable trails. We'll explore the Fort des Rousses , then descend to the Bief de la Chaille waterfall before following the shores of Lac des Rousses and its peat bogs . We'll pass a former customs post , then climb through alpine pastures to the summit of Le Carroz . The day concludes at an unguarded mountain refuge overlooking Lake Geneva . Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and a magnificent sunset over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc .
Day 3 -
From the Jura mountain pastures to the shores of Lake Geneva
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 75km
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 34 km
- Positive elevation gain 120 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A day spent between France and Switzerland , alternating between wild landscapes and playful descents. The route begins with the discovery of the Fort des Rousses , the Bief de la Chaille waterfall , and Lake Rousses , before passing through a former customs post . Crossing alpine pastures , we reach the summit of Le Carroz , then our perched refuge , offering a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc . The next day, 1400m of descent await us on fun singletrack trails , culminating in the Toblerone Trail , which runs alongside the Sérine River and its imposing World War II fortifications . A contrasting arrival awaits us at the picturesque port of Nyon , where sailboats and elegant lakeside homes mark the end of the adventure.
Day 4
Accommodation
Day 1 : Overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut, offering simple and authentic comfort. The facilities are basic, with only a sink in the kitchen for brushing teeth. Despite the lack of showers, Swiss mountain huts are well-equipped: wood-burning stove, wood-burning stove, and a water pumping system from the cistern, ensuring a friendly and functional atmosphere.
Day 2: Overnight stay in a gîte d'étape in Prémanon, in a shared room for 6 to 10 people. The atmosphere is friendly, with shared bathroom facilities.
Day 3: Return to the unguarded refuge, with the same facilities as the first night. Although there are no showers, the atmosphere is still very friendly and the refuge has the essential facilities for a comfortable stay.
Access
For those arriving by train: end of stay around 4:30 pm at Vallorbe station. It is possible to take a train from Nyon SBB station around 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
For those arriving by car: end of stay around 4:45pm – 5:00pm in front of the Pont train station.
Go to the starting point
From Lyon:
- The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes with a connection in Dijon. Departures are from Lyon Part-Dieu station, with several departures throughout the day.
From Paris:
- A direct TGV Lyria train connects Paris-Lyon station to Vallorbe in approximately 3 hours. Several departures are available throughout the day.
From Bordeaux:
- The train journey requires several connections, usually via Paris and Lyon, for a total duration of 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes.
Meet at 11:15 in front of the Pont train station for those coming by car.
From Lyon:
- Vallorbe is located approximately 243 km away, or about a 2 hour 30 minute drive via the A42 and A40 towards Geneva, before following the signs to Vallorbe.
From Paris:
- Allow approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to cover the 500 km via the A6 towards Lyon, then the A40
From Bordeaux:
- The distance is approximately 800 km, with an 8-hour journey via the A89 towards Lyon, then taking the A40 towards Vallorbe.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in shared rooms for 6 to 10 people
- Full board stay
- Supervision by a qualified mountain bike instructor
- Luggage transport at each stage (except Day 1)
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Individual equipment
- Bike rental (if you don't bring your own)
- The journeys to and from the dispersal point
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
This trip takes place in Switzerland; repatriation assistance insurance including search and rescue costs in the mountains is essential.
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- You can use your own mountain bike (a full-suspension mountain bike is highly recommended).
- If you do not have a mountain bike, rental is available on site (not included in the price of the stay).
Equipment to bring
- 1 BUFF-type multi-functional neck gaiter
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt, suitable for exertion (synthetic or natural microfiber)
- 1 insulating garment such as a light down jacket, ideally compressible
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket, with a hood if possible (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- 1 pair of lightweight waterproof trousers (K-Way type)
- 1 cycling shorts
- 1 CamelBak-type water bladder or 1 water bottle (no water resupply on the ridge route, except in some mountain farms where water is payable)
- Basic repair equipment: inner tube or tubeless kit, quick link, spare derailleur hanger (the instructor provides a complete repair kit)
- 1 pair of cycling gloves, or even full-length gloves depending on the season
- 1 bicycle helmet (mandatory)
Clothing to bring
- Soft-sided carrying bag (backpack or travel bag in good condition) – ONE BAG PER PERSON
- Small daypack, suitable for mountain biking, with a waist belt
- A rain cover might be useful.
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm clothing for the evening (e.g., fleece jacket)
- Pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening
- Swimsuit
- High-quality sunglasses with side shields
- Race snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit…)
- Documents and accessories
- Small waterproof pouch for storing:
- Money
- Identity card
- Health insurance card
- Assistance contract (provided upon registration if you have taken out insurance, or from your personal insurance)
- Toiletries (prioritize the essentials: small containers, samples, travel kits)
- Small, quick-drying bath towel
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional)
- Toilet paper + garbage bag
- Protection and security
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Survival blanket