Le Crêt de la Neige from the Catheline cable car station

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Put on your snowshoes and set off to explore the famous Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura mountains, offering spectacular scenery!

The route is marked with purple posts for snowshoeing and is signposted for hiking all year round.

This route can be accessed by taking the Catheline cable car.

Details

n°2929056
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  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.83 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 4 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 282 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 283 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,717 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,427 m
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Photos

A snow-covered canyon at an altitude of 1,700 metres
View of Mont Blanc from Cret de la Neige
View of the Jura Mountains
View of Lélex

Description of the walk

(S/E) As soon as you leave the station, you can put on your snowshoes or carefully cross the ski slope heading west to the edge of the forest where the trail markers for this hike begin.

(1) At the entrance to the forest, turn left and leave the Refuge de la Loge on your right. Follow the purple markers, which are close enough together.

(2) Carefully cross a ski slope and continue straight ahead into the forest. The slope is fairly gentle.
The path then opens onto a clearing.

(3) Cross the clearing towards the south and then re-enter the forest. The slope is now steeper. You will arrive at an open area facing the Grand Crêt. Leave this peak on your left and continue without straying from the purple markers, as some sections on the hillside require caution.

(4) As you approach Crêt de la Neige, walk along a canyon and continue along the ridge (view of the Alps, Geneva and Lake Geneva). You will reach the summit, marked by a signpost. View of Lélex to the north, the Jura mountain range, Reculet to the south-west, Lake Geneva and the Alps to the east.

(3) Return via the same route to the Combe des Voyettes clearing.

(6) Turn left towards the Refuge de la Loge (the path is also marked in red and white). Walk north-northeast to the refuge (where you can stop for a break).

(6) Turn right and pass under the Loges chairlift line and climb back up.

(1) Continue straight ahead until you reach the upper station of the cable car (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,447 m - Upper station of the - Télécabine de la Catheline
  2. 1 : km 0.16 - alt. 1,445 m - Northern junction of the circular
  3. 2 : km 0.79 - alt. 1,480 m - Crossing the Astèrs trail
  4. 3 : km 1.17 - alt. 1,477 m - Southern junction of the circular
  5. 4 : km 2.99 - alt. 1,681 m - Crêt de la Neige Canyon - View of the - Lac Léman
  6. 5 : km 3.86 - alt. 1,715 m - Crêt de la Neige
  7. 6 : km 7.33 - alt. 1,432 m - Refuge de la Loge
  8. S/E : km 7.83 - alt. 1,447 m - Upper station of the - Télécabine de la Catheline

Notes

The car park is located in the village of Lélex at the departure point of the Catheline cable car.

Buy a cable car ticket: on site or online.

The route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. The specific regulations for this area can be found at: https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reglementation/interdits-en-rnn/

Dogs are not permitted on this route.

Weather forecast
○ Check the general and local weather forecast.
○ Find out about snow quality and changes in conditions depending on sunshine (icy, powdery, etc.).
○ Check that no precipitation is forecast.

Route and risk assessment
○ Find out about the approach and the height of the route.
○ Check the travel time and escape options.
○ Use resources such as IGN maps, GPS, and guidebooks.
○ Ask mountain professionals (guides, refuges, lodges) about possible risks.

Communication
○ Tell a friend or family member about your plans.
○ Provide your planned departure and return times.
○ Provide the number of participants and their telephone numbers.
○ Specify the vehicle(s) and parking location.

Equipment and safety
○ Do not go alone.
○ Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition.
○ Bring a headlamp, a complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
○ Wear clothing suitable for the season and conditions (cold, hot, wet, etc.).
○ Wear hiking boots that are suitable for the terrain (even for children!).
○ Use hiking poles (useful for stability and to relieve pressure on the joints).
○ Bring a mobile phone and a spare battery.
○ Take a bottle of water or a flask, and something to eat.

In case of an emergency
Emergency number: 112.

Worth a visit

The Lélex - Crozet resort offers a range of activities, including downhill skiing, ski touring, hiking and downhill mountain biking in summer.

The Refuge de la Loge is a manned refuge where you can eat and even sleep.

From 15 December to 30 June inclusive, the Crêt de la Neige area is a quiet zone. It is forbidden to leave the marked path. The specific regulations for this area can be consulted at: https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/reglementation/interdits-en-rnn/

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 16535784

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Starting from the cable car arrival point, this snowshoe route is very well signposted with signs and poles.
A beautiful route through pine forests with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps
Snowshoes are necessary as there is a lot of snow. Easy climb
Ensure good weather to enjoy the panorama

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berthiller
berthiller

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Fairly easy hike with a cable car ride (€9 return)
Beautiful view of Lake Geneva
If the weather is clear, you can see Mont Blanc.
You can continue on to Le Reculer (an additional half hour)

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User 9564331

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
Even in summer, this is a beautiful hike offering magnificent views of Switzerland, Lake Geneva and the Alps (Swiss and French).
Going all the way to Crêt de la Neige is an added bonus.
The natural surroundings (Jura scrubland) are beautiful and the paths are well marked.
nB: There is little point in walking back down to Lélex because of the steep paths in the forest and the forest road.

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lionel3938
lionel3938

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very easy hike with a lovely view opening up ahead.

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Remysapin@club-internet.fr
Remysapin@club-internet.fr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This hike, described for snowshoeing, can be done in summer by following the GR9 trail to climb up to Crêt de la Neige. For the return trip, if you want to get away from the crowds and still have energy to spare, you can descend on the east side via Curson, La Calame (magnificent view of Lake Geneva), La Ramaz and climb back up to the cable car via the Col de Crozet. This route is approximately 12 km long with an elevation gain of 500 m.

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JRANDONNE
JRANDONNE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The route is winter, in reality the round trip, is very well marked and signposted. It is accessible to any hiker who can handle a little elevation gain and can be completed in less than 3.5 hours, without rushing and taking the time to admire the scenery and take photos; indicating 4 hours may discourage some.
The description would benefit from being completed by indicating the town where the cable car departs from: Lelex.
The view of the Alps and Lake Geneva is truly superb.

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gege67
gege67

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb snowshoe hike under a beautiful blue sky and spring sunshine. Breathtaking views, even though a sea of clouds hid Lake Geneva from us. The panorama of the Alps is splendid, not to mention the diversity of the trail on the way up to Le Cret.

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MICHELPOD
MICHELPOD

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike accessible to all.

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ADNET
ADNET
• Edited:

Hello,
As I am not from the Jura region but did this hike this winter, I am unfortunately unable to answer your question. I would advise you to call the Lélex tourist office, who will be able to tell you whether this hike is feasible in summer.
Best regards.

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la roche pilee
la roche pilee
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello
Can the hike be done on foot at this time of year? It seems easier to me to climb to the snow ridge than the other routes, or is it only possible with snowshoes in winter?

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alain94visorando
alain94visorando
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

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titiandjojo
titiandjojo
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Snowshoe hike under beautiful sunshine. First break under the ridge after an hour's walk. Magnificent view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and, of course, Mont Blanc. Another 30 minutes to reach the snow ridge.

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Pascal Berthelon
Pascal Berthelon
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful hike. Well-described route. Splendid view from the peaks!

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