The Crêt de la Neige loop via La Calame, starting from Crozet

Departure from the Fierney cable car car park.

(S/E) From the car park, head north-east along the road that leads to the lower cable car station and pass under the cable car line. Join the Route de la Thène and follow it to the right.

(1) Shortly afterwards, take a footbridge on the left and follow a path that climbs steeply. At the various junctions, continue straight ahead towards the upper station of the Fierney cable car.

(2) Cross a forest road and continue on the path opposite, which heads west. Cross a track twice in succession and enter a nature reserve. Continue climbing along the path. Join the track higher up and follow it to the left for about 100 metres.

(3) Leave the track and take a path on the right. Climb and, further on, pass under the cable car line and reach Le Fierney.

(4) Turn right, pass under the line again and reach the upper station of the Fierney cable car.

(5) Go around the station on the right and head south towards the Télécombi des Bergers cable car line. Turn right directly below the line and, after about 100 metres (horizontal distance), turn left and pass under the line again. Then head west-northwest and pass under the line again. Cross a track and continue straight ahead for about 100 metres.

(6) Then turn left (south) and pass under the Télécombi line a third time. Walk south-east until you reach a fork.

(7) Turn right towards Montoiseau. Leave the upper telecombi station on your right and continue to a fork.

(8) Turn left and climb up Combe à Fournier to go around the summit of Montoisey on the left.

(9) Come out onto a track and turn left twice to take a path that enters the nature reserve. Walk south-west to climb to the summit of Grand Crêt.

(10) Descend south-west to reach the "Sous le Crêt" intersection.

(11) Continue southwest and follow the red and white markings of the GR® Balcon du Léman trail. Climb gently to an intersection directly below Crêt de la Neige.

(12) Continue straight ahead and you will soon reach the summit.

(13) Retrace your steps to the previous intersection.

(12) Turn right onto a PR® marked in yellow towards Curson. Descend, go aroundthe Curson mountain pasture and return via two water reserves.

(14) Turn left towards La Calame. Pass the Calame mountain pasture. Walk east, then north-east to reach the Calame mountain pasture.

(15) Continue straight ahead (north-east) to reach La Ramaz.

(16) Keep heading northeast to reach an intersection you took on the way there.

(7) Continue straight ahead and pass under the Bergers telecombi line.

(6) Take the same route as on the way there, in the opposite direction, and descend to the upper station of the Fierney cable car.

(4) Follow the same route as on the way up, in the opposite direction, down to the lower station of the Fierney cable car (S/E).

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions.

Hike available from 1 July to 30 November, every day.

▶ This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect its regulations. Among the rules to be observed:
- Dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a leash.
- Picking plants and collecting minerals is also prohibited.
The trail crosses a quiet zone, which is closed from 15 December to 30 June. An exception is made for the use of the GR® trail, provided that you stay strictly on the marked path. It is forbidden to leave the path.

▶ Before setting off:
Check the general and local weather forecast to ensure there will be no precipitation.
Find out about the approach walk, the height of the route, the walking time, and possible escape routes (IGN map, GPS, topo guide, etc.).
Assess the possible risks by consulting mountain professionals, refuges, and lodges.
Inform a friend or family member of your plans and contact them again in case of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with each person's telephone number, vehicle(s), parking.
Avoid setting off alone. Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition, including a head torch, a complete first aid kit, a survival blanket, etc.
In case of an emergency, call 112 (European emergency number).

▶ Patou or guard dogs:
When hiking, it is common to come across flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs, called Patous. These dogs, which are formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking. The Patou protects the flocks completely independently. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the sheep from an early age, it learns to protect them constantly, often in groups.
To avoid potential problems:
- Identify grazing areas before setting off.
- Keep your distance and go around the flocks if possible.
- If you encounter a herd, remain calm, turn around slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you.
- Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, do not run, and avoid taking photos.
For trail runners:
- Do not run when approaching a herd.
- Remove your headphones so you can hear the dog barking.
By adopting these behaviours, you will be able to coexist peacefully with guard dogs during your hikes.

More information on the regulations.

The Croix du Reculet was erected on the initiative of Abbé Monnet, parish priest of Thoiry, who wanted to reaffirm the Catholic faith in the face of the Protestants and anti-clericals of Geneva. The cross was made by François Nallet, a blacksmith from Thoiry, and then transported piece by piece by four villagers (Louis and Auguste Girod, Aimé Fusier and Faustin Antonioli). It was inaugurated on 25 July 1892.