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Hiking: La Catheline - le Crêt de la Neige via Brulat Frésy
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Description
The trail follows the ridges, allowing you to fully appreciate the exceptional geology and flora of the mountain range. Once you have reached the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura, a spectacular view awaits you.
From the upper station of the Catheline gondola (during the summer), the trail passes through a variety of landscapes: spruce forests, alpine meadows and rocky ridges, bordered by remarkable flora. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of chamois on the steep slopes. The ascent offers exceptional views of the Geneva basin, Lake Geneva and the Alps, dominated by Mont Blanc. Arrivingl at the highest point of the summit ridge at 1720m rewards hikers with an exceptional view. On the descent you will come across ancient mountain pastures and their remains, bearing witness to centuries-old local pastoral activity.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 08/07/2026 to 27/08/2026
- From 08/07/2026 to 27/08/2026 from 09:00 to 17:00
Additional information
Open period
Closed temporarily.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 02/12/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Environments
Close to GR footpath
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Lake view
In a nature reserve
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Type of land
Rock
Stone
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking in Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaine du Jura: on sale at Pays de Gex tourist agencies: 9€.
Map references :
3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE
Reception complements
This route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations.
The rules include the following:
Dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a lead.
Plant picking and mineral collecting are prohibited.
The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, which is closed from 15 December to 30 June.
Tolerance is granted for use of the GR, 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, and make sure there's no precipitation.
Find out about the approach route, the height of the itinerary, the time it will take to complete the climb, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).
Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, mountain huts and gîtes.
Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc.
Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.
In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).
The Patou or guard dog: what attitude should you adopt?
When out hiking, it's not uncommon to come across flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs known as patous. These dogs, formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking.
The patou protects flocks in total autonomy. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the ewes from an early age, he learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.
To avoid problems with a patou:
Identify grazing areas before setting off.
Keep your distance and go around flocks if possible.
In the event of an encounter, stay calm, turn back slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you out.
Don't try to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, don't run, and avoid taking photos.
For runners:
Do not run when approaching a herd.
Take off your headphones to hear the dog's barking.
By adopting these behaviors, you'll be able to cohabit serenely with guard dogs on your hikes.
Tricky passages
Be sure to follow the GR9 signs, to avoid passing through the Quiet Zonewhich is strictly prohibited from 15/12 to 30/06.
The route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect the regulations specific to this area.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
(1) From the upper station of the Catheline gondola, turn right along the GR (red and white markings) towards the Chalet de la Loge. For around 400 metres, the path descends slightly until it joins a wide white track that runs alongside the chalet.
(2) Continue on this white track for just over 400 metres. It is hilly and crosses a ski slope in the forest. At La Brillonne d'en Haut, take the path on the left. This enters a combe and begins to climb more steeply, passing by a ruin, then through undergrowth, before reaching another combe at the next intersection.
(3) At the Combe des Voyettes, the path climbs, skirting the reservoir on the left. It quickly gains altitude, then returns to the forest, leaving the woods at Brulat Frésy. Keep to the left and keep climbing: the path skirts a small circus full of scree before finishing its ascent on the ridge.
(4) Once you have reached the Crêt, the most demanding part is behind you. The panorama is already opening up over the Lake Geneva basin, the Alps and Mont Blanc. After the turnstile, turn right and stay on the GR towards Crêt de la Neige. The path becomes winding and hilly, offering fine views over the canyons of the Crêt de la Neige before a final short climb to the summit.
(5) The Crêt de la Neige is the highest point in the Jura (1,720 m) and blends into the ridge and is not always visible from further away. The ridge line with its ancient mountain pine trees offers a breathtaking view of Le Reculet, Mont Blanc and the Valserine valley. This is a contemplative place to take a break. The return by the same route.
Animals
No
Data author
