First winter bivouac on the Jura heights

Information chilowé® :

Learn the best winter bivouac techniques
Evening in the main tent with aperitif and mountain feast
100% accessible by train and bivouac equipment provided

Have you ever slept on a great white blanket, with snow as far as the eye can see and Mont Blanc just across the way? We have, with Rémi, our Captain and Jura specialist! In winter, Rémi takes small groups of chilowés to discover his favourite corner of the Jura and learn the art of a successful winter bivouac. With the snow crunching under our snowshoes, we slowly move away from the villages to see nothing but white and the sleeping forest. We hike, taking in the silence, the panoramic views and looking for the best spot to bivouac. In the late afternoon, once the camp is set up, the light fades and the mountain and snow take on blue hues: that's the signal to start the aperitif around the campfire! The feast warms everyone up and we slip into our duvets for a polar night's sleep, waiting to see what the mountain has in store for us in the early morning...

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Detailed programme

Meet at 11am at Vallorbe station for those arriving by train. Rémi, your Captain, will collect you and arrange a car pool. If you are arriving by car, meet directly at 12 noon near Les Rousses. Briefing on equipment and food. First workshop on the distribution of food in the bags and how to pack a hiking bag optimally. Start of the snowshoe hike (2-3h walk), with panoramic views of the Alps depending on the weather. Find and choose the bivouac spot as a group, with Rémi's advice. Setting up the bivouac and learning the techniques for an optimal bivouac in winter: heat, wind, setting up tents in the snow. Observation of local wildlife tracks (depending on conditions). Preparing the meal together and the campfire. Aperitif around the fire and hot dinner (fondue, polenta or other Jura speciality) in the main tent. Star gazing. Overnight in a Salewa® tent with groundsheet.

Day 2

Wake up in the mountains, surrounded by snow and forest. Breakfast around the campfire or in the main tent and departure for the snowshoe hike (4-5 hours). The aim: to get the most breathtaking views of the Alps! Picnic break with local produce and observation of wildlife tracks (depending on conditions). Then back down to Les Rousses for 16:00. Return by car pool to Vallorbe station for those leaving by train (arriving at the station around 4.45pm).