Snowshoe trek across the Jura

Day 01: Welcome at Chapelle des Bois from 5pm.
Check-in and dinner at your accommodation.

Day 02: Chapelle des Bois - Bois d'Amont.
Cross the Risoux forest, via the La Roche Bernard lookout. Magnificent views over the combe at Chapelle des Bois. Glacial lakes, spruce forests, magical glades and mulled wine at Chalet Gaillard! Overnight in Bois d'Amont.
Ascent: + 246 m; - 252 m Length: 10 km Time: 5 h 00

Day 03: Bois d'Amont - Les Rousses.
Along a beautiful, wide combe typical of the Haut-Jura, with a view over Le Noirmont and Lac des Rousses. Climb back up to the source of the Orbe, following its meanders, crossing a muffled peat bog under the snow. Overnight in Les Rousses or Prémanon.
Altitude gain: + 137 m; - 116 m Length: 10 km Time: 4 h 30

Day 04: Les Rousses - Lajoux.
Short transfer to the start of the hike (10 mins). Nice route through the Massacre forest to reach the Combe à La Chèvre and Lajoux. A tale of knights, mutated spruce and the wildness of a secluded combe in the Haut Jura. Overnight in Lajoux.
Ascent: + 259 m; - 224 m Length: 12 km Time: 5 h 30

Day 05: Lajoux - Bellecombe.
Through the superb scenery of the Hautes Combes. This is the heart of the Jura Massif, a reminder of the stone age, the harmony of the undulating landscape and the incredible views! Overnight in Bellecombe.
Difference in altitude: + 232 m; - 170 m Length: 10 km Time: 5 h 00

Day 06: Bellecombe - La Pesse.
Through valleys to the Crêts du Berbois, with its views of the Monts Jura. Arrive at La Pesse, an alternative village with an inventive population, a laboratory for sustainable development!
Return shuttle at 3:30 p.m. to Chapelle des Bois (arriving at 5 p.m.) or to Morez station at 4:45 p.m. for those leaving by train, and end of the tour.
Difference in altitude: + 163 m; - 233 m Length: 8 km Time: 4 h 30

Snow conditions : Winter walks are evolving. There are times when certain stages of this itinerary can be done on foot with snowshoes on your rucksack! The holiday is first and foremost a hiking holiday and if there is no snow, we will not cancel bookings. Even if you can't put on snowshoes, you'll enjoy the atmosphere and light of winter. The winter route of the GTJ sometimes crosses wet areas that are not passable without snow. We indicate in the route booklet the route to follow to avoid them; it is often a small road. The mountains are very different in winter. The colours are not the same as in summer and the sun is lower on the horizon, offering sunset lights throughout the day.

Level: For contemplative walkers.
Level 2 hikers on a scale of 5.
An undulating or mountain route with an average ascent and descent of 200 metres. The stages are short, so that whatever the snow conditions and your level of fitness, you'll be able to do them in complete peace of mind. You can also take a break at lunchtime in one of the mountain huts or visit the museums in the villages you pass through.
Average height gain: 200 m Maximum: 300 m
Average length: 10 km Maximum: 12 km
Average time: 5 h 00 Maximum: 5 h 30

Formalities: Valid identity card or passport.

Accommodation :
- Dormitory option: 5 nights in gîtes d'étape or chambres d'hôtes, in small dormitories (4 to 10 places), shared sanitary facilities. Dinner and breakfast served hot. Bring your own pillowcase, sleeping bag and soap.
Day 1: gîte d'étape, room for 4 people
Day 2: bed and breakfast, room for 2 to 4 people
Day 3: gîte d'étape, dormitory of 8
Day 4: Stopover gîte, room of 6
Day 5: hostel, dormitory of 8.

- Room option: 5 nights in gîtes, hotels or chambres d'hôtes, in rooms of 2, exceptionally 3. WC and shower in the room or on the landing. This is not a hotel service, but allows you to stay in rooms of 2 every night.
Dinner and breakfast served hot. Bring your own pillowcase, sleeping bag and soap. Some gîtes do not provide sheets.
Day 1: stopover gîte, room for 2 people
Day 2: hotel or bed and breakfast, room of 2
Day 3: hotel, room for 2
Day 4: hotel, room for 2
Day 5: hostel, room for 2.

If you have not booked the picnic option, you will need to order your lunch from your accommodation provider, or during your visits to the villages.
For this package, drinks during and outside meals are at your own expense.

Transfers: Two minibus transfers on days 4 and 6, as provided for in the programme.

Luggage: Luggage transported by us in a vehicle (1 piece of luggage per person under 10 kg). You carry only one bag containing your belongings for the day and lunch.

This is an unaccompanied walk.

Hiking pack: We will provide you with a full route book that will enable you to complete the hikes without a guide. It consists of a topo-guide (booklet) with a detailed description of the itinerary and 2 IGN 1:25,000 topographical maps showing (with a highlighter) the hiking routes. We also recommend that you carry a compass and know how to 'read' a map. This route book will be sent to you on receipt of the balance, or given to you on the day of departure.

Equipment provided: If you don't have your own equipment, you can hire it from the Mont Noir Sports shop located near the 1st accommodation. It's open from 8.30am to 6pm and we've negotiated a special rate of €30/person for the 5 days of snowshoeing. You don't need to book for 2 or 3 pairs of snowshoes. For 4 pairs or more, it's best to book the equipment as soon as you receive confirmation of your booking. We will provide you with the shop's contact details. You will be asked to pay a deposit.