Snowshoeing weekend and New Year's Eve in a mountain refuge in the Jura
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBurgundy-Franche-Comté / Jura
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions8.85 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
An extraordinary New Year's Eve celebration in the heart of the Jura Mountains , to begin the year immersed in nature. Overlooking Lake Geneva , this natural balcony facing the Alps invites you to a unique winter immersion. On snowshoes, you'll traverse the spruce forests and rolling landscapes of the Swiss Jura before reaching a secluded refuge perched on the slopes of Mont Tendre (1680 m) . There, an exceptional panoramic view unfolds before you, stretching from the Eiger to the Écrins massif. In the evening, the warm atmosphere of a dinner featuring "boîte chaude ," a local cheese specialty, promises a convivial and comforting experience. The following day, the ascent to the summit takes you to the highest point of the Swiss Jura, revealing the full majesty of the Alpine peaks. A weekend getaway , ideal for lovers of unspoiled nature , snowshoeing , and authentic moments to share.
The highlights
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The panoramic view of the Alps from the Jura mountain ridges
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New Year's Eve in a mountain refuge facing the Alps, in a warm and friendly atmosphere
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Snowshoeing in the heart of the snow-covered forests of the Swiss Jura
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
In the event of insufficient snow cover preventing snowshoeing, the trip will still take place. Snowshoeing excursions will then be replaced by hiking.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 350 m
- Average daily descent: 210 m
Management
French
Gauthier, Manu or François, Mountain Guides of the Country, specialists in winter hiking.
Program
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Welcome, hiking and overnight stay at the refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 120 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Brassus station at 9:30 am, then distribution of participants into cars for a 15-minute drive to reach the start of the hike.
Through the "pré-bois" (wooded meadows), remarkable landscapes of the Jura region, a legacy of the first inhabitants, we hike to the Refuge du Cunay (1.5 hours). After settling in and having lunch at the refuge, we traverse ridges and valleys, crossing the "cul-de-sacs" (deep valleys), to discover the Pré de St Livre and its geological curiosity: the ice cave (3 hours). Back at the refuge, a warm meal awaits us for dinner and New Year's Eve celebrations! Overnight at the refuge.
Day 1 -
The ridges of Mont Tendre (1679 m)
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A route taking place in the Vaudois Nature Park in Switzerland. Exceptional views of the entire Alpine chain and the Lake Geneva basin . A walk among spruce trees, searching for traces and signs of the presence of local wildlife (chamois, roe deer, hares, capercaillies, hazel grouse, lynx...).
Cold meal at the refuge then return via a different route to the starting point.
Day 2
Note
In the event of insufficient snow cover preventing snowshoeing, the trip will still take place. Snowshoeing excursions will then be replaced by hikes. This program is subject to change and may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions.
Accommodation
You will spend the night in an unguarded mountain refuge: the Cabane du Cunay. 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!
Blankets are available in the shelter, you must bring a sleeping bag liner and a pillowcase.
If you are sensitive to the cold, there are fleece sleeping bag liners available.
Access
For the return : by car, return on Sunday around 4:00 p.m. to the Col du Marchairuz (Switzerland) // by train, return on Sunday around 4:30 p.m. to the Brassus train station (Switzerland).
Go to the starting point
🚘 From the North:
- Take the A39 to exit 7 (Poligny) .
- Follow the N5 (towards Champagnole / Les Rousses).
- Arriving in Les Rousses : enter the centre (pass in front of the Post Office) then turn left towards Bois d'Amont .
- Cross through the village of Bois d'Amont (4 km).
- Crossing the Swiss border .
- Continue for 4 km to Le Brassus .
- Meeting point: The train station is on your left , just after the roundabout.
🚘 From the Southeast (via Oyonnax)
- Take the A40 then the A404 to Oyonnax .
- Follow the signs for St Claude , then follow the signs for Geneva (D436).
- 3 km after Septmoncel, turn left onto the D25 (direction Lamoura/Les Rousses).
- Just before entering Les Rousses, turn right towards Bois d'Amont .
- Cross through the village of Bois d'Amont (4 km).
- Crossing the Swiss border .
- Continue for 4 km to Le Brassus .
- Meeting point: The train station is on your left , just after the roundabout.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision
- Food and full board accommodation
- Loan of snowshoes and poles
- New Year's Eve at the refuge
- Wine and sparkling wine (but feel free to bring a local specialty)
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Individual equipment
- Transfers
- The means of transport to the meeting place
- Anything not mentioned in "the price includes"
Options
- I'm coming by train : CHF0.00 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.
⚠️ For this trip, you must also have repatriation assistance insurance because rescue services are very expensive in Switzerland.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- For these snowshoe hikes, you will be provided with a pair of high-performance "TSL" or "Inook" snowshoes. Their binding system adapts to all types of footwear (if you have any doubts, please call us).
- To complete your equipment, we offer ski poles.
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of 40 to 50 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and allowing the snowshoes to be attached.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- 1 quick-drying bath towel.
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
- A fitted sheet and a pillowcase
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the gore-tex type.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is the enemy of snowshoe hikers, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
They traveled with us
