Favourite village resorts
Other than the massif's 3 main resorts, there are many village resorts where you can enjoy a day out or a weekend getaway in winter. The smaller scale of these resorts means they're often more suited to beginners in downhill skiing, for example, because they are all equipped with ski-tows! But they're also ideal for Nordic sports fans who are keen to explore the great outdoors!
Hautes Combes
The villages of the Hautes Combes (High Valleys) are a delight for anyone who enjoys venturing off the beaten track and across wide open spaces. The villages are interconnected by the Grande Traversée du Jura trail, the promise of a sense of freedom and a wide variety of excursions.
Added bonus: The view from the Crêt de Chalam, accessible on snowshoes.
Bellefontaine
The village of Bellefontaine stands on a plateau, ideal for exploring easily from one site to another. Its many links with other Nordic areas are what make Bellefontaine so special, in particular the must-do trail leading through the legendary Risoux forest to the village of Bois d’Amont.
Added bonus: A real wilderness feel, and proximity to the lakes of Les Mortes and Bellefontaine.
Plateau d'Hauteville
Boasting the "village de neige" (winter village) seal of approval, Plateau d’Hauteville is the ultimate family resort, with trails suitable for all skiing levels, from beginner to expert, and stretching between the sites of La Praille and Terre Ronde.
Added bonus: This land of champions is the birthplace of Olympic biathlete Simon Desthieux.
Les Plans d'Hotonnes
Located less than an hour away from Lyon and Geneva, the Retord Plateau invites you to relax and appreciate the peacefulness of its natural landscapes. Here you'll be able to enjoy all your favourite wintersports (skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, biathlon, skijoering or sledge-joering).
Added bonus: An opportunity to tour along the Grande Traversée du Jura snowshoe trail to discover the enchanted landscapes of the Retord Plateau.
Chaux-Neuve
Family resort, ideal for beginners and improvers, with one green trail, one blue, one children's trail and a sledging slope. For quality time with the family, take the children to the Polar Park to see all the animals, not far from the resort.
Added bonus: Located right by the ski jumps used in international events!
Foncine-le-Haut
Tucked away in the forest, Foncine-le-Haut is truly the epitome of a small mountain village. Whether you're in search of fun activities to enjoy as a family, or wide open spaces to explore, here you'll find just what you're looking for.
Added bonus: Located within 15 minutes of the most beautiful waterfalls in the sector!
La Combe Saint Pierre
This small resort can be found in the north of the mountain range in the heart of the Pays Horloger (clockmaking country). Its unusual landscapes offer lovely clear views to enjoy on all your Nordic excursions: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, etc.
Added bonus: A large outdoor skating rink of natural ice!
Les Fourgs
In a natural setting with a warm and friendly feel, you and your family will enjoy some fabulous moments. Located just a stone's throw from the Swiss border, this resort is the perfect place for your first downhill skiing experience, with 7 ski lifts serving 12 slopes (2 reds, 4 blues and 6 greens.)
Added bonus: Go and see the "Sapin Président", a majestic conifer more than 450 years old and 42 metres tall.
