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Hiking: Crozet to Crêt de la Neige via La Calame
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Description
Take on the challenge of an unforgettable hike to the summit of the Jura! A challenging route that will take you to the highest point of the mountain range, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc as your reward.
Set off on a high-altitude adventure to discover the highest point of the Jura Mountains. This varied route takes you through cool woodlands, along open ridges, and through changing landscapes rich in contrasts. Throughout the walk, superb views unfold over the Lake Geneva basin and, when the sky is clear, over the majestic Mont Blanc. The route combines shaded passages and magnificent panoramas, offering a rhythmic and rejuvenating hike. During the opening period, the Fierney cable car allows you to gain altitude easily, without losing any of the diversity of the environments encountered. A perfect mountain getaway to explore the very essence of the Haute Chaîne du Jura.
The route runs through the heart of 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 cable car is operating and can be taken 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 01/07/2025 to 30/11/2035
- From 01/07/2026 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 its regulations.
Among the rules to observe:
Dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a lead.
Gathering plants and minerals is also prohibited.
The trail crosses two Quiet Zones:
● The Quietude Zones are closed to visitors from 15 December to 30 June inclusive.
● The Crêt de la Neige area remains accessible all year round, but it is imperative to stay on the waymarked path, never straying from it.
▶ 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) Departure from the Fierney gondola parking lot.
From the parking lot, take the road leading to the gondola. Pass under it 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 other 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 cable car, 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) Follow the red and white GR markings on the ridges. From the “Sous le Crêt” intersection, continue straight on to Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m).
(6) To return, retrace your steps for a few dozen meters on the red and white GR. Then turn right onto the yellow PR towards Le Curson.
(7) Turn left towards La Calame. Pass the Calame mountain pasture, continue straight ahead, pass La Ramaz, and reach the intersection before passing under the Bergers telecombi. Take the same route as on the way up to return to the upper station of the Fierney gondola lift, then descend via the same route back to the parking lot.
Animals
No. Dogs banned in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve
Data author
