A must-see resort in the Jura, Les Rousses is a haven for forests and natural environments. On the border with Switzerland, the resort is made up of four villages living to the rhythm of the mountains. At the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, this mid-mountain resort has much to offer and is well worth a visit. To organize your winter vacation in Les Rousses, discover the best activities to do in the resort.
1- Downhill skiing or snowboarding
With its many forests, Les Rousses was the first resort to be awarded the "Flocon Vert" label. Situated at altitudes of between 1,200 and 1,680 m, it offers 50 downhill ski runs for all levels, linked by 28 lifts and 5 chairlifts. The resort is part of the Jura sur Léman ski area, shared by the Jura and Switzerland. This area includes the Magic Pass, giving unlimited access to lifts in 80 destinations across Switzerland,Italy and France.
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2- Snowshoeing
Discover the mountains of Burgundy-Franche-Comté through the many snowshoeing itineraries available in Les Rousses. Around the resort's villages, you'll find numerous trails for hiking in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The park covers almost 10,000 hectares, so you can enjoy a real playground of incredible landscapes.
Activities to book 2- Snowshoeing: you can rent your snowshoeing equipment now by clicking on this link.
3- Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiers are sure to love Les Rousses. With 150km of trails, the resort boasts the largest Nordic ski area in France and one of the largest in Europe. For an unmissable Jura cross-country skiing experience, try the Grande Traversée du Jura. This 180km route allows you to explore the region in total immersion among snow-covered forests. Be careful, though: some of the department's forests are classified as biotope zones. Winter activities are therefore totally forbidden in order to preserve their biodiversity.
Good to know if you're driving to Les Rousses, opt for an electronic toll tag to make the journey easier.
4- Go skating
For an off-piste experience, head to Prémanon. This village in Les Rousses is home to theEspace des Mondes Polaires, which welcomes you all winter long to its ice rink. In summer, the area is transformed into a roller rink, ideal for family fun at any time of year. For an experience in the heart of nature, the Haut-Jura lakes can be frozen, weather permitting. If all conditions are right, the resort turns them into open-air skating rinks.
5- What to do in Les Rousses Tobogganing
If Les Rousses is one of the best ski resorts to go to with children, it's partly thanks to its tobogganing areas. This ideal family activity can be enjoyed at the foot of certain slopes, as well as in the villages of Prémanon, Bois d'Amont and Lamoura. Please note that tobogganing on downhill ski runs is strictly forbidden during ski area opening hours.
Read the article les Rousses is one of the top 10 French ski resorts to spend Christmas in. Why not stay there for the holidays?
6- Relax at the spa
After a day on the slopes, relax in one of Les Rousses' wellness areas. For a meditation session, Stud'io offers yoga classes, while Ô Chalet Zen and Prana offer massages and even a jacuzzi. If you want to take a dip, you'll have to drive a little to get to the pool. The Morbier municipal pool is 15km away, and the Centre sportif du Sentier is just over the Swiss border.
7- An introduction to biathlon
Take advantage of the incredible Nordic skiing site at Les Rousses to try your hand at biathlon. This sport combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, and requires good stamina and skill. The resort's ski schools offer courses for all levels. You'll be supervised by professionals and learn the basics of cross-country skiing, before practicing rifle marks manship in a safe environment.
8- Visit the Fort des Rousses
In the heart of the village of Les Rousses, you won't want to miss Fort des Rousses Henry Martin. Built in 1800 on Napoleon's initiative, it is now France's second largest fortress. Today, it houses the Comté cheese maturing cellars. Don't hesitate to visit this impressive military complex and its cellars, to learn more about the work of the master cheese-maker.
9- Discover Jura's culinary specialties
It's well known that the Jura region abounds in gastronomic nuggets. In the Jura massif alone, there are 3 AOP/AOC certified cheeses: Comté, Morbier and Bleu de Gex. Don't hesitate to try them, and don't forget a Comté fondue, the ideal comfort food after a day on the slopes. The region is also famous for its wines, notably Vin Jaune, and Miel du Jura. Cooks will not want to miss the trout fario with vin jaune, or the chicken with morels and vin jaune.
10- Go to the movies
When the weather turns nasty, or at the end of the day, don't hesitate to take shelter at the Modern Cinema des Quinsonnets. From new American blockbusters to Art & Essai films, the Les Rousses cinema offers a diverse program. You'll find two 3D-equipped theaters and a wide range of services. The good news is that the cinema is open every day, with three screenings a day.
What to do in Les Rousses in winter when you're not skiing?
Les Rousses is one of the world's top destinations for mountain vacations. Ski or not, you're bound to find an activity to suit you. Here are just a few of them:
- Ice skating. Whether indoors or on Lac des Rousses, weather and safety conditions permitting, ice-skating is an ideal winter activity to enjoy with family and friends.
- Visit the Fort des Rousses. This impressive fortress now houses the Juraflor maturing cellars, perfect for learning about both the history of the area and the craft of master cheesemaking.
- Relax at the spa. You don't have to hit the slopes all day to deserve a massage, just treat yourself!
- Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is the must-do off-ski activity in the mountains.
Where to stay in Les Rousses?
There's a wide range of accommodation available in Les Rousses. To help you make your choice, here is a selection of the best-rated:
- Le domaine du Mont-Saint-Jean. This 3-star hotel offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms. Free parking and an ideal location for your stay. Book here.
- Le Lodge Hôtel Les Rousses. At the foot of the slopes, this cottage offers cosy, pleasant, well-equipped rooms. Book your stay now.
- The MV Vacances residence. This fully-equipped establishment is located at the foot of the slopes. Book your stay here.
What to do in Les Rousses in summer
Les Rousses is one of the best mountain resorts to visit in summer. To make the most of your stay, here are just a few of the things you can do in summer:
- Hiking or biking. Whether you prefer hiking trails or mountain bike paths, there are numerous itineraries criss-crossing the region.
- Water sports. Lac des Rousses offers a wide range of water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating and pedal-boating.
- Golf. There are two 18-hole golf courses around Les Rousses, at Domaine du Mont-Saint-Jean and Golf du Rochat.
- Challenge yourself on an adventure course. Several courses are available at Fort Henri Martin to push your limits, suitable for young and old alike.
