Parcours Col des Etroits–La Vraconnaz

From old watchmakers’ houses across the vastness of the Plateau des Granges to the protected Mouille de la Vraconnaz high moor – this snowshoe trek immerses you in the typical landscape and history of the Vaud Jura.

The snowshoe circuit starts on the Jura pass, directly beside the Ste-Croix, Col-des-Etroits bus stop. Right at the outset, the route climbs to its highest point at just under 1,200 m. It then crosses open Jura uplands before entering the forest. Between clearings and denser stands of trees, it sweeps away from the pass in a broad arc.

Along the long middle section, gentle descents alternate with short counter-climbs. The route crosses the wooded surroundings of Mont de la Chèvre without reaching the summit, then arrives at the houses of La Vraconnaz. It subsequently descends to just over 1,000 m, the lowest point of the circuit. Towards the end, the route climbs back to the Col des Etroits, the Jura saddle crossed by the road leading from the southern foot of the Jura into the French department of Doubs. After around nine kilometres, the snowshoe tour ends back at the Ste-Croix, Col-des-Etroits bus stop.