Snow-Shoe Heaven 27 Nov 2025 up and over to La Genolière

A journey through a winter wonderland. La Givrine to Cabane Rochefort and La Genolière. 10Km and 300m denivellation.

Billed as a hike it became clear that this was going to be a snow-shoe affair, filling the first of Rob’s calendar for the 25/26 winter season.

Rob had still not recovered so I ended the hiking season with this fairly easy snow-shoe. It looked like the weather was going to be good and perhaps the snow too, but we were (at least I was) astonished at the 35cm or more of powder lying on the Jura top, while our gardens were still green. Ross had been pounding the powder for the past few days and posting photos so he knew about it.

Apologies were received from several, simply to record that they were missed, and they missed a good one. It was uplifting to hear from Larry but we were sorry to read that he is still in Canada struggling with some health issues. Get well soon Larry!

In the event 9 and a dog turned out at La Givrine (1207m). Nathan, Mervyn, PeterS, Mark, Mark, Stephen, David, Ross and me with Kobie. Conditions looked perfect with bright sun, cold, and no wind. I had booked a table at La Genolière for 12.30pm, but had to revise this by phone with a delay to 1.30pm – we were slowed by raquettes, age and deep snow and by the apèro stop.

We set off on the ski du fond piste but branched off on the snow-shoe trail to Les Pralies, followed by the Route de Combe Grasse

This route was straightforward as a vehicle had passed by earlier. Stephen set a steady pace through Combe Grasse with Kobie following in his wake. Ross was pleased – this was a new route for him – and he seemed surprised as if he thought that he had traversed all the trails above La Givrine.

The Combe itself is a depression which acts as a fridge, cold misty air hung in its bowl as we ploughed through the deep powder, aided only by a trail laid by four snow-shoers we could see ahead. I was lost in my thoughts, amazed to be out in such conditions – albeit we have been here before in similar…

We turned sharp left at 1316m just before the right turn to Chalet Devant at the Fruitières de Nyon and then sharp right on up to the Cabane Rochefort 1385m.

It was time to reward ourselves with some apèro at Cabane Rochefort where we found the seating in the shade still and cover in 30 cm of powder.

Just as Mark2ts was about to offer us all some black coffee the leader (me) decided that we had better press on; we were now trying to keep to a 1.30 lunch schedule. My offer of a straightforward route or scenic route was met with short shrift, and the easier route was decided.

It was not long before we were ensconced outside at our reserved table(s) and drinking some excellent beer – I thought I had reserved inside but we were all happy to be in the sun.

Ross had decided to eat his own provisions and it was not a problem for him to sit with us.

A nice lady introduced herself to me and said that she had met me and Kobie in Divonne in 2022. She so much liked Kobie, and the Cobberdog breed that she and her partner got one from Denmark in 2023. Una sported a full length-legging suit. They were very pleased with their choice, so seemed Una!

Enough dog talk. A rather good fondu for 4 was ordered as were röestis and croutes, helped down with a bottle of house white. We drank to absent friends, Larry in particular, also our leader Rob, but also Richard who was missed for his bottle.. Surplus to requirements, I donated my bottle of Chilean Cab Sauvignon to Maria, the proprietress and Moos owner.

Over lunch Mark2rs and I reflected on the fact that this is perhaps as good as it gets. Perfect snow conditions, no wind, sun, fine views to the alps (we could see Mt Blanc), hot cheese, cold wine, great company and only downhill to come (in life perhaps too, even if not always with our ski leader). Given that we were still only on 27 November when rain and wind is more the norm, we were very thankful for our luck.

We finished with apple and cream tarts and coffees.

We donned snow shoes again for the easy stroll back down to La Givrine and the cars.

I reckoned 10km and 304m denivellation. A truly magical walk in the Jura at its very best. Thanks for the company everyone. Kobie slept well that night.