Nordic ski touring in the Haut-Jura
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationJura / Burgundy-Franche-Comté
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions63.43 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a Nordic ski touring excursion (100% off-piste). A mountain area with a strong identity, nestled within the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, the Hautes Combes offer something truly unique! Its terrain, composed of small valleys, provides a diverse landscape and a complete change of scenery! It's also a high-quality Nordic ski touring area, incredibly fun and ideal for learning off-piste skiing! We've chosen comfortable accommodation as our base camp and arranged for a minibus to explore other areas (La Dole, Le Noirmont, or the Col du Marchairuz) to ensure a pleasant stay regardless of snow conditions. Our goal: to make everyone independent and confident on their skis for maximum enjoyment and to confidently plan multi-day off-piste tours.
The highlights
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A 100% off-piste route
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The charm of the landscapes of the Haut-Jura
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Simple and welcoming accommodations
Photos
Sport
Level
Nordic ski touring
The expert's opinion
Technical Level 3 out of 4 : Accessible to any non-beginner skier with good balance on skis, whether cross-country or alpine, and who has already mastered basic cross-country skiing techniques (including the snowplow turn, gliding, and a technique known as the "duck walk") and is in good physical condition. (In the Jura Mountains, off-piste skiing is arguably more accessible because we use the varied terrain for stops at the bottom of slopes, with more or less direct tracks facing the slope, and traverses. Therefore, it's not necessarily essential to know how to turn or stop in powder...)
Physical level 3 out of 5 : multi-day ski tour, 6.5 hours of skiing per day. Off-piste skiing for 100% of the route. Stages of 15 to 20km/day, elevation gain 600 to 800m/day.
Maximum group size: 8 people. We'll be able to fully enjoy a technical session, whether it's an introduction to or improvement of telemark skiing techniques, or explore a wild valley to carve some beautiful tracks… Generally, we leave the gîte around 9:00 AM and arrive at our destination around 5:30 PM. This can, of course, be adapted to our preferences, the weather, etc.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 584 m
Management
Eric, Yohann or Eric, State-certified Nordic ski instructors, skilled technicians and full of love for the Jura!
Program
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Arrival and check-in
- Activity Ski touring
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet on Sunday at 5:30pm in Les Rousses for those arriving by car.
Or at 5:20 p.m. in front of the SBB train station in La Cure (located 3 km from the Les Rousses resort).
Ski rental available for those who wish to use it.
Settling into the cottage for the evening.
Day 1 -
Le Brassus - Cunay Refuge (1567 m)
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the heights above the village of Le Brassus (Switzerland), the starting point of the hike. This stage is simply exceptional! We break trail through wooded meadows and along high ridges, in a feeling of being completely alone in the world! This area is nicknamed "Little Canada," and you'll understand why! Several summits are planned for this first day, including Mont Tendre (1679 m), the highest peak in the Swiss Jura.
A night in an unguarded cabin, to add to the change of scenery!
Day 2 -
Cunay Refuge - Col du Marchairuz (1447 m)
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The distance to reach the next stage is quite short, but the area is so rich in hidden valleys, panoramic ridges, and fun descents that it will easily take a whole day! Your instructor will find spectacular sections and beautiful slopes for carving stunning turns...
Day 3 -
Col du Marchairuz - Fruitières de Nyon (1340 m)
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a pleasant descent through the forest, we reached the Sèche de Gimel and the Combe des Amburnex. The alpine pastures were covered in white, and we broke trail! The lumberjack's cabin offered us shelter for a warm picnic. We continued on between alpine farms and clearings to reach our cabin in the middle of a clearing, but always with a view of the Alps—a touch of Scandinavia, for sure!
Day 4 -
Fruitières de Nyon - Les Dappes (1230 m)
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The crossing to the Col de la Givrine is a charming route that connects the various alpine farms in the area, providing an opportunity to discuss the built heritage of the Jura region. Along the way, we climb Noirmont (1555 m), a summit overlooking the Jura mountains, and offer a gentle and enjoyable descent back to our accommodation.
Day 5 -
La Dôle (1677 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 15h - 10km
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off to conquer La Dôle , a soaring and spectacular peak, a true haven for chamois! Following the ridges and promontories, the descent offers a sweeping panorama of the Alps, from the Bernese Oberland to Mont Blanc, and leads to the Sonnailley alpine pastures. Then we wind our way between La Dôle and Les Tuffes to reach our destination. Now that we've mastered our Telemark technique, we can really enjoy ourselves. End of the trip
Option to book an additional night in a gîte in Prémanon (must be booked at the time of registration)
Day 6
Note
Winter hiking is constantly evolving! Some weeks the snow cover is perfect, and you'll be in for a treat! Other weeks it's only partial, requiring adjustments to the itinerary to stay within the snow-covered areas. And we're not immune to periods without snow... but accommodations are booked, and we can't cancel without penalty. So, even if there's no snow, we'll still run our trips. The winter atmosphere and light will be there, and we'll offer other activities like shooting, biathlon, or off-trail hiking.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Luggage transported by us by vehicle, every other day, i.e. every day except days 2 and 4.
We ask that you bring only one piece of luggage per person, not too bulky, weighing no more than 12 kg. Some lodges are only accessible by snowmobile. Thank you for your understanding.
When skiing, you only carry one bag containing your belongings for the day and the provided lunch, which is shared among everyone.
A vehicle will transport our luggage to each stage of the trip every day (except days 2 and 4). If you're tired or have a minor injury, you can take advantage of this transport.
We absolutely disclaim all responsibility in the event of damage to any fragile item (laptop, for example).
Accommodation
- Sunday evening : Gîte d'étape in Prémanon, shared room (6 or 10 people) in a warm atmosphere, shared bathrooms.
- Monday evening : The refuge is unguarded, so there's a good chance we'll be the only occupants. We'll light a fire as soon as we arrive; that's enough to heat the common room and the dormitory. We can spend the night with the refuge's blankets. The sanitary facilities are extremely basic in winter (due to freezing temperatures), so it's only possible to brush your teeth in the kitchen sink or roll around in the snow!
Apart from the lack of showers, Swiss mountain huts are well equipped: wood stove, wood-burning stove, water pumping system from the cistern… practical and user-friendly!
- Tuesday evening : Inn at the Col du Marchairuz, room for 6 or 7 people, shared toilet and shower.
- Wednesday evening: Unguarded refuge; apart from the lack of a shower, Swiss refuges are well-equipped: wood-burning stove, wood-burning stove, water pumping system from the cistern… practical and welcoming! On January 1st, we will sleep in a gîte located near La Cure.
- Thursday evening: gîte d'étape in Les Dappes, rooms for 4 people, washbasins, shower and WC upstairs.
Friday evening optional : Gîte d'étape in Prémanon, shared room (6 or 10 people) in a warm atmosphere, shared sanitary facilities.
The refuge is unguarded, so there's a good chance we'll be the only occupants. We'll light a fire as soon as we arrive; that's enough to heat the common room and the dormitory. We can spend the night using the refuge's blankets. The sanitary facilities are extremely basic in winter (due to freezing temperatures), so it's only possible to brush your teeth in the kitchen sink or roll around in the snow!
Apart from the lack of showers, Swiss mountain huts are well equipped: wood stove, wood-burning stove, water pumping system from the cistern… practical and user-friendly!
The refuge is unguarded, so there's a good chance we'll be the only occupants. We'll light a fire as soon as we arrive; that's enough to heat the common room and the dormitory. We can spend the night using the refuge's blankets. The sanitary facilities are extremely basic in winter (due to freezing temperatures), so it's only possible to brush your teeth in the kitchen sink or roll around in the snow!
Apart from the lack of showers, Swiss mountain huts are well equipped: wood stove, wood-burning stove, water pumping system from the cistern… practical and user-friendly!
Access
WELCOME
See you on Sunday:
- at 5:20pm in Les Rousses for people in cars .
- at 5:30pm in front of the SBB train station in La Cure (located 3 km from the Les Rousses resort).
If you arrive by train, a supplement of €20 per person is required for round-trip transfers from the train station. Please specify this information when registering.
A member of our team will welcome you and assist you during the equipment rental process.
People arriving by car will follow the instructor and leave their car in the cross-country ski trails parking lot.
DISPERSION
On Friday, after the shuttle service, for people arriving by car
Friday at 4:30 pm at La Cure train station, for people arriving by train
Return train:
La Cure 4:43 PM – Paris Gare de Lyon 9:42 PM (via Nyon and Geneva)
La Cure 4:43 PM – Lyon 9:22 PM (via Nyon and Geneva)
Timetables available at www.sbb.ch/fr
Return flight: Geneva-Cointrin airport, via La Cure train station.
Accommodation before or after the hike:
Gîte le GRAND TETRAS tel. 03 84 60 51 13
Gîte le CHALET des TUFFES tel. 03 84 60 02 95
Hotel** ARBEZ tel. 03 84 60 02 20
Go to the starting point
Train access: La Cure SBB station, accessible via Geneva and the Paris-Geneva TGV line.
Paris Gare de Lyon 12:16 – La Cure 17:12 (via Geneva and Nyon)
Timetables available at www.sbb.ch/fr
Access by plane: Geneva-Cointrin airport, then train to the CFF station of La Cure.
Coming from the northern half of France: Take the A39 motorway to Poligny (exit 7), then the N5 towards Champagnole, St Laurent en Grandvaux, Morez, and Les Rousses. Go through Les Rousses and continue towards Geneva, Col de la Faucille. After 2 km, turn left towards La Cure. Park in the car park on the right before the customs post. Participants will be assigned to cars in Les Rousses to optimize the number of vehicles (it may be necessary to park a car at the end of the ride for the return trip on Sunday evening).
Price details
The price includes
- The organization of the hike
- The 5 half-board meals (dinner, overnight stay and breakfast)
- The 5 midday picnics
- Supervision by a state-certified instructor
- Luggage transport each day to the stage (except days 2 and 4)
- Transfer of the day 02
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The means of transport to the meeting place
- Transfer from the train station
- Cross-country ski equipment rental (approximately €90 payable on site)
- Cancellation, assistance, repatriation, and trip interruption insurance
- Everything not mentioned in the price includes
Options
- Return train station transfer : CHF18.30 / person
- Additional night after the half-board stay (gîte) : CHF54.89 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- A sleeping bag is not necessary; there are blankets or duvets everywhere (just bring a sleeping bag liner).
- A first aid kit is planned for the group.
SKI EQUIPMENT RENTAL
- Equipment rental is not included in the tour package. You must have recent Nordic touring equipment. This equipment differs from cross-country skiing equipment. The skis are wider with metal edges, like alpine skis, but with scales. The binding system requires a heel that is always free (75 mm standard or Nordic touring type). Ideally, choose skis that are not too long, the skier's height or 5-10 cm shorter, for better maneuverability off-piste, and a pair of poles with wide enough baskets for carrying in fresh snow.
- If you wish to rent equipment, it is possible to rent it in Les Rousses at the meeting point on Sunday. The instructor will provide climbing skins if they prove useful depending on the terrain or snow conditions. Our team of ski instructors has created an association to purchase the most suitable equipment for this trip, which they then rent to participants. We also have partnerships with several sports shops in Les Rousses to supplement the equipment. Expect to pay around €90 for a week's rental (skis, boots, poles). The rental will be payable on site, but it is essential that you inform us in advance and provide your height and shoe size so that we can reserve the equipment.
Equipment to bring
- For luggage, please keep it light (12 kg maximum per person): either one sports bag, one backpack, or one suitcase. To facilitate transport, please allow only ONE BAG per person (please consider our transport partners). In some accommodations, bags are transported by snowmobile!
- In the event that the bags cannot be transported (heavy snow, storm, etc.), we will have to transport them ourselves or do without them. Rest assured, this has never happened before.
- Lightweight daypack, comfortable and equipped with a waist belt, 40 litres minimum (day's belongings, picnic, water bottle, warm clothes...) and a large plastic bag (garbage bag) to protect everything in case of bad weather.
- It is mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner (for comfort and hygiene). Fleece sleeping bag liners are ideal. If you are really worried about the cold, bring your sleeping bag, but it must fit inside your personal belongings bag. Do not attach your sleeping bag to your luggage.
- 1 knife, cutlery, 1-liter water bottle or thermos, flashlight, airtight container (like Tupperware) for lunch salads, one or two rubbish bags
- Towel and toiletries, some toilet paper, small personal first-aid kit (aspirin, vitamin C, plasters, elastic bandage, possibly Compeed (double skin) for blisters)
- Snacks, dried fruit, chocolate, and cereal bars (not provided) are always appreciated. (As well as a small local specialty to share. Long live sharing!)
Clothing to bring
- Underwear is ideally made of polyester fiber to avoid the spongy effect
- Terry socks are warm and comfortable and prevent snags caused by fibers or seams.
- 1 hat or headband covering the ears, 1 pair of gloves covering the wrists, possibly silk liner gloves. Avoid gloves that are too tight as they are more permeable to the cold.
- 1 pair of gaiters, preferably knee-high. Very practical for off-piste skiing.
- A lightweight, breathable, and waterproof Gore-Tex jacket is ideal; otherwise, you'll need to bring a windbreaker, preferably waterproof (like a cape or poncho). Avoid anoraks (down jackets) which are too bulky and warm for cross-country skiing. Always opt for layering thin layers, which is more effective against the cold, and it's easier to adjust the layers according to the intensity of your activity.
- For this stage, jogging pants, a sweater, cotton underwear, a pair of sneakers or thin shoes, or even a pair of thick wool socks.
The Karine & Emma team
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