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La Gelinotte snowshoe trail
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Description
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.
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).
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Open period
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.
Environments
Forest location
Mountain location
Ski resort
In a nature reserve
Type of land
Groomed trail
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TRACK MAPS : From the Monts Jura
TRACK MAPS : From the ENJ
3327ET - MOREZ LES ROUSSES
MAP: Hiking in the Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaîne du Jura. On sale at the Tourist Office
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 02/12/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
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Reception complements
▶Preparing for a winter outing in the mountains
Before setting off on a hike, snowshoe or ski tour, there are a few key steps you need to take to ensure your safety and that of your companions.
▶1. Check the weather and conditions
Check the general and local weather conditions (changes during the day, fog, wind, etc.).
Find out about the quality of the snow (powdery, icy, blowing snow, etc.).
Make sure there is no precipitation forecast.
▶2. Prepare your route
Study the approach, the height of the route and the access conditions.
Estimate the journey time and look for possible escape routes.
Use reliable resources: IGN maps, GPS, topographical guides.
▶3. Assess the risks
Seek advice from local professionals: guides, refuge wardens, tourist offices, etc.
Take account of natural hazards (avalanches, fog, slippery terrain, etc.).
▶4. Inform your friends and family
Share your itinerary, departure and return times.
Give the number of participants and their telephone numbers.
Indicate the vehicle(s) you will be using and where you will be parking.
▶5. Check your equipment
-Never go off on your own.
-Use equipment that is suitable for the activity, properly adjusted and in good condition.
-Take along :
-Headlamp
-Complete first aid kit
-Survival blanket
-Mobile phone + external battery
-Water bottle + snacks
-Wear clothing suited to the weather (cold, wind, damp...).
-Appropriate hiking boots, including for children.
-Walking poles recommended for balance and comfort.
▶6. In the event of a problem
In Europe, dial 112, the free emergency number.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
(1) Start: Make your way from the entrance of La Vattay to the ticket control hut.
(2) Head towards the plateau, then take the wide track into the forest.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(7) The route joins the return leg of the Écureuil walk and continues back.
(2) You will then rejoin the outward trail, which leads gently to the finish at La Vattay after one last climb.
Animals
No. Dogs are strictly forbidden on the La Vattay cross-country ski area.
Data author
