The Jura mountains offer so many possibilities to spend time outdoors. I have previously written an article about the Domaine La Vattay and the cross country and snowshoeing possibilities that you find there. Yesterday I decided to drive a little bit further and go to Lajoux.
The village of Lajoux is located on a plateau that offers a spectacular view on the Jura mountain range. It is very exposed to the sun, which is great. The downside is that the snow does not stay very long. I think January and beginning of February is the best time for optimal conditions and fresh snow. You should of cause verify here to see if the trails are open before you go. In Lajoux they also have two webcams where you can quickly check the weather before you go. Webcam 1 and webcam 2. When it is grey and cloudy down in Geneva and Pays de Gex it is very often sunny up in the mountains, so I advise you to check the webcams when in doubt about going or not.
In Lajoux you will find 5 trails for cross country skiing and 7 trails for snowshoeing. There are several choices for both beginners and more experienced skiers and snowshoers. Most of the trails are one-way only, but in some areas, you will be crossing skiers coming in the opposite direction so remember to always keep to the right hand side of the trails.
Trails are normally prepared and open from 08.00 in the morning to 17.00 in the afternoon. If you go before or after you need to be equipped with a headlamp to illuminate the trail.
If you’re a dog owner, you should know that you can not take the dog with you on the cross-country trails. This is because they might damage the trails for the other skiers. If you come with your dog and plan to go snowshoeing, however, the dog will be allowed to accompany you.
Lajoux is also on the Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ) trail. This is a 180 km trail for cross country skies and 130 km trail for snowshoes, connecting villages in the Jura together, starting from Villier-le-lac in the Doubs department to Giron in the department of Ain. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, especially on a sunny day, so do bring your camera (and some sun screen for yourself!). Out on the trails you will be passing one summer chalet after the other and you will have the Jura mountain range in the background.
If you do not have your own equipment, there are two shops that rents out skis and snowshoes. These are both within walking distance from the staring point of the ski trails. To contact them or check the prices for rented equipment click here for Benoin Jeannin Sport and here for Mermet Equip’Fond.
You can buy your ticket at the Tourist Office or at the starting point for the red and blue trail. If you go for the second option bring cash as i am unsure about the possibility to pay with a card here. The prices for a day ticket and seasonal passes can be found by clicking here: cross-country ski or snowshoeing.
If you think you or your children need ski lessons, the ESF Haut Jura has instructors speaking both French and English.
There is also a little rope lift for children learning to do alpine skiing. This is only open for children enrolled in a ski class trough ESF.
Lajoux is also home to the administration of the High Jura National Parc. In the Maison du Parc you can find a permanent exposition about the life for both animals and humans living in the High Jura mountains. They have activities for kids and offer iPads for English and German translations. At the time of writing, the exposition is closed due to Covid regulations.
At the Fromagerie de Lajoux you can stock up on local cheese, sausages, butter, yoghurt and many other products before heading back home, or to take with you as a picnic to eat out in the nature. The shop is open from 08.30 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 19.00 on most days in the high winter and summer season. Friendly staff and great products make this little shop a must when in Lajoux.
How to get to Lajoux: The quickest way is by car. From Geneva or Pays de Gex it should take you no more than 45 minutes to an hour to get there. The biggest carpark is in the centre right after the tourist information. Coming from the Geneva side it is not possible to go for a daytrip without having access to a car. If you plan to stay for a few days, however, there are bus connections from Saint Claude and Dole, but these are not so frequent. Moving between the villages without a car is not so easy. In normal times you may be allowed to go on the school bus early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Right now, with the Covid situation, I am not sure if this will be possible.
Finally, if you need a toilet, this can be found in the same building as the tourist office with entrance from the back.
Have fun skiing or snowshoeing in Lajoux, and feel free to share!
The Activity Factory 