Col du Mollendruz – Châtel

Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois - At the top of the Col du Mollendruz, starting from the Nordic Sport shop, this trail takes you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Vaud Jura: Croix de Châtel at 1,432m.

At the far end of the main Col du Mollendruz car park, the Nordic Sport shop is the starting point of one of the most popular snowshoe trails in the Vallée de Joux. For the first few hundred metres, the trail follows a forest path, then takes you through an impressive forest ending at the Combe à la Neige (between the “toblerones”, former military fortifications). From here, the path climbs steeply between forests and pastures to the top of Châtel and its imposing metal cross. Your efforts are rewarded with a unique view encompassing the whole Alpine range.

Return via the Combe à la Neige back down to the winter snack bar at the Chalet du Mollendruz. After enjoying the warmth and cosiness of the chalet, there’s only a gentle slope of 900m back to the starting point at the Col du Mollendruz.