And now you’re finally there: feet in the snow and in the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura.
We don’t know who’s more eager to get started: you or your children! You want to do everything and discover everything because it’s your first time here. But, hop hop hop, before you get started, we’ve put together a 6-day plan for you in the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura. You’ll soon realise that it’s not just skiing that’s on offer!
Follow us for a week of winter fun!
Holiday, day 1: how about a little downhill first?
Monts Jura is a resort on a human scale par excellence. There are 3 downhill ski areas for you to choose from, depending on your level and preferences:
- The Mijoux-La Faucille ski area is ideal for beginners or those who haven’t practised the sport for some time. But, rest assured, skiing is a bit like cycling, you never forget it 😉
- The Lélex-Crozet ski area is dedicated to great skiing and big descents! This is where the pistes are the longest, with huge vertical drops (800 metres).
- The Menthières ski area. Situated at the foot of the Crêt d’Eau, this little hamlet is the ideal place to teach the little ones to ski!
Holiday, day 2: today we’re swapping skis for snowshoes
The weather forecast was for glorious sunshine. Without missing a beat, we head to the sports shop to hire our snowshoes, and off we go on the marked trails to discover the unspoilt nature and silence. What a wonderful programme! In the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort, there are routes for all levels, with or without a view, in the forest or on the ridges. The choice is yours. You can find out more about the routes here. So, which walk should you choose?
Please note that some of the routes are in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so make sure you ask beforehand!
If you really enjoyed snowshoeing. Why not repeat the experience, but this time in the company of an experienced mountain leader.
In the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort, we’re lucky to have passionate professionals who’ll tell you all about the mountains and all their anecdotes!
With or without fondue, in the morning or in the afternoon, you’ll have a moment out of time!
Holiday, day 3: try Nordic skiing!
You’re familiar with downhill skiing, but not at all with Nordic skiing! Well, the Monts Jura is the destination for everything that’s possible. We’d like to take you to the Vattay-Valserine Nordic site for a day you won’t regret. But why try it?
That’s because La Vattay lies at the heart of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Its exceptional location offers you breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Today, it’s one of the biggest Nordic ski areas in France, with an international reputation thanks in no small part to the many champions who come here to train. If you’re lucky, you might even come across one 😉 So are you convinced?
Bonus: you can book your equipment directly at the Vattay Sports shop.
Day 4 of your holiday: how about a bit of culture?
You’ve been enjoying the pleasures of the snow – downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing! It’s true that it does you a world of good to breathe in the fresh air of the Monts Jura, especially when you spend most of your year in the city! But the children want something else today! Well, we’ve got the solution. We’re heading for Ferney-Voltaire, ‘en plaine’, for a trip back to the Age of Enlightenment, to Voltaire’s château. Yes, we have celebrities here too. In the Pays de Gex, it’s Voltaire. And his château is well worth a visit. Take an interactive tour and discover its history, anecdotes and secrets 😉
Bonus: the grounds of the château are magnificent. Don’t hesitate to take a stroll along its paths and perhaps, weather permitting, enjoy a lovely view of Mont Blanc. We’ve got our fingers crossed for you!
Holidays, day 5: discover our expertise
In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura, we’re proud of our expertise: from making Gex blue cheese to cutting fine stones. Take the time to push open the doors of our crafts. It’s an opportunity to learn and meet some fascinating trades!
Among our local products, the famous Bleu de Gex tops the list. Dating back to the 13th century, this blue-veined cheese is made from the raw milk of Montbéliard cows. In the Pays de Gex, there’s just one remaining workshop: the fromagerie de l’Abbaye in Chézery-Forens, in the Valserine valley. Would you like to take a little piece home with you?
Next, Trabbia Vuillermoz, a jeweller and lapidary since 1946 in Mijoux, invites you to discover the wonderful world of stones through its museum. Here you can find out more about the origins of the lapidary trade. An exhibition of rough and cut stones from the four corners of the world and a selection of period tools used by the lapidaries of the Haut-Jura are on display.
Bonus: you can treat yourself at the jeweller’s by buying one of their handmade jewels on the spot! Will you fall for it? We know the answer 😉
Holiday, day 6: tobogganing in all its forms!
It’s impossible to spend a family holiday in the snow without going tobogganing. Here in the Monts Jura resort, you can go tobogganing on slopes designed for safe sliding. There are a total of 5 toboggan runs in the various Monts Jura ski areas: Col de la Faucille, Mijoux, Crozet, Lélex and Menthières .
Have you ever heard of harnessed sledging?
This new activity will take you on a journey of discovery through snow-covered landscapes! After 15 minutes’ preparation and familiarisation with the draught horse, it’s off for the sledge ride. The scenery will unfold before your eyes at the horse’s three gaits.
So what did you think of our programme? Which activity did you prefer? Hard to choose, isn’t it? We warned you. In Pays de Gex – Monts Jura, there’s a lot to discover: nature, culture and activities! We hope you leave with a head full of memories.
Then, if you feel like it, come back in the summer, we've still got a lot to show you…
Thematics
