Family Published on 23/02/2022

At last, on holiday! Dreamed and planned them…  And now you’re finally here: in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort, with your feet in the snow.

Who’s more eager to get started, you or your children? This is the first time you are visiting us and so you want to do and discover everything. But wait a second, we have planned 6 days in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort. You will soon find out that skiing is not the only thing you can do!

Follow us for a week of 100% winter fun

Day 1: How about a little downhill?

A cosy, authentic, human scale, the Monts Jura resort is the ideal destination for families, beginners, experienced skiers and those looking for all of this 20 minutes away from Geneva airport. According to your wishes or your level, 3 alpine ski areas are at your disposal:

  • Ideal for beginners or those who have not practised for a while, the Mijoux-La Faucille ski area is a great place to start. Rest assured, it is rather like riding a bicycle, you can’t forget how 😉
  • The ski area of Lélex-Crozet is for great skiing and big descents! Here, the slopes have the longest runs with great vertical drops (800 metres).

Tip: check the snow report before hitting the slopes. The bulletin will provide you with all the information on the condition of the slopes and the openings!

Buy your ski pass here!

Day 2: Trading in skis for snowshoes today

A bright sun is forecasted! Let’s go to the sports shop to rent snowshoes and then to the marked trails to discover the preserved nature and the silence. Such a great plan! There are itineraries for all levels in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort, with a view or not, in the forest or on the ridges. There is a wide selection. Discover the itineraries here. So, which tour should you choose?

Please bear in mind that some of these itineraries are in a nature reserve (special regulations apply), so please ask first!

You really enjoyed snowshoeing? Try it again, accompanied by an experienced mountain guide.

We in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort are lucky enough to have dedicated professionals ready to share their mountain stories with you!

Whether it’s a night hike, with or without a fondue, in the morning to see the most spectacular sunrises or in the afternoon, you’ll spend a timeless moment!

Tip: You can book your spaces online via our booking site!

Day 3: Nordic skiing is in the cards!

Ski nordique en famille

You are familiar with downhill skiing but not at all with Nordic skiing? Well, the Monts Jura is the place to be. Try the Nordic site of La Vattay-Valserine for a day you won’t regret. Here is why:

Well, the Vattay is in the heart of the National Nature Reserve of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura. Its outstanding setting offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Pretty cool, isn’t it? 

Thanks to the many champions who have trained here, this domain is now one of the most important Nordic domains in France and enjoys an international reputation. If you are lucky, you may even meet one of them 😉 So, convinced?

Tip: Reserve your gear on site at the Vattay Sports shop.

Day 4: Fancy a bit of culture?

You have enjoyed the pleasures of the snow between downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing! It certainly feels good to breathe the fresh air of the Jura Mountains, above all when most of your year is spent in the city! But the kids feel like doing something else today! Well then, here’s the idea. Head for Ferney-Voltaire, “in the valley”, to set off for the Age of Enlightenment, to Voltaire’s castle. Indeed, we have celebrities here too. Voltaire is the one in the Pays de Gex. His château is well worth a visit. Discover its history, anecdotes, and secrets through an interactive visit. 😉

Tip: The castle’s park is gorgeous. Stroll through its alleys and you might get a nice view of the Mont Blanc, if the weather permits. Our fingers are crossed for you!

Day 5: Discover our know-how

Here, we are proud of our know-how: from the production of Gex blue cheese to the cutting of fine stones. Take the time to discover our local traditional crafts. An opportunity to learn and meet exciting trades!

The renowned Bleu de Gex is among the most famous of our local products. The origin of this cheese dates back to the 13th century; it is a blue-veined cheese made from the raw milk of Montbéliard cows. In the Pays de Gex, there is only one workshop left: the Abbaye cheese factory in Chézery-Forens, in the Valserine valley. You could leave with a small piece?

Then, Trabbia Vuillermoz, jeweller and lapidary since 1946, in Mijoux, welcomes you to its museum to discover the wonderful world of stones. You will find out more about the origins of the lapidary profession. On display is an exhibition of rough and cut stones from all over the world, along with a selection of period tools used by the lapidaries of the Haut-Jura.

The good news is you can treat yourself at the jewellery store by buying one of their handmade jewels, right on the spot! Will you be able to resist? We know the answer 😉

Day 6: sledging here and there!

A family snow holiday is not possible without sledging. Down here, in the Monts Jura resort, sledges are practised on slopes fitted out for safe sliding. There are 5 in total in the various ski areas of the Monts Jura: Col de la Faucille, Mijoux, Crozet, Lélex and Menthières.

Ever heard of horse-drawn sledging?

A new way to discover the snowy landscapes. After a 15-minute set-up and familiarisation with the horse, the sledge ride is set to go. Your eyes will be drawn to the landscapes by the horse’s three gaits.

So how do you like our programme? Which is your favourite activity? Lots to choose from, no? Well, we told you so. There is so much to discover in the Pays de Gex and its Monts Jura resort: from nature to culture and activities! We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your stay.

Come back in the summer, we have so much more to show you…