France
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Región: Jura Mount
Located in the south of Jura’s mountain range, only 10km away from Geneva, Monts Jura defines itself as a unique ski resort, 4 villages and 4 skiable domains. 3 villages are located in the mountain (Mijoux, Lélex, Chézery-Forens) in the Valserine Valley and the last one is in the plain (Crozet) ; they are all at the heart of the tourist plan organised by the Mixed Federation of Monts Jura.
There are 3 alpine skiable domains (Lélex-Crozet, Mijoux-la Faucille et Menthières) with different characteristics and one exceptional nordic domain (La Vattay – Valserine), dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Lélex-Crozet’s site is completely dedicated to alpine skiers ! Its runs offer the biggest domain and the biggest difference in height in the Jura’s mountain range ! In the Valserine Valley, you will find Lélex’s village and on the other side, you can reach Crozet. This site offers you 26 pistes on 30km, 120 snow cannons and 15 ski lifts including 2 telecabins : queues don’t exist anymore !
Mijoux is a village where there are many things to do : alpine skiing starts at Mijoux by taking the chair lift called Valmijoux to reach Col de la Faucille and the rest of the domain where 10 pistes appear… Nordic skiing is accesible from the village where 3km of demarcated pistes wait for you (La Valserine, connected with La Vattay’s site).
La Vattay-Valserine’s site is dedicated to nordic skiing with more than 150km of pistes where you can practice either skating or alternative styles. La Vattay is renowned thanks to the variety and the quality of its runs from green to black, for all levels. In Mijoux, a groomed piste enables to discover the pleasure of descents, and you can also reach Mijoux’s village.
The site of Menthières in the municipality of Chézery-Forens joined Monts Jura’s ski resort in 2006. At 15km away from Bellegarde and 20km away from Lélex, this hamlet will provide you with a typical atmosphere from the Jura : a rolling plateau and an horeazon with spruces as far as the eye can see.
Practical tips & suggestions to make the most of your stay
- Start gently in Menthières: to get your legs acclimatized, plan your first descent on the gentler, easier slopes of Menthières.
- Then move on to La Faucille or Lélex: for steeper slopes and more technical skiing, spend your days at La Faucille or Lélex-Crozet, depending on your level.
- Alternate between alpine and Nordic skiing: a half-day of alpine skiing followed by an afternoon of Nordic skiing on La Vattay-Valserine allows you to vary the pleasures and spare your joints.
- Check the snow conditions: in some seasons, the upper areas of the resort may be partially closed in the event of a lack of snow—lifts that depend on artificial snow are more reliable.
- Plan your transfers between areas: some journeys between Lélex, Mijoux, and Menthières require specific lifts or routes, so check the piste map before setting off.
- Enjoy the panoramic views at altitude: at the upper end of the ski area, the views are well worth the detour. Snow conditions permitting, end your day with an ascent offering panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
- Venture beyond the ski area: if you are staying for a longer period, combine Monts Jura with the Haut-Jura ski areas (Les Rousses, Métabief), which are easily accessible, especially for Nordic skiing enthusiasts.
