Introduction to backcountry ski touring in the rolling hills of the Jura mountains

Backcountry skiing is a mix between ski touring and cross-country skiing. The backcountry ski is a perfect companion for skiing off the tracks. The “real cross-country skiing”: simply stepping out your door, crossing fields, valleys, and woods!

With backcountry ski touring, you find the freedom to travel outside the trails while enjoying the joys of whizzing through the snow. The gentle slopes and the variety of landscapes in the Jura make it an ideal place to embark on an adventure like this while enjoying the snowy scenery.

We will travel between valleys and forests, pulling pulks with all our backpacks, food, etc., and spend the night in a charming mountain hut, the Cabane du Cunay. We might be rewarded with animal tracks and perhaps a rendez-vous with a fox, a chamois, or, if we are really lucky, with a Eurasian lynx.

What’s the plan

Saturday

Meeting at Col du Marchairuz at 10:15. Briefing, equipment check, and off we go! We will be skiing through forests and meadows, traversing the beautiful rolling mountains of the Jura, and pulling the pulk sleds with our gear and the food we need for dinner and breakfast. Once we’ve dropped all the gear at the hut, those who have some energy left can go for an additional tour. In the evening, we cook our dinner all together and stay at the charming Cabane du Cunay.

Sunday

After an energising breakfast, we will slowly make our way back to Le Marchairuz, using a different itinerary to make the most of the area. Return to Le Marchairuz in the afternoon for you to catch the bus back home.

Requirements

To join this backcountry ski touring event, you need to have a good fitness level and some basic skiing experience (alpine or cross-country skiing).

3-5 hours skiing each day, pulling the pulk sleds with the gear (we will take turns pulling the pulk sleds as there are more participants than sleds).

How to get there

If you are traveling from Zurich by public transport, we recommend you to take the following transportation.

Saturday

Zurich HB 06:32 – 10:10 Le Marchairuz, col (via Lausanne and Allaman)

Sunday

Le Marchairuz, col 16:47 – 20:28 Zurich HB (via Allaman and Lausanne) – depending on what time the event finishes

If you are traveling by car, you can park at Col du Marchairuz car park.

Kit list

Day Clothing Essentials

-Base layers
-Leggings or skiing trousers
-Fleece
-Down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Sunglasses
-Warm hat
-Buff
-Thick gloves

Night Essentials

-Warm socks
-Sleeping bag liner
-Pillowcase
-Earplugs
-Headlamp with spare batteries

Technical gear

-Small backpack (20-30L)
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Waterproof inner bags or bin bags
-Backcountry skiing boots
-Backcountry skis
-Ski poles

F&B

-Water
-Thermal bottle for tea
-Snacks
-Packed lunches

Pharmacy

-Sun screen and lip protector
-Plasters and basic medicine
-Face mask and hand disinfectant
-Toilet paper

Equipment rental

You have the possibility to rent backcountry skis, ski boots, and poles for an additional CHF 80.

Pricing

The price for this backcountry ski touring event is CHF 400.

Included in price

-2 days of guided cross-country skiing with a certified instructor in a small group (max. 6 participants per instructor)
-1 night of accommodation in a charming mountain hut (shared rooms)
-Pulk sleds
-Dinner on Saturday
-Breakfast on Sunday

Not included in price

-Transport to/from Le Marchairuz
-Skiing equipment (can be rented out, see “Equipment rental” section)
-Drinks
-Packed lunches

Group size

Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 8

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood, and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.