La Gelinotte snowshoe trail

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Get some fresh air on your way to the Gélinotte viewpoint, an iconic viewpoint on the Vattay plateau. An easy round trip through peaceful wooded surroundings to the highest point.

Itinerary details

Mijoux

Round trip

Marked

Groomed trail

Autumn, Winter, Spring

Pets are not allowed

From 20/12/2025 to 29/03/2026 daily between 9 am and 5 pm.Open when the Domaine de la Vattay is open.Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Description

A route for lovers of spectacular views! After crossing through forest, the trail climbs gently towards the high mountain pastures. At the viewpoint, the reward is magnificent: panoramic views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range.

The route runs through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. To preserve this exceptional site, please stay on the marked trails, keep noise to a minimum and respect the regulations (no dogs, protected sensitive areas).

Public WCCar parkFree car parkWinter sportsSnowshoe itinerary

DifficultyMediumDuration04h30Elevation252 D- / 252 D+Distance8.8 kmAltitude Max.1409 m

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See itinerary

La Gelinotte snowshoe trail

Distance : 8.8 km

Altitude Max. : 1409 m

Your itinerary

Getting to the starting point Report a problem

Step 1: Nordic Centre

Start: Make your way from the entrance of La Vattay to the ticket control hut.

Step 2: Departure into the forest – Control hut

Head towards the plateau, then take the wide track into the forest.

Step 3: Vattay Plateau

After about 500m, you will come to a more open area. The route runs alongside and between the two cross-country ski trails until the next intersection.

Step 4: Squirrel Crossing

Keep to the right and continue along the path on the right of the plateau with a view of La Dôle. The trail winds through a mix of forest edges and open spaces.

Step 5: Pillarde Crossroads

At the junction, continue straight ahead, heading up an incline that gets increasingly steep as you reach the summit. In total there is about 90m of elevation gain over 1.3 km in distance until you arrive at the summit and enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc.

Step 6: Gelinotte Lookout

Take a break to admire the panorama before descending the same path to the junction you passed earlier, where the slope becomes gentler. The return journey follows the same path to the foot of the descent. Take care when crossing the ski trails so as not to get in the way of the skiers.

Step 7: The squirrel's return

The route joins the return leg of the Écureuil walk and continues back.

Step 8: Departure into the forest – Control hut

You will then rejoin the outward trail, which leads gently to the finish at La Vattay after one last climb.

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