Three not-to-be-missed Nordic events in the Jura

We touched on the Jura and its many assets in a previous article, focusing on unavoidable discoveries, particularly of heritage and nature (Château-Chalon, the military fort at Les Rousses, the mountains of the Haut-Jura regional nature park ...). Ideal in mild seasons, these wonders complete a wide range of activities that also cover the region's renowned winter.

Renowned, because it's harsh; cold and long. Renowned for its gastronomy. Renowned for the quality of the environment; pure and invigorating.

Numerous are the daredevils who, to keep warm, don heavy clothing and set out to conquer the white expanses as far as the eye can see, with the aim of surpassing themselves through demanding physical activities. Some are the subject of competitions or events, which have become unmissable!

The Transjurassienne

February 7 and 8, 2026

Let's start with the Transjurassienne. Over 40 years old, and billed as the biggest nordic skiing event in France, the Transju' (for aficionados) is a national benchmark for cross-country skiing events. On February 10 and 11, 2024, thousands of participants from all over the world, amateurs, experienced skiers and champions alike, will be skiing in the heart of Burgundy-France-Comté. Flagship events await the athletes, over a range of distances: 68km between Lamoura station des Rousses (Jura) and Val de Mouthe (Doubs), 48km for the TransJu' Marathon, 25km ... and for all styles (free, classic, skating).

L'Envolée Nordique

January 25 & 26, 2025

This cross-country ski race, whose 50th edition will be held on January 25 & 26, 2025, takes place over two distances (21km and 42km), in the heart of the picture-postcard landscapes of the Doubs. First held in 1973, in the small village of La Chapelle des Bois (on the French-Swiss border), the race has stood the test of time, not least because it is run in teams of two skiers. A specific charm, therefore, for this family event on a human scale, which also offers its declination for children: the Envolée des Moineaux.

La Juraquette

Varying gradients and a marked trail of 7km or 12km, open to all, await hikers on the Juraquette. As the name suggests, the event will take place on snowshoes, but the organizers are determined to maintain the event, whatever the snow conditions. Participants can look forward to a rich and comforting lunch at the end of the race, which is punctuated by questionnaires along the route, with a joint morning start at 10am. Safe and good-natured, this great snowshoeing celebration, inexpensive to enter, is a superb opportunity to discover the Jura, with, at best, the presentation of a prize in grand style, to finish!