Le Reculet - Col de la Faucille - Le Reculet Traverse

A beautiful and obvious traverse between the two easily accessible parkings and finished by the best ski descent in this part of Jura. The whole ridge stays above the tree level, providing mind-blowing views of Geneva and Mont Blanc range. The full traverse is rather long, but technically easy and with no navigation difficulties, therefore can be done by night, which makes it even more scenic.

Logistics

Transport logistics may be the most difficult and frustrating part of the trip, but its unavoidable to prevent coming back the same way. It is required to leave one car at the Tiocan Parking and drive with the other one to Col de la Faucille.

To avoid driving back and forth one could use a spare driver, taxi or public communication. The alternative option is to arrange two teams going the opposite directions.

Route

Start from Col de la Faucille Follow the groomed, traversing route crossing Monts Jura skiing station, until you join a marked summer/snow shoes path. The route is usually well visible, marked and even crowded. Continue until Grand Montrond, from which you can continue following the ridge line. It is up to you and conditions to either climb every peak on the way or try to traverse them. As the are not many steep parts and most of the hills are minor it seems to be most efficient to follow the actual ridge. The traverses can spare climbing and descents, but are often longer and also can be sketchy if the snow is hard and icy. After reaching the Crozet skiing station, continue climbing the mildest line across the lifts, staying on the western side of the mountain, until you return to the ridge around the pass before Grand Cret, which is best to be traversed on the right (west). Continue towards Cret de la Neige, along the small canyon (on your left) and finally climbing the slope of Le Reculet. From there follow one of the typical descent lines until the forest track where they all join. Keep the wide road all the way to the Tiocan parking.

As the traverse combines multiple ascends with small descents and flats it is fastest to keep the skins on for the whole time. However this requires sufficient skills and also can be dangerous if it is very icy. Also mind that in places the snow may be already gone.

Retreat/Variants

There are not many options modify or and finish the route earlier, due to the forest and cliffs on the eastern side and lack of civilisation on the western. For most of the time going back the same way is the fastest option, until reaching Crozet where one can usually ski down the line of the gondola. A variant from Col de la Faucille to Crozet, or from Crozet to Reculet is also a great option for those unsure about the weather or endurance.