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In winter, the trails of the Monts Jura are read through their tracks: hare, fox, roe deer, then your own footprints in fresh snow. From La Vattay to Les Rousses, these routes are walked on snowshoes, from a half-day outing to a full day on the ridges. The starting points are easy to reach from Geneva and Nyon. Groups are private: you go with friends, family or colleagues, at your group’s own pace.

The snowshoe season runs from December to March, depending on snow cover. Dates do not follow a shared calendar: they are set with you, on request.

Every outing is led by two guides: a mountain leader trained by experts and a second experienced guide. Two pairs of eyes on the group, and more attention for everyone.

Five snowshoe outings in the Jura

First steps above Lake Geneva

A half-day snowshoe walk to learn how to move on snow, with no difficulty. The trail climbs gently along the forest edge to viewpoints facing the Alps. Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Easy level.

Winter tracks and wildlife

An outing to read the snow: hare, fox or roe deer tracks, animal shelters, and how to avoid disturbing wildlife in winter. To go further: recognising animal tracks in the snow and avoiding disturbing wildlife in winter. Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Easy level, suitable for families.

Sunset over Lake Geneva

A late-afternoon climb to watch the sun set over Lake Geneva and the Alps, starting from Les Montronds or the Col de la Faucille. The descent is made by headtorch. Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Easy to moderate level.

Combes and forests of the Haut-Jura

A full day around Lamoura and Les Rousses: snowy combes, spruce forests and isolated farms. Start from La Frasse, the Combe du Lac or Les Rousses, depending on snow cover. Duration: 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Moderate level.

The ridges day

A full day up to the Crêt de la Neige, the roof of the Jura, starting from La Catheline after the gondola ride up from Lélex. The ridges offer an uninterrupted view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Duration: 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Moderate level, good physical fitness required.

For a trip over several days, see the Jura Ridges and Lake Geneva trip.

Why book a private snowshoe outing

• The date is yours: from December to March, you choose the day, the start time and the outing, without following a shared calendar.
• The pace is your group’s own: nobody waits, nobody rushes.
• Two guides for your group alone: one breaks the trail, the other brings up the rear, and both have time to answer your questions.

What is included and what is not

Included: two guides, the choice of route according to snow conditions, and insights into the landscape, wildlife and snow along the way.

Not included: transport to the starting point, snowshoe and pole hire, the snowshoe pass for Nordic areas, the gondola ticket for the ridges day, meals and drinks.

Snowshoe outing prices

From €27 per person for a group of 8, on the Sunset outing. The group rate, from €210 to €490 depending on the outing, is shared between participants: the table gives the price for each outing and each group size.

Read what participants say on the Customer reviews page. Got a date in mind? Request a quote.

Equipment

Snowshoes and poles are not provided. You can bring your own or hire them on the day from the rental shops in the Monts Jura or Les Rousses resorts, depending on the outing. Bring ankle-high hiking boots or snow boots, warm clothes in several layers, a hat, gloves, sunglasses and a water bottle. For the sunset outing, a headtorch is compulsory.

In some Nordic areas, such as La Vattay or Les Rousses, a snowshoe pass is required and is at your own expense. Dogs are not allowed on the outings. All practical information is sent to you a few days before the outing.

What if there is not enough snow?

The route is chosen according to snow conditions. At the start and end of the season, in December and March, snow cover varies from one week to the next. If there is not enough snow, the outing goes ahead on foot in the same area, or it is moved to another date.