Category: Snowshoes

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.

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.

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.

Distance 3.5km, height difference 100m. (Est.)

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).

Perfect conditions while the valley was under the murk.

SSLeader Mark2rs had set up a nice snow shoe hike to begin activities in 2024.

Having set us up he pulled out of the event citing child care duties. Unperturbed 8 punters showed up on time just after 9.30 am at the parking at the Col de La Faucille which was busy being filled up with skiers and others.

Attending : Richard S, Mervyn, Nicolas, Nathan, Mark2ts, Larry, Mike H and Peter T.

The plan was fairly basic – ascent to Grand Mont Rond then traverse back across to Petit Mont Rond and have lunch there, descending on the bubble lift to the Col. (Sadly the Florimont Restaurant did not have space for us, so we would have to make do with the Petit Mond Rond (PMR)).

This sportsplan was indeed followed and achieved, not without some struggle and effort, since the ascent to Mt Rond is 260 metres, the parcours “traverse” back across back to Petit Mont Rond increased our total ascent to 460m. And 6.7 Km.

We set off carrying our snow shoes on our packs, beginning in slightly slushy snow but which soon became cold and perfectly frozen. We emerged from the pleasantly wooded section onto the piste and elected to put on our raquettes, not everyone knew how their kit could be adjusted to fit their boots.

The weather had been grey and cold with slight spindrifting, but there was a hint of sun in the sky. Snow conditions were now excellent and spirits were high. Only one party was ahead of us, an Italian couple whom we met again on the summit, after they stopped at the farm building on the ascent.

By the time we had reached the summit ridge the sun had gone and we were left with the murk.

Somehow the lead raquetter (PT) diverged right at the top away from the true Grand Mont Rond (GMR) and those that followed must have cursed as they descended crusty snow to rhe short rise back up to the true GMR summit.

However it was not long before we reached our true goal where Larry proceeded to extract a bottle of his own-label chasselas from his sack. Sadly he had lost his nuts, they had fallen out, but the wine blessed our summit.

Our Italian friends were pleased to be offered some LF wine and we chatted, partly in Italian, partly French. They were from the Dolomites. Richard brought out his famed bottle of many spirits, this time the latest uncrossed-out label was something like “Manzana Ice”, but I only glimpsed it before mentally rejecting the opportunity to taste something new, and potentially hazardous. Richard indeed bagan to feel dizzy after this, I hope that he is fully recoverd.

A descent is necessary to commence the traverse back across to The PMR, which is lower, but the parcours is Nepali-flat, i.e. much up and down. The down sections proved somewhat tricky, especially where the snow had a hard crust, our SSLeader would have found them undoubtedly so. Edging techniques were tested. So were my knees.

Eventually the final slope to the PMR reared up and no more painful descents were needed. My knees, already in a poor state, had taken a hammering.

We soon were ensconced in the corner table of the PMR restaurant, with the finest views, but were soon to find that the self-service system was at best, mediocre. It took quite some while for all to return and to start their meal, in my case luke warm chicken and relevantly mediocre chips. However Larry enlivened us all with his kind purchase of a bottle of Côtes du Rhone, his second bottle of the day. The level of banter altered accordingly.

We toasted absent friends, in particular Mark2rs. It had been a fine outing. Larry had excelled himself in hiking and in wine. Mark2ts provided us with his strong black, hot coffee. Nicolas generously paid for us all to descend on the bubble back to the cars, saving our knees in the process, and allowing for early baths.

Thanks to all for another fun outing.

This was the first official Snowshoe outing of the season, but in fact the second, as a SS Tonic had been fitted in last week for a Fondu at La Genolière in fine weather.

The weather today was not of the same high standard as last week, but it had snowed overnight and although forecast to be cloudy, we were blessed by light snow and mild spindrift. In all it was just about worth carrying and then using our snowshoes.

8 racketeers turned out at 10 am at the parking at La Givrine by car, and an unracketed Gintleman turned up by train at 10.05am (the Scottish member).

Attending Mark2ts (driver), RichardS (driver), Mark2rs (SS Leader), Paul, Bill, Larry, Mervyn, Rob and me PeterT.

Rob arrived on time (it’s Switzerland) and off we went up the track. I was a little concerned that my damaged knee would hold out; I had a bandaged support, but in the end it turned out just fine. I had not brought Kobie, partly because of this and because of the likely 2+ hour lunch, but also because Jill had wanted to walk him on easier lower and warmer trails. So we were completely dog free!

Everyone else was in good form. It was good to reconnect with Bill, back from Colorado, and Larry from Canada. There were no other hikers out and about. The weather looked dark and foreboding and it snowed lightly most of the day.

It was a little odd that no-one else had been up the main track after the overnight snow, not even a tracked vehicle taking food to La Genolière. So we had virgin snow. We reached an apèro stop at La Gonolière in good time, with light snow falling, but at one point a half ray sun blessed us as we consumed whisky from RS’s multi-bottle, and red wine. We had not yet used our snowshoes and at this point a majority stopped to put them on.

The trail wandered on down and up through the trees that could have been seen in a Schilligers winter display. We chatted away as we went. I stayed near the back conserving my knee just in case; it was a chance to chat to Larry and Mark2rs.

Vermeilleys appeared in the snow as we exited the forest and excitement grew as we entered, our minds firmly on fondu. We had been the first out on the trail and the first guests to arrive – our table was laid out by the bar and the warm log fire. Beers swifly consumed we re-worked the seating plan to allow for three fondu pans to be properly accessed. And it was not long after the carafes of Fendant before three steaming pans of molten cheese arrived. A forestière, a morilles and a traditionelle. We were even given some boiled potatoes to use along with the bread.

The banter and conversation began to flow more freely. After toasting absent friends (especially PeterS who had wanted to come but was busy working, and Philip who has had some health concerns, Nathan having an Oldies lunch in Tannay, Drew tied up, and others away in Blighty and elsewhere).

Mark2rs writes ” In our corner of the table we got onto erudite matters like visions of intense light and after life (?) which gave Larry the opportunity to introduce his hero Yeats who  believed in the after life and rebirth from antithetic to the form in the previous life. I think I’ll stay with Scottish Independence!”

Down at the window-end while watching the snow fall outside we discussed inter-alia the Scottish Issue, along with death, life, and the correct way round to hang a toilet roll. I was quietly surprised that we had a few “UNDERS” in our ranks. We also have a few tearaways amongst us. I have since concluded that this is not a major tissue.

After the religiueses had been scraped out we opted for our choice of dessert. Cake or apple pie; each dosed with digestif that our host had provided for us (or a potion from our whisky-flasked members).

It was all too soon that we called for the bill and settled our debt (nb.no credit cards as no internet connection at this lodge). Time to head out into the snow and fit on our snowshoes (all but Larry and Rob that is).

The was home is of course easier than the way up, as it is predominantly downhill. It also helped that we had a warm fondu inside us, together with a dose of medication. Hence the trail home seemed to pass swiftly.

Reaching the cars, Mark2ts produced his hot strong black coffee which revived us before the drive down. Mark2rs arrived appearing a little under the weather,but he tells me he is recovered (Friday) after some rest.

A great and memorable first non-Tonic SS outing for the season. Looking forward to many more, perhaps with sunshine ! Thanks to Mark2rs for organisising this, and to our drivers.

9.25km and 190m

Peter

PS The next day (Friday 14th) dawned bright and clear, and as I had missed the Tonic the week before, Kobie and I repeated it from Tancouex, in 2.5 hours and without snowshoes (for me), greatly helped by the tracks of a vehicle from close to Cabane Rochefort. Conditions were rather brilliant.. There were many more folk about.

Mark2rs our SS Leader, chose this hike early “Due to the lack of snow both actual and forecast in the Jura, I am proposing our classic end of March outing a month early.” 

Indeed there was a sad lack of snow but higher up the skiers seemed happy on the artificial stuff. 

Meeting at Divonne at 9.30am were –

Mark2T

PeterT + Kobie

LarryF

NathanF

MikeM

RobP

MervynP

Mark2R

Three joined directly at the Crozet Télécabine at 10.00

RichardS

PhilipJ – but not for lunch

DavidC

It was a splendidly good turn-out for this classic (heck, the hiking outings don’t attract as many) perhaps lured out by Franck and Katy’s hospitality (esp. le génépi) at La Loge. Very little wind was forecast and although the day was cloudy, we could see the white of the freezing cloud on the trees high on the skyline and Richard promised sun even higher. The first question seemed to be – carry snow shoes or not? According to Mark “Katy advises snowshoes as there are areas with accumulated snow and it can be slippery with the negative over night temperatures” but some decided to leave them in the cars. For some it was wise advice.

So, to the télécabine (Nathan said that he had always hiked up until now but he seemed prepared to join us in the lift). With our tickets in hand “The télécabine costs €9; the return “free” offer is valid one year, so if the tickets are not punched on the return, keep them as they could be useful if we walk up to the Grand Mont Rond later and wish to take the télécabine down from the Petit Mont Rond – they are becoming sticklers there and could charge €5 for the down trip” it was a matter of getting Kobie (free for dogs but not us old-dogs) and the team up the metal stairs and into cabins. The stairs were easy but Kobie had to be pulled hard in to the moving cabin, others may have been pushed. 

Safely out onto the artificial snow at Le Fierney at 1300m after a ride up of 700m or so, it was a little cold as we were in the cloud. Dodging the zipping skiers we crossed the slope to pick up the track that would take us to the Col de Crozet. Normally snow-covered it was completely dry. 

In order to avoid the ski-piste (dogs and skiers don’t mix well) we took a turn right up a grassy hill. There followed the need to cross a steep snow patch; this was our Hilary Step and it tested the mettle of the party.

Mettle tested, we were on our way across easier gradients as the sun began to shine through and we summited (mathematicians might disagree) the col at the viewing platform. Views indeed there were excellent including Mt Blanc in its/her radiance. Time for some sustenance and gold-flecked Sambucca and other things in flasks appeared, as well as a bottle of Luins, and we toasted our good fortune under a blue sky. 

Richard had heard that a party of 14 had also booked lunch at La Loge, so we said our goodbyes to Philip who had an appointment, and steadily pushed on down past the top of the Lelex lift to the Ref de la Loge. In fact it was some while before we all arrived as Katy’s slippery paths materialised and slowed down some of the party, indeed snow shoes were utilised after three falls for one member (but no submission or knockout). 

We sat out in the warm sun on adjoining then merged tables in an as-good-as-it-gets setting. Beers preceded wines (red and white excellent) and good food (chicken and rice, or cheese sort of en croute with salad, followed by tart and genepi). We toasted absent friends naming a few (well most of us seemed to be around the table) and our discussions covered the usual subjects; health, Scottish independence, Brexit, Northern Ireland, Boris, Trump, Ukraine, Putin, war, music, art, watches, rugby, dogs and the weather. Larry told us the secret to ageing well (it is a secret still). 

Laos, the dog du Refuge was absent – not as we suspected down in Lelex with lady friends, but locked up to prevent that. Kobie did his begging rounds of the tables. There was much banter with other parties and with our hosts. Various members acted as serving wenches, one member using his flat-topped head. A large and friendly looking fellow came over to chat – he was the vicar of the valley. It was good to see such good humour in a man of the cloth, possibly helped by years of génépi. I liked his dog-question method of introduction.

All too soon it was time to revisit the terrors of the slippery traverse path back up to the col and then the amble back down gentle slopes to the T-Cabine where Mark2ts kindly treated us to his (black! no sugar!) coffee (merçi Mark).

Kobie had behaved and I think members almost did too.  

Another splendid Franck and Katy Loge classic, not on snow shoes but with super weather allowing us to be outside in the sun. Thanks Mark for organising. 

I believe Richard recorded 323m. I had less but I think my recording stopped. Between 6 and 7 Km. 

Nine of us met at the Divonne lake car park and set off in a convoy of three cars to the designated What3words meeting point of “vowel.handle.scornful” above Bois D’Amont by the Forêt de Risoux which straddles the border between France and Switzerland.  Temperatures of -6c were indicated in the cars at the bottom of the valley but had climbed to a balmy -2c by the time we reached Peter and Mike who had arrived barely a minute before us.  They were, like Nicholas, sadly dog-less as we were entering the natural reserve, although we noticed a wolf-like hound running freely in some nearby gardens.

After booting up, we walked a short distance to the start of our steep climb through the forest but within 20 metres decided to don snowshoes.  As usual, some acrobatic manoeuvres were required to accomplish this, but we set off at a rate of knots belying the age differential of twenty years between the members.  Thankfully, even the youngest were able to keep up and we trudged up the first brutal ascent.  Unfortunately, the trees were now devoid of the snow that Mark 2rrs and I had witnessed some 10 days before, but the trail was sufficiently snow/ice-covered to warrant the use of our raquettes.  

We reached the Chalet Gaillard within 1 ½ hours and we confirmed our presence in the area to the hut manager.  A young Belgian lady approached us whilst coffee was being consumed and told us that she was on a 10-day snowshoe tour through the Jura.  We were impressed that she was doing this alone, whilst carrying an enormous rucksack weighing more than 15kgs.

Duly boosted by caffeine, we continued towards our goal of Le Roche Bernard.  This viewpoint proved be at the top of an impressive cliff overlooking the dual lakes of Bellefontaine and Mortes which are in the departments of Jura and Doubs respectively.  The vista North-West across the Jura range was breathtaking, and inevitably a bottle or so was cracked open to celebrate our achievement.  

After the obligatory photos were taken, we hastened back to the Chalet reaching there just three minutes after our planned rdv time.  True Swiss, or maybe Jurassic, timing!  

The eleven of us squeezed onto a table in the small dining area and ordered our meals.  The plat du jour, partaken by everyone, was a hearty bean and vegetable soup with lumps of sausage and generous helpings of grated cheese.  Mark and I had eaten exactly the same fare previously and wondered if, in fact, it was the plat de chaque jour!  Beers were ordered by some as well as a litre of red wine.  The latter had a distinctly watery taste raising some possibly libellous suspicions.  Some persevered with it, but Peter threw in the towel and ordered a (price unknown) bottle of Bordeaux which saved the day.  Mike gallantly finished off the house wine declaring that he wasn’t up to a full-bodied red at that time of the day. 

Conversations were as diverse as usual, but those of us at the North-West end of the table noticed some very animated cultural discussions taking place at the South-East end.  Of course, absent friends were heartily toasted.

 Deserts and coffees downed, we set off for the relatively easy stroll back to the cars.  Steve decided that snowshoes were for wimps and elected to strap his to his backpack and leg it home.  In the icy conditions, those following had cameras at the ready expecting some good photo opportunities but he is very sure-footed and kept upright.  

GIN outings often have small, or larger, dramas (helicopters, etc), and this one didn’t disappoint.  Two thirds of the way back, Peter, who was leading, encountered a(nother) young girl who had lost her family, and her way back to her starting point.  She was from Grenoble, 14 years old, and was pleasantly named Ocèane.  Having given her mobile phone to her mother and knowing that it was on mute, she was unable to get in touch with her.  Fortunately, she finally managed to remember the number of her brother so she used one of our phones to try to call him.  Of course, there was no network connection at that spot anyway, so rather than leaving this little defenseless maiden in the dark forest, we offered to take her back to our cars, about 1km away.  We must have looked the harmless old codgers that we are, as she accepted our offer and later on was able to reach her brother’s phone, assuring him that she was in safe hands.  When we got back to the parking spot, I drove down to the village and delivered her to her mother who was anxiously awaiting her.  Then I went back to the rest of the group to say our goodbyes.

Present and correct: Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Peter, Mike, David, Stephen, Philip, Nicholas, Nathan, Larry, Richard.  Mark informs me that eleven was a record for us, so well done, everyone!

Distance: a generous 12kms and 450ms dénivellation. 

More snow, please, for the next sortie!

The forecast for this hike had been coming down the pike a week before showing snow and cloud. In the event the snow held off (apart from some flurries while we were in have lunch) and excellent conditions for raquettes prevailed.

Ten GIN punters and two dogs started out from the parking at St Cergue Tancouez (Alt 1050m). Rob, Richard, Mervyn, Stephen, David, Mark2rs, Nicolas, Nathan, Larry (welcome to GINs Larry !) and me (Peter) and dogs Onyx and Kobie. Our first task was to work out how to pay for the parking using various apps or coins; these new meters and parking apps are wondrous things…

We set off across and up past Les Mouilles and into the dark pine woods. We were soon out into the wide open fields (see photo)

It was not long after this that Larry found that his snow-shoe technique was found wanting and he took them off for the rest of the hike. He coped admirably with the conditions thereafter in his Canadian snow boots. Even more amazing given that he turned out to be the most senior member of our party, by a good stretch.

Off up through the deep snowy forest and along the well-pounded snow trail up to the Fruitières de Nyon. There were super views across to the sunlit Alps but we were covered by the cloud all day and I do not recall a ray of sunlight until we got back down to the plain at the end of the day.

It was time to revive flagging spirits and bodies with some vino and Epicuro and Reisling became evident. Richard’s genepi was kept back for the upcoming fondu.

The wind was a bit chilly so we upped and left in the direction of Cabane Rochefort which we passed by just above and to the right of us. We were soon at the high point where the P team of 7 set off down Peter’s secret trail through deep snow forest. Rob led the R team of 3 down to the large tracks that traverse the Jura.

This very beautiful trail led us down eventually to an open valley some 60 metres below La Genolière – so it was necessary to hoof up a steep slope to gain the lunch cabane.

On arrival at La Genolière (my regular Jura eatery), the resident and normally docile hound Moos proceeded to tear into Onyx, but diplomatic relations were soon re-established with Kobie’s help.

Once inside we were welcomed by the friendly staff and several other guests on the other tables. Warmth from the wood fire was welcome and we were soon into beers and apero platters of cheese and meats. It was a convivial and happy crew that tucked into the croutes and fondus. Larry began to identify us by our names and at one point Nicolas almost lost a lot of money in a bet with Larry about some obscure literary factoid (Larry read classics at the Sorbonne so don’t enter into any monetary argument with him about classics). There was some poetic discussion, nothing about Scottish independence, future events were aired, I think we all felt that it was just good to be alive. The fondu was warm and delicious, helped in no uncertain measure by the occasional pre-dunking of bread in genepi, as well as the fine chasselas (who’d have thought we’d be sitting here today drinking Chateau de Chasselas (Monty Python Hard Times sketch)).

See:-

or with John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson

All too soon it was time to go, but because the clock on the wall was running 8 minutes late, I misjudged the timing for the train and at 2.30pm it was too late : instead of being able to get the 2.50pm train at Givrine we would have to get the 3.50pm. No matter, we had time to wander and while the R team headed back down the main drag, the P team with dogs headed off into the woods again on deep powdery white stuff. A most pleasant and uneventful descent to La Givrine, at one point pivoting over a low wall.

The good news though was that we had time for a coffee (a real coffee) at the restaurant at La Givrine with plenty of time before the train. The chef there loves dogs so we were warmly welcomed in. And the apple tart was good too.

Suitably revived we joined the crowds of school children and others on the platform at La Givrine and bundled into the back carriage when the train arrived exactly on time. From St Cergue it was a short walk back to our cars at Tancouez.

We covered 10km and about 450m deniv (variable according to monitoring kit). My thanks to all for a very enjoyable outing and for giving Kobie hugs and encouragement. As I typed he is fast asleep on the sofa – knackered.

Snowshoe outing at Marchairuz, January 19 

Despite some concerns over a possible lack of snow the previous week it became clear that not only would there be an abundance of the white stuff, but that the gods would be in our favour with the forecast of blue sky for this outing. As it turned out the ten of us spent a special day of good exercise, beautiful snow conditions and good company.

Dawn was forecast to come in at -12 degrees Celsius, although it rose to – 8 degrees when we met up at the Col, so without too much persuasion we met up in the restaurant for coffee and hot chocolate. Noticeably absent were two dogs, Kobie and Nessie, but given the very cold conditions it was certainly for the best. It was good to see Coco the lunatic parrot again on his perch in the bar. 

Ten of us with appropriate thermals enjoyed the trek. Peter T, Richard S, Mervyn P, Stephen L, David C, Mark2T, Nathan F, Mark2R, Mike M and myself (Rob (Ed. PT)). 

The original plan was to trek as far along the route to Mont Tendre as the conditions would allow and return by the same trail eating our picnic lunch along the way. But mutiny was in the cold air. The prospect of a nice lunch in the warm restaurant at the Col was too much to miss, so with a lot of persuasion (truth be told, very little!), I was forced by a majority decision to change the itinerary to take the outward trip for an hour and a half to return in time for a lunch. A table for ten was booked.

The snowshoeing was excellent, the piste was well marked in deep and crisp snow and the trees stood out wonderfully.

We reached the Cabane du Grand Cunay after a few “pechs”*, a few more for some of us, where unexpectedly there appeared cups and a fine Chasselas followed by some excellent homemade gluhwein. A nice break with fine views after 3.3k and 200m of ascent.  

Downhill all the way, despite the few uphill bits, back to the warm welcoming restaurant where it was fondu all round, with some dipping genepi for the bread that went down well, and our usual coffee and Celtic water.

One good thing happened (at least). A friendly looking fellow from the table behind us came over and introduced himself. Larry French, lives part-time in Canada, part-time in Morges (December to mid-March and mid-April to July). He had been cross country skiing up to Marchairuz. Larry has now joined GINs and will be on the next snow shoe outing. Larry is currently the editor of the newsletter “the Grand Parents for the Climate Europe”. Welcome Larry!

Glowing and drowsy from the fondu, 9 of us set off for the second half of the day for an equally nice round trip short trek of 2.5 km with 70 m of ascent on the southwestern side of the col. Quite a few more peching* was heard, but it was well worth it. Only one of us manged to fall and loose his left snowshoe, but with the heroic aid of Mervyn all was recovered without loss.

A great day with great company.   

*Peching – “At last wi’ great peching an’ granin we gat with a pingle” 1754 Robert Forbes (Scots).  Loosely translated as at last with lots of heavy breathing and grinding we made it with our sticks.   

Rob

(NB I recorded a total of 8.7km and 346m deniv – ie. there was indeed some uphill on the way back in the morning (Pétros (Ed.)))