At 1,720 metres, Crêt de la Neige is the highest point in the Jura. Around Lélex, trails cross mountain landscapes to scenic ridges; there are also winter sports and traces of village life. For planning, it is worth distinguishing between the routes: their lengths, elevation figures and seasonal conditions differ considerably.
Summit Trails and Landscapes
The snowshoe trail from Lélex to Crêt de la Neige is challenging, 13.9 kilometres long and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,720 metres. It passes through forests and karst hollows on the way up to the ridges. When visibility is good, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Alps come into view. The trail passes through the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve; check the applicable protected-area rules before setting out. You should also check snow conditions and access to the route before departure.
Another hike starting in Lélex is Les Hauts Sommets: it is 15.6 kilometres long, involves 1,095 metres of ascent and 958 metres of descent, and also reaches a maximum elevation of 1,720 metres. Compared with the snowshoe trail, it is 1.7 kilometres longer; the ascent and descent figures apply to this hike. Its route passes the remains of an old high-altitude settlement. There, 20 barns surrounded a main building where cheese was made. The hike thus combines specific trail information with a glimpse of how the high-altitude area was used in the past.
The Crêt de la Neige ridge also offers views of Le Reculet, Mont Blanc and the Valserine Valley; visibility depends on the weather. The Catheline–Crêt de la Neige route passes through spruce forests, extensive alpine meadows and over rocky ridges. These landscape details describe another route and do not necessarily apply to every trail on Crêt de la Neige.
Winter Sports and Timing Your Visit
The Lélex-Crozet ski area extends from 900 to 1,680 metres in elevation and includes 20 kilometres of pistes with 21 runs. It has the longest pistes and the greatest elevation differences in the entire Jura massif; the latter are up to 800 metres. Check the published area information again before booking, as operational details may change.
The area also has three signposted snowshoe trails. Their availability may vary by season. Those planning a hike to Crêt de la Neige from Lélex can do it as a day trip; it is suitable for hikers who are at least moderately fit. It is possible as a half-day trip if the La Catheline gondola is open. Check the gondola’s seasonal availability before planning this shorter option.
Village History and Trail Character
The Église Saint-Michel also offers a tangible glimpse into the village’s history. It was built in 1846 in the Neo-Gothic style and restored in 1997 by former priest Jean d’Auferville and the villagers around the theme of the four seasons. The choir-stall panels depict 25 flowers typical of the region. Visiting the church adds a village-focused point of interest to the mountain hikes, without requiring an additional route.
There is also a seasonal restriction to bear in mind for Les Hauts Sommets: the hike passes through a quiet zone that is closed from 15 December to 30 June. During this period, the GR may only be used on the marked trail, which must not be left. Take the closure period into account when choosing your visit dates and follow the trail.
Bus and Practical Information
The regional bus route A53 timetable for the period from 25 August 2025 to 23 August 2026 listed the following stops in Lélex: La Rivière, Grand Pré, Chapelle and Sherpa. If your trip falls after this period, check the current timetable before planning your travel around it.
The tourist office in Lélex provides advice on activities and hiking trails, sells hiking maps and makes a bicycle repair kit available for minor problems. Check whether these services are available before you arrive. For the hikes themselves, the different details help with orientation: the snowshoe trail is described as challenging, while Les Hauts Sommets has specific ascent and descent figures. For the half-day hike to Crêt, the gondola being open is the deciding factor.
Discover more destinations: Hautecourt-Romanèche, Loyettes, Ardon, Saint-Genis-Pouilly, Lhuis, Treffort-Cuisiat, Grilly, Biziat.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
