Snowshoeing in the Hautes Combes du Jura
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 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-Emissions36.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Between Lajoux and La Pesse , the Hautes Combes du Jura offer a pristine winter landscape, sculpted by snow , fir forests , and vast rolling plateaus. This Nordic territory, emblematic of the Jura massif, is ideally explored on snowshoes , at a leisurely and accessible pace, far from the hustle and bustle.
For four days , you'll explore a pristine landscape of silent clearings , deep valleys, and isolated farms, testaments to a still vibrant pastoral tradition. Each stop reveals a different light, open horizons, and an atmosphere conducive to disconnecting. Here, nature sets the pace and invites you on a gentle, immersive, and restorative journey .
This trek is punctuated by nights spent in guesthouses and mountain huts carefully integrated into the landscape. Welcoming and warm, they provide comfortable stops to fully savor the experience. Evenings linger over convivial meals in a simple and genuine atmosphere.
A snowshoeing holiday in the heart of the Hautes Combes , designed for those seeking an authentic , balanced and deeply soothing adventure.
The highlights
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Nordic immersion on snowshoes in the heart of the wild Jura high valleys
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A gentle journey through fir forests, snow-covered plateaus and isolated farms
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A small group of a maximum of 8 people
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 343 m
- Average daily descent: 364 m
Management
French
English
From a very young age, I discovered the joys of the mountains, and I quickly knew that my place was where they allowed me to gain a new perspective. From a passion, the mountains became the guiding thread of a career rich in discoveries and unexpected turns. My time in the mountain troops and the gendarmerie allowed me to acquire a thorough knowledge of the Alps and the Pyrenees, and later, the Jura Mountains, where I eventually settled. Earning my State Diploma as a Mountain Guide (AEM) in 2012 allows me to now fully live my passion and share my experience with you.
For over 13 years now, I've had the privilege of leading trips in regions as diverse as Morocco, the Arctic, and the Antarctic—extreme environments that I truly appreciate. Today, I primarily work in the Alps and the Jura Mountains as a guide. I'm not a smuggler, but I like to think of myself (and us) as guides of history, culture, and the environment. Through a variety of activities, from day hikes to multi-day treks, whether self-supported or staying in guesthouses or mountain huts, to bivouacking, wildlife observation, impromptu fondue dinners in cabins, sledding, orienteering, and much more, I love sharing my passion with you. It's in these multifaceted mountains that I invite you to join me.
Program
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Manon – Les Molunes – Bellecombe
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 310 m
- Negative elevation 210 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery is guaranteed and you will be instantly immersed in the Nordic atmosphere of the Jura.
You will discover our unique landscapes, dotted with magical forests and long valleys, the combes, where man has settled forming a very characteristic dispersed habitat!
The views will also be part of it and I will show you some of my favorite spots….
A day of pleasure and tranquility to reach our cottage deep in Bellecombe.
Day 1 -
Bellecombe - Crêt au Merle - Borne au Lion - Crêt de Chalam - La Pesse
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Negative elevation 505 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A scenic day awaits us today, taking us along a magnificent ridge suspended between the Jura plateaus and the Valserine valley. After lunch at the Lion Marker and before heading to La Pesse, we'll set off to conquer the Crêt de Chalam, the highest point of the penultimate plateau! From the summit, an exceptional panorama awaits us, encompassing the Jura mountains and perhaps even the Alps if the weather cooperates!
Day 2 -
La Pesse- la Bramande – Les Moussières – Les Molunes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 390 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Another magnificent route through wooded meadows and hidden valleys today. The day will begin with the discovery of the Malatrait valley followed by the charming village of Les Moussières.
Today we will be on all or part of the Great Jura Crossing, an iconic route that we will follow until our last accommodation in Les Molunes.
Day 3 -
Les Molunes – Septmoncel – Luette viewpoint – Le Manon
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Last day of our adventure through these magical landscapes. A brief glimpse today of the sun-drenched slopes overlooking Saint Claude, with the discovery of lovely viewpoints overlooking the village of Septmoncel. Craftsmanship and industry have made this mountain region famous, as evidenced by the lapidary trail! We then return to our starting point via the rolling valleys and green pastures of La Couronne. The activity is expected to end mid-afternoon.
Day 4
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
- From Saint-Claude : taxi or private hire vehicle (~15 min) to Manon or take a local taxi.
- From Mouchard : car rental recommended for the rest of the journey (~1h30 drive).
- Bus / taxi : to be checked locally for connections Saint-Claude → Septmoncel les Molunes.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced and passionate mountain guide.
- Accommodation in guesthouses and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 4
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal expenses and drinks at the guesthouses
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
- In case of minor injuries (your guide will also have a group first-aid kit, please note that no medication will be provided by the guide)
Equipment to bring
Clothing for hiking:
- 1 sun hat or cap,
- 1 BUFF-type multifunctional beanie or neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves to protect against the cold at altitude,
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt suitable for exertion (synthetic or natural microfiber type),
- 1 insulating garment type: fleece or down jacket,
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with a hood if possible (Gore-Tex type or equivalent), or 1 rain poncho
- 1 protective cover for the backpack against bad weather (often integrated into the bags),
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers, or 1 pair of shorts or bermudas suitable for walking.
- 1 pair of hiking socks.
- 1 pair of hiking shoes that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to "test" new shoes and those that have not been used for a long time beforehand (low shoes are not recommended).
The essentials:
- One backpack of at least 45 liters with a reinforced frame and a hip belt. Please note: choosing the right backpack is crucial! To avoid back pain and fully enjoy your trip, it must be suited to your body type and the weight you will be carrying. Backpack rental available (€5).
- 2 telescopic poles, available for loan
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack,
- 1 pair of category 3 sunglasses,
- 1 water bottle (allow 1L to 1.5L/person) or hydration bladder such as a CamelBak with a drinking tube,
- Race food, and snacks for breaks…
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract (the rest of your papers and car key can be left at the hotel during your stay),
- 1 survival blanket,
- Toilet paper with a zip-lock bag to put it in.
- Sunscreen without nanomaterials, SPF 4.
- 1 headlamp,
- A whistle, to hang on the strap of your backpack.
Change of clothes:
- 2 changes of underwear.
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt, 1 long-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 pair of trousers or shorts
Your toilet:
- The essentials you'll need: keep them to an absolute minimum! A toothbrush, an open tube of toothpaste (or better yet, your homemade biodegradable toothpaste), a bar of soap (like Marseille soap) or a tube of liquid soap, a small microfiber towel, a washcloth. Two clothespins
In case:
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper (or in case of snorers!),
- Your prescribed medications (see your prescription)
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferably,
- Elastic adhesive tape, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses, Double Skin (Compeed or SOS Blister type)
Clothing to bring
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- An airtight container for picnics
- Silk cloth
- Your knife, fork, spoon
If you have your own equipment and would like to bring it, please let us know.
