The roof of the Jura: Snowshoeing weekend at Crêt de la Neige
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAin / 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
Discover a unique winter adventure during a two-day snowshoeing getaway on the high peaks of the Jura mountains .
As soon as you step off the cable car, put on your gear and let yourself be guided into the heart of spectacular snow-covered landscapes. This hike offers a complete immersion in the majestic Alps and Lake Geneva . Designed to be accessible to beginners , this route gradually leads you to the highest point of the massif: the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m). Reaching the Jura's highest peak provides a unique sense of satisfaction, rewarded by a breathtaking 360° panorama .
As night falls, find refuge in a staffed and welcoming mountain hut, warmed by a crackling wood stove. Share convivial moments in the high mountains over a hearty dinner before a peaceful night on the ridges.
This all-inclusive package includes professional guidance , equipment rental , picnics, and overnight accommodation with half-board . A magical escape in the great outdoors, combining moderate physical activity, wide open spaces, and authentic experiences.
The highlights
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A weekend at the summit of the Jura mountains, between snow-capped peaks and wide open spaces
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The authenticity and conviviality of a night in a staffed mountain refuge, in the heart of the mountains
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360° panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, the backdrop for a winter adventure
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Level — Exploration. Elevation gain 300-600 m per day, approximately 4 hours of actual walking per day. For those who are regularly physically active and want to discover varied landscapes at a leisurely pace. Snowshoeing beginners welcome; no prior technical experience required. Load carried: your packs may weigh between 6 and 8 kg depending on the gear you bring.
This trip is for you if…
- You hike from time to time and dream of reaching a real summit with a 360° panorama
- You're a beginner in snowshoeing and want a guided first experience, building confidence.
- Do you live in Geneva, Lyon or the Rhône-Alpes region and are looking for a real mountain getaway within an hour of home?
- You need to disconnect for good: the silence of the snow, a night by the stove
- You love vast landscapes — the Alps and Lake Geneva in front of you for two days
- You want to go home with a story: "I climbed to the roof of the Jura"
- Whether with friends, as a couple, or alone, you're looking for a simple yet powerful moment in a small group.
Less suitable if…
- Are you looking for an intense sporting challenge or a significant elevation gain?
- You need comfort: the refuge is basic (dormitory, no shower)
- You are not comfortable walking for about 4 hours in the snow with a 6-8 kg pack
- Are you travelling with young children? (This trip is designed for adults and teenagers in good health.)
- Looking for a "club" atmosphere with entertainment? Here, it's all about nature, simplicity, and small groups.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 327 m
- Average daily descent: 327 m
Management
French
A mountain guide since 2023, a climbing and canyoning instructor for 20 years, a forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) guide, and a meditation instructor, Xavier has always lived and breathed outdoor sports. A climbing guide year-round and a canyoning guide in the summer, his mountain guide certification allows him to offer hiking trips that reflect his own personality: vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring. Beyond the physical aspect, he shares a sensitive, sincere, and authentic approach to the mountains, inviting everyone to experience a human and immersive journey in the heart of nature.
Program
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From Lélex to the Loge refuge, via the ridges
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 282 m
- Negative elevation 298 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
- 10:30 am: Welcome at the Lélex ski school parking lot. Briefing, bag check, distribution of snowshoes and poles.
- 11:00 am: Cable car ride up to the Jura Mountains. The hike starts at the summit: heading towards the ridges through the snowy alpine pastures.
- Lunch: Picnic provided, facing the panorama; if the weather permits, view of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
- Afternoon: Loop along the rounded ridges of the massif to the Loge refuge (1,436 m).
- Evening: Settling into the guarded refuge, hot dinner prepared by the warden, evening spent by the stove.
Note - In high winds (with the cable car closed), several options are available:
- Snowshoe ascent to the refuge through the forest (option 1 = 3.8 km and 572 m elevation gain)
- Panoramic outing possible depending on the weather (option 2 = 4 km and 100 m elevation gain)
Day 1 -
Crêt de la Neige, summit of the Jura
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 371 m
- Negative elevation 356 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
- 9:00 am: Departure from the refuge. Ascent through the forest to reach the ridges — the panorama of the Alps never leaves us.
- Morning: Progress towards Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m), the highest point of the Jura, via unusual passages.
- Midday: Summit: 360° view of the Jura mountains, the Alps and Lake Geneva. Picnic lunch provided.
- Afternoon: Descent to the station and return by cable car.
- 4:00 PM: End of the stay at the Lélex car park.
Day 2
Note
The program is provided as a guide only and is subject to change due to weather conditions, mountain conditions, and the needs of the travelers. Ultimately, the guide has sole discretion over the program and may modify it for safety reasons. Similarly, the estimated times for each stage are approximate.
Accommodation
The Loge refuge (1,436 m), on the GR9, at the gates of the Lélex-Crozet estate and the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve.
Access
Go to the starting point
Your guide is offering a carpool at 9:30 am from the train station to Lélex. Only 4 seats are available, please let us know as soon as possible.
Carpooling with other participants — you will be connected with other participants via a WhatsApp group.
Alternatively, by taxi:
- Taxi Bellegarde-sur-Valserine / GT7 Taxis — 06 25 57 03 01 (24/7, transfers to train station and ski resorts Lélex / Monts Jura)
- Alp'Ain Taxi (Frédérick) — 06 09 42 17 75 (Valserhône, transfers to train station and airports).
- From Valserhone (Bellegarde-sur-Valserine), D991 via Lancrans, Confort and Chézery-Forens to Lélex.
- From Nantua, D14 via Montanges, Champfromier and Chézery-Forens.
- Parking in Lélex is free; you can leave your car there for the entire duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide.
- Overnight stay in a staffed mountain refuge with half-board (dinner + breakfast)
- The picnics for the 2 days
- Loan of snowshoes and poles (if needed)
The price does not include
- Transport to Lélex (carpooling possible from Valserhone - Bellegarde-sur-Valserine train station)
- The cable car: €9 return, payable on site by each participant
- Water, drinks and other extras at the refuge
- The sleeping bag / sleeping bag sheet
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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
- Snowshoes and poles if you don't already have them
Equipment to bring
For the evening at the refuge & miscellaneous
- Sleeping bag 0-5 °C (comfort temperature) for the night in the refuge
- Dry change of clothes, small towel and toiletry bag
- Headlamp and earplugs
- Small pharmacy (bandages…)
- Toilet paper + airtight bag
Clothing to bring
For hiking light
- 40-50 L Backpack
- Waterproof, high-top hiking boots (no après-ski boots)
- High gaiters
- Sunglasses (category 3) and sunscreen
- Hat and gloves
- Lightweight down jacket + windproof Gore-Tex jacket
- Breathable pants and fleece
- Technical socks (avoid cotton)
- Water bottle or thermos
- Individual snacks (recommended dried fruits: almonds, walnuts, figs, dates, apricots…)
- Your snowshoes and poles (your guide can provide them if you don't have any)
