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Hiking: Crozet to Crêt de la Neige, at the top of the Jura peaks
IGN cards
Description
Set off on a day's hike that combines challenge and panorama. A challenging hike to the highest point in the Jura Massif. This outing offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
Discover the highest peak in the Jura Mountains on an immersive hike through forests, open ridges, and varied landscapes. The route offers magnificent views of Lake Geneva and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. The itinerary alternates between shaded areas and open panoramas, for an experience that is both dynamic and peaceful. On opening days, you can take the Fierney cable car, which makes the ascent much more accessible while preserving the richness of the landscapes you pass through. A beautiful escape at altitude, ideal for immersing yourself in the typical world of the Haute Chaîne du Jura.
The route runs through the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected and preserved area to be explored with respect.
Please note – Protected area
Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:
Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.
Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.
The Fierney gondola lift is operational and can be used during the scheduled periods, saving you a good hour and a half of climbing.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/04/2025 to 30/11/2035
- From 01/04/2026 to 30/11/2036
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
Email : contact@paysdegex-tourisme.com
Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Type of land
Ground
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 also prohibited.
The trail crosses a Quiet Zone, closed from December 15 to June 30.
Tolerance is granted for use of the GR, provided 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
The trail carefully avoids the Bike Park downhill trails. Nevertheless, stay alert at the start and finish of the ride.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
(1) Start from the Fierney gondola parking lot and take the road leading to the gondola. Pass under the gondola and join the Route de la Thène.
(2) The trail starts with a footbridge on the left and climbs rapidly, gaining several meters of elevation towards the upper station of the Fierney cable car. The trail crosses the Col de Crozet forest road for the first time before entering the Nature Reserve. There are two more crossings with this road/trail before reaching the upper station of the cable car.
(3) When you reach the mountain pastures, go around the upper station on the left, gaining altitude, then climb up along the Bergers gondola lift, gaining a few more meters of elevation. The path follows a contour line. At an intersection, head towards Montoiseau.
(4) Once you reach the summit of Montoiseau (1,599 m), turn left and cross the Fournier valley to go around Montoisey. Enter the Nature Reserve and continue towards Grand Crêt (1,702 m). Pass this point to reach the “Sous le Crêt” intersection.
(5) From the “Sous le Crêt” intersection, continue straight on to Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m).
(6) Return via the same route.
Animals
No. Dogs banned in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve
Data author
