Lunch : Add David and Larry and subtract PeterS and Mark2rs.
This hike was in good cold sunshine out in a NW direction to the Cabane du Grand Cunay and back. We took apèros at the CduGC and returned for a fine lunch. Great to see both Larry and David joining us for the lunch. 6.5Km and 300m deniv. I recall Rob did not use his raquettes at all, but see there is a photo of him wearing them so that must have been another outing.
A fun outing with crunching then munching.
The outward trail – MikeH sorting out his kitwith help from the crewCool in the shadeNicer in the sunGreat conditions at the well named Monts de Bière Derrière hutPano to the AlpsApèrosTwas good to be alivePreparing to returnThe way backHappy to be at the Hotel Restaurant du Marchairuz. Tucking in
Thanks be to modern weather forecasts ! The Thursday SS hike was brought forward to Wednesday, after the awful forecast for Thursday 19th.
Nine hopefuls turned out at La Givrine (1211m) at 10.15am, plus 2 dogs.
RichardS, Philip, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, Mervyn, Nathan and Onyx, Rob (by train), and me and Kobie.
Rob arrives The team assembles
Being a SnowShoe hike we carried snowshoes (Philip wore his SSs as his sack was very small) just in case. And as it turned out they were not needed – no worries, we burnt off a few more calories.
The aim was to set out via the 20 March 2020 SS hike in which we had magnificent powder. This of course was much earlier in the season, and while we had snow there was not a lot of powder.
Making progress on the SS trail with Moos and snowmobile below us.
As we progressed up the a snowmobile came roaring up the track below us with Moos the dog (Kobie’s friend) charging out in front. It was Mariane and her partner who were travelling up to La Genolière for the day.
We progressed along the trail NE then NW into the forest emerging into a snowy pasture.
Looking back across the pastureSome sun arrives
We got a bit of sun then spots of rain ! Our trail reached the track leading up to Pré du Four Chalet (1395m) where we stopped for apèros.
We had stopped here at least twice before in the past. Gone were the sofas, but there were two benches and a table. And the sun came out !
Red, White and coffee at apèro time Pré du FourLa Dôle in the distanceMark2rs finds a log to sit on, and at least one of us is on snowshoes.
A quick call was made to Mamac to announced a delay in our arrival, now past 1pm. There was some discussion of whether we men were appreciated enough by our partners.
Time to go and we wended our way down past chalet Les Coppettes leading after 2 km to Restaurant chez Mamac (1196m).
Pano looking up -Mt Sala to the left.The wild boars had been very active hereabouts
It was so warm that we all decided to sit outside for an al fresco fondu. This was helpful as the dogs could roam about, but it was amazing just how warm it was for 18 Dec.
Beers slaked initial thirstReadying for some Triphon fonduThe TriphonGrand Dahu Croute
Two triphons and three croutes were washed down with excellent chasselas and a drop or two of Richard’s Bohemian (Rhapsody) kirsch – it being necessary to dunk bread in it before scooping into liquid cheese.
Kobie et moiKobie wants to join inPhilip trying to pack his snowshoes in his rucksack.
It was all too soon over. Much banter, fine cheese good beer, wine and coffee. We had hardly noticed that the temperature had been dropping, until we went inside for the loos.
The team trpeares to leave Mamac
We all agreed that as it was getting late-ish and darkness was coming that we would stroll down and pick up the 3.50pm train back up to La Givrine.
A nice stroll in the snow with good company to end out the year. 7km (about) and 212m (about). Happy Christmas everyone and here’s to safe and fun hiking in 2025.
It was a classic opening to the Snowshoe season. Only a little snow, the traditional hike to Le Vermeilley, a fun group and excellent fondue / croute . Twelve hardy souls and two dogs met at La Givrine braced themselves with extra layers but all agreed to leave their snowshoe equipment at home.
Rob the organizer in chief was joined by Mark W, Stephen, Ralph, Nicolas, David, Mervyn,Bill, Nathan, RichardS, RichardW and PeterT.
Legs 11 and one dog at the start
We started off with a planned route, but only 20 meters in we veered onto a new and exciting direction following the ski de fond sign posts towards the back end of La Genoliere. Nathan took over temporary leadership. Not sure if anyone noticed as there was lots of chat going on, although it was indeed a better path. As we got closer to the turnoff PeterT had a new suggestion and we ventured on a new route towards the backend of the Cabane Rochefort.
Onyx ahead and we all followWending their way, trusting hikers
With more of a climb and better views and it added to the planned distance. Once again, I am not sure anyone noticed the deviation from the plan as there were no complaints, unusual with PeterTˋs unplanned deviations. The dogs enjoyed it.
Looking back just before Cabane Rochefort to La Dôle
The whole crew was pleasantly surprised that when we arrived at the Cabane Rochefort, where we stopped briefly to take in the panoramic view of the lake and the Alps, Stephen offered everyone not one, but two glasses of Champagne in celebration of, as he described it as, a big birthday. Twenty-one or something like that? We chatted as we ate nibbles and chewing on the important topics of the day while wishing Stephen many happy returns. Truly a merry interlude enjoyed by all.
Stephen cracks a bottle or two and reflects back over his timeline (tautology intended)View of the Alps from RochefortThe pouring commencesLeaving Rochefort
We made our way to La Vermeilley after picking up the pieces of our abstinence breaking interlude, and Stephen was more than pleased that his backpack was a lot lighter.
Descending past the Vy de Fromage
There was a bit of a climb and a short hike through the forest after which we arrived in La Vermeilley and the promise of fondue and something to quench our thirst. That champagne seemed to bring on a thirst.
With a big log fire, good food and the odd glass of wine and beer it met all of our expectations. Two other tables were occupied and all were merry, including six well behaved dogs.
A happy Snow Shoe Leader on his first outing Ralph gestures at Kobie Kobie looks back at Ralph, slightly worried?
The fondue seemed spiked with some Bohemian rhapsody, or so it was claimed, but we managed to calm down and enjoyed some excellent tarts (of the desert kind) with flavoured coffee. All was good on the Jura.
It was a straight hike back down to the car park all as per the original plan; no deviations. A fine day was had by all.
Mark2rs our WW Leader (formerly Snowshoe) had organised a trip to the Cascades in the Jura. Nothing to do with hedgehogs apparently but more to do with the name of the river – water of the spirit or similar.
“Les cascades du Hérisson, dans le Jura, font partie d’un grand ensemble, « Vallée du Hérisson, Plateau des 7 lacs », inscrit au réseau des Grands sites de France. Faites-y une balade entre deux baignades dans les lacs, notamment le fameux lac de Chalain tout proche !
En toutes saisons, les cascades du Hérisson offrent un spectacle sans cesse renouvelé, au rythme de la nature du Jura. Elles doivent leur existence au « Hérisson », un torrent énergique qui prend sa source au Saut Girard, issu des lacs de Bonlieu et d’Ilay. La nature a façonné cette vallée foisonnante et a créé pas moins de 31 sauts successifs, qui constituent ces fameuses cascades.”
Seven of us turned out. Richard and Phillip drove directly to Llay, while Nathan, David, M2rs, Paul and me all met up at Divonne Lac at 8.30 after struggling through nightmare traffic caused by pile ups on the autoroute in both directions.
Nathan drove us serenely through the morning sunshine through St Cergue, Les Rousses, Morez, Morbier, St Laurent de Grandvaux, Champignol to Llay where we all met up. We were blessed with a wonderful morning of sunshine, it was warm.
Starting at the top we hiked to the bottom for lunchAt the start at the top in Llay in front of the auberge where we ended with refreshments
The hike started gently downward past the first fall on our left, the Saut Girard.
Saut Girard with Lynx statue
While the first part of this hike was easy, it soon appeared that with a damp and muddy trail in places, it was not so easy on the limestone and tree roots descending. In places we came across steep steps – some with handrails.
Not easy to get lostSylvan streamthe easy upper sectionSaut de la ForgeAnother Forge view
We forged our way on down towards the 60m Grand Saut where the scenery became suddenly very dramatic as a canyon opened out.
Pano with M2rs eating a Pain’au, at the Grand SautThe impressive canyon – large amounts of yellow flowers in the upper slopesView downstreamView back up the Grand SautThe prize for mossiest logsCaptured by RichardLooking back up below the Grand Saut
The trail went steeply down after the Grand Saut, at the foot of which some of us double back along the stram path to take the view looking back up.
Very soon after this we came across the top of the final Cascade, l’Éventail.
At this juncture Philip decided that he had better stick to his gradual recovery regime and not descend further. Paul stayed with him and they lunched together before returning back to the top.
Looking down l’Éventail
The main team traipsed down the sunny trail where it became very warm. The final cascade is indeed majestic. At 65m the l’Éventail forms veil of water across the tumbling bands of rock, a luminous white shroud, almost ghostlike.
Richard under l’ÉventailNathan soaks it inIt’s hard not to be impressed
We sauntered on down to find a sunny spot for our picnic – at the Gift Shop at the Maison de Cascades which was due to open in “printemps”. Indeed a pleasant spot where we enjoyed some Portuguese red, tequila and some Swiss whisky (sic) with our sandwiches.
A pleasant lunch soaking up the sun and watching the kitesDavid starting back up.
It was time to retrace our steps, upwards and not perhaps natural after a GIN lunch. It was about 290m back up and a little more exertion than normal to the cars. However underfoot going up was a bit easier and it was still pleasantly warm.
Back at Llay we entered the auberge just behind Paul and Philip and enjoyed some recuperative panachées.
Nathan’s car arrived back at Divonne Lac just before Richard’s. A little bemusing as we had noticed that one drives with a lot more gusto than the other. We had proved that from La Cure to Divonne, it is much quicker to route via St Cergue than Col de la Faucille.
A great winter wander, some 9 to 10 km, and 290m to 320m according to instrument. Thanks to drivers Nathan and Richard, and Paul for the restauration.
Having used every trick in the book to maintain snowshoe outings this winter, your snowshoe organiser has finally given up, and even accepted apologies from skiers taking our snowshoe day for skiing as acceptable and even a good excuse for not coming with us! Such has global warming affected us.
So, this outing on leap year day did not even pretend that we might need snowshoes as we (Richard S, Peters S and T plus Kobie, Marks 2T and 2R, Paul, Larry, Nathan, Drew and Philip) assembled at the parking of the old Divonne railway station at 9h45 for a winter wander around the Mont Mussy.
The circuit, well known by several of us, of 11km and 300m height difference started on the old railway line before going uphill onto the delightfully named rue du Comte de Permission (Bernard Bluet, who was born in Arbère, became jester to Henri IV and was given this name). Philip left us here to continue his recovery programme, joining us later for lunch. A left turn at the top of the hill took us to a long path starting on tarmac before going into the woods to Grilly. This lovely easy trail would, on a good day, have fantastic views of the alps, but not today. We did however note the greatly improved and now excellent signage.
Philip still with us on the railway track
The planned stop at the table d’orientation for coffee plus at the top of the Mont Mussy enabled us to appreciate the various offerings generously given by co-wanderers – coffee, white wine (chilled too – Merçi Larry) and Richard’s concoction from his iconic bottle, called ouzo this time. Thanks to you all.
Sermon on the mountChapeau Larry!Summit apèrosS A 2
Continuing over the heights, we then descended through the woods to the Ferme de Mont Mussy listening to the birds (including, Peter S, a song thrush) who already thought it was spring. Here we said good bye to the two Peters and Kobie who took the direct path back avoiding lunch; but the rest of us descended to the Accord Parfait where Philip was waiting.
We had thought there would be nothing more to report but what a lunch. There was another table of vociferous English speakers, one of whom – a Dutchman called Erik – not only very kindly took a photo of us but also, switching to Danish, enabled Richard to show his linguistic skills in that language. But the real surprise of the meal was its great value and its incredible portions, especially Paul who was dumbstruck by the size of his “porcelet” – thankfully the restaurant was happy to give him a “piggy” bag.
Winter Wander WonderWWW 2Piggy Bag
Taking the direct route via the “grandes sources” back to our cars, we separated happily having forgotten we should have been snowshoeing.
The Grand Source (2 hours after Kobie paddled in it)Lunch team on the way down at the GS
I had chosen the Marchairuz location ten days before, but had hiked a snow trail there only 2 days before. Then the conditions were really scenic, with snow filled trees and sun and blue sky. Two days later the trees had shed all their white raiment, and some snow had disappeared from the ground. But mostly there was a snow trail to follow and it seemed a suitable pre-lunch amble for our Snow Shoe members.
Kobie on the trail 2 days earlierIntended hike clockwise from the Col
This was to be a 5 Km hike with 180m denivellation.
Attending were Larry, Mike H and Rocco, Nicolas (without Onyx), Richard S, Paul, Philip, Andrew, Nathan, David, Peter S and me (without Kobie). Sadly Rocco was on his ownsome. Excuses for absence were received from many, some without explanation…
Two decisions were made before we left at 10.15am from the Col. Firstly Philip decided that he wanted to meander solo along the trail N of the col, at his own pace after returning to the fold after surgery. We were a little concerned that he would be alone, but like Adam he was adamant. Secondly, as quite a number of the party had not brought snow shoes (ahem, it was a snow shoe hike!) we opted for boots only, with one or two adding grippers to their soles.
The weather was warmish and cloudy with little wind and gloves were not essential, nor thick jackets. Off we set in the clockwise loop that Kobie and I had done on Tuesday, also not with snow shoes.
Team keeping a close formation Sadly no Kobie today
It was pleasant going meandering along a snowshoe trail probably set on Monday by a guide – who knew where he was going. It was not deep but in places we went through holes up to our knees. Snow shoes were not really needed however.
At Fontaine Valier
After an hour or so of easy going we arrived at Fontaine Valier. Larry had a bottle with no glasses, so the cognoscenti were left to sample ouzo from the Bottle of Many Labels.
Larry and David – even some sun!Andrew, Richard, Peter and MikeNathan, ear-warmers or personal Hi-Fi ?Rocco not wanting to be left out.
Suitably refreshed we turned up right and across the ridge to a parallel trail returning to the col.
The return trail
Another hour or so of slightly harder uphill tramping brought us back to the col and the Restaurant. Philip was waiting for us – he had enjoyed a pleasant solitary stroll of 3.5km N of the Col.
We had met Larry at this venue almost exactly a year earlier. That time we were in the Stube, this time we had a linen table preapred in the main restaurant.
Paul and NicolasAndrew, Larry and DavidPeter, Nathan, PeterSouffle Croute with egg !
The food was delicious. Several chose fondu, while others went for the en-croute which was fabulous. Mike thought he had lucked out with piccata Milanese – the dish of the day. The desserts were good too – at least the mousse au chocolate was extremely rich. Beers, wines and coffees washed it all down.
The team with Rocco All eleven of us
We had drunk the health of absent friends, in particular Stephen. We had discussed much including US politics, poetry, the meaning of French letters etc, rugby and much more, some of which is forgotten and some must remain unwritten.
Needless to say that after such a gargantuan feast, and having done a reasonable stroll in the morning, we all chose to bail out and go home for a siesta.
Thanks to all for a great short day out, almost on snow shoes but not quite. And thanks to Larry for the wine we did not drink, and Richard for the Ouzo. And thanks to drivers too.
Our SSLeader M2rs had foretold of a lack of snow, no need even to bring snowshoes. What a racquette this climate change has become!
M2rs had written:-
“The weather for Thursday is looking overcast with perhaps a lttle rain but unless the forecast is completely wrong, I have given up trying to find any snow for us to snowshoe on.
So with snowshoeing past in mind, I am proposing a winter wander from the Givrine to Chez Mamac at la Cure for lunch and walk/train back.
Depending on the exact route we take, the distance is about 11 kms (7km plus a further four if we walk back) height difference about 300m.
I’ll be very surprised if we even need to bring our snowshoes but if anyone who has been up there recently thinks differently, please let us know.
Meeting 9h30 Divonne customs car park, 10h00 (or just after for anyone taking the train) at the Givrine.
Please let me know if you’re coming by Wednesday lunchtime so that I can inform the restaurant. “
MikeH and I with Rocco and Kobie arrived at 10am just before Stephen, David, SSL Mark2rs, Richard S and Nathan at the carpark (1205m) and shortly before RichardW and Rob who arrived by train. It was indeed a mild and damp start to February with precipitation forecast for the middle of the day. The winter wander then proceeded up the grassy field in a NW direction before turning NE on the somewhat icy tarmac road. Soon though we were safely off onto grass with even some snow patches.
Route overview – showing almost the snow conditionsSetting out in a NE directionOn the X Country Ski TrailHigh spirits despite the damp warmthRocco was there too
We rose steadily passing a wall (some taking it directly) and up to the Pré du Four Cabane/Cowshed at 1395m where we established a table for apèros, rosé and genepi. Sadly no strong black coffee as M2ts was away in Blighty.
Apèros with RS still peddling his excellent genepi
I believe that it was from here that RS established contact with son Tim and his beautiful dog Spencer to fix a rendezvous at Mamac for our lunch. Clearly we had been proceeding slowly because Tim and Spence came out into the mist to meet up with us in the fields.
Descending the snowfields On down towards La CureMisty figures wending down
All of a sudden Tim and Spencer appeared on our left giving impetus and energy to our party, or was it the lure of lunch?
We meet Tim and Spence in the mist
We arrived at 12.30pm or so at Mamac and given a warm welcome with a large table for ten and 3 dogs. As I recall everyone was well behaved except Kobie (I’m working on it…).
It was not long before beers and wines arrived and we raised a toast to absent friends, some of whom had proferred better excuses for absence than others.
Tim (on left) takes a selfie of our table
This was going to be a cheesy affair, the main question being the choice between en-croute or the Triphon fondu. Both were delicious, even the chèvre en-croutes.
Triphon – generally agreed to be brilliantDecisions
Selfie of the goup exc RWRW enjoying the healthy salad starterKobie training in progress – OK treat-bribery
The salad was good as was the cheese, wine and beer. Tim and Spencer left early to go back to work while the party discussion continued on areas such as the upcoming 6 Nations, diets, the organ recital, Trump, the Middle East, plans for the year ahead, the wonders of the E-Vignette, etc etc.
Finally we paid and were off into the dampness which seemed to have been worse over the lunch but was now abating. We eschewed any notion of catching the train and so tramped down to La Cure and up across the road to the path memorable for RS’s two falls in ten metres, of a few years ago. This time he only fell once, but I balanced out the count by slipping over on the wet group just afterwards.
The way home
A very pleasant lunch and an enjoyable wander. Indeed 11km and 300m. Sad about the snow. Gintlemen and dogs reasonably well behaved.
The vagaries of weather are making the challenges of snowshoe outings more and more difficult. The rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which confirmed the forecast and the rightness of changing our planned Thursday date to Friday, washed away much of the snow but then snow on the Thursday gave some hope for a good outing on Friday.
The participants were sent an email outlining three plans, summarised as:
Plan A – Ski lift from Crozet and hike/snowshoe to La Loge for lunch and return.
Plan B – Ski lift from Lelex and hike/snowshoe the long way to La Loge for lunch and direct return.
Plan C – If the ski lifts are not operational, a hike Divonne way with a lunch or call the whole thing off.
In the event, the decision was taken for us as the lifts started an hour late which precluded Plan A so Plan B it was. But waiting for clarification, gave Mike H time to reflect on what he should be doing at home which left five of us Peters T (plus Kobie) and S, Richard S, Nathan and Mark2R to drive to Lelex, with particular care from the Col de la Faucille down to Mijoux as it had snowed overnight.
We all bundled into the bubble lift. The temperature at the top was minus 9°C which must have been another five degrees colder with the high wind, so we shoed up and headed straight for the trail out of the wind through the woods. The trail was well marked but we were the first that day so Richard up front was breaking the fresh snow. But with this fresh snow and blue sky, we were in heaven as the photos show better than any written description.
Starting out from the lifet station, the wind behind usPerfect powder conditionsMark2rs leading from the rearUp Richard following a ski decent trailNathan nears the sunMark sunbathingRichard looks backKobie posing 1Kobie posing 2Two mountain maniacsKP3We followed the signsApproaching La Loge
Franck and Katy were there to welcome us at la Loge where we had their usual fare of croute de fromage, tarte aux myrtilles and suitable liquid refreshment, with which we drank to absent friends.
La Loge atmosphereGenepi coming soonStill sunny but a biting windAt the Genepi WindowBoys in the Bubble
And so back to the ski lift and home – thank you the drivers.
So, what started as a doubtful outing was an incredible one. A return to la Loge will be planned later in the season, weather permitting.
Participants: Richard S, Peter T and Kobie, Peter S, Nathan and Mark2R.
Mark2rs our SSLeader suggested a Tonic – an inbetween SS event on the alternate Thursday (it could be any interim day in fact). As such no Blog is needed or obligated. I will leave it to the photos. Particpants :- PeterT, RichardS, Larry, Nathan, DavidC, Rob and Mark2R we did some 4.5 kms with a height difference of 90m. (K&PT 8.6km and 400m).
The team about to leave La GivrineHeading to CouvaloupHappy RobHappy KobieRichard leads us up through the powderEnjoying the cold but brilliant conditionsA fondu, some Croutes and MalakoffsLarry and NathanKobie and I after lunch going up higherView at Col de PorteEnjoying the view and the sunLooking back up the route – “Competition” ski runAnd on downMy route
Perfect conditions while the valley was under the murk.
