Monts-Jura, France

Even closer to Geneva airport than the Portes-du Soleil, the Jura mountains curve along the northern shore of Lake Leman (Geneva). The area includes vast cross-country options and several downhills. Mijoux and Lélex-Crozet villages form Monts-Jura resort, the largest ski area in the Jura. The vertical range (800m) is respectable and there are 50km of mixed pistes. They are mostly, through the forest but also on the bare summit ridges of the massif. Rarely considered by foreign visitors are its convenience of being within 1hr of Geneva airport, its relative cheapness compared to Alpine resorts (99,50 € for 6 days in 05/06) and the appeal of traditional Jura villages and restaurants. It is a viable alternative to the Alps when snow conditions are favourable. Indeed, it is not unknown for the snow to be better here than in the Alps, and the landing approach to Geneva airport often provides a vantage point from which to judge the conditions. A viable alternative to Eastern Europe for budget skiers. For cross-country skiers, with over 2,500 km of marked trails, the Jura offers one of the largest in France and The Grande Traversée du Jura (Great Jura Trail) is a legendary trail of over 300 km.

Resorts close to Monts-Jura include: Mijoux-LaFaucille-Lelex (8 km), Lamoura (11 km), La Dôle (19 km), St-Cergue - La Dôle (21 km), Les Rousses (22 km),