10 Best Ski Resorts in the Jura Mountains

<p>Ski resorts in the Jura Mountains are known for their hospitable and authentic village atmosphere. Unlike the anonymous feel of some of the more popular ski resorts, here you can enjoy a personal experience and friendly welcome, as well as taking advantage of its unmatched tranquillity. After all, isn’t this what you’re hoping to find atop the snowy peaks?</p><p>Running along the French-Swiss border, you’ll find more than 1,000 km of wooded pistes dedicated to downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, luge, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. This region offers, on every peak, around every corner and at every lake, something to make you succumb to its charm.</p>

France Hotels

1. Monts Jura: the most sensational

Skiing with a view

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families

<p>As well as benefiting from the highest altitude of the mountain range, Monts Jura has the region’s largest ski area. There’s also a wide variety of other sporting activities on offer here, making it a must for your winter break: snowboard cross, snow parks, and tobogganing, as well as paintballing and an indoor ice rink for those who want to get away from the slopes.</p><p>Thrill-seekers will be delighted to try out the 13 red slopes, while cross-country skiers can hike along the 80 miles of marked trails with breathtaking views across Mont Blanc, the Massif des Écrins, Lake Geneva, and even the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Memorable emotions guaranteed.</p>

Location: 01170 Crozet, France

Explore Monts Jura Hotels

2. Terre Ronde: the friendliest

The magic of a torch-lit descent

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

<p>At Terre Ronde, the first thing you’ll notice is the exceptional welcome. This beautiful location offers 10 slopes of all different levels, making it suitable for all ages. Depending on your age and preferences, beginners’ ski lifts, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow blading, snow surfing, and night skiing are all available for you to enjoy energetic days within a friendly resort.</p><p>Tobogganing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are just some of the activities available in this area, along with its vast open spaces and breathtaking natural surroundings. Truly one of the best places for skiing in the Jura Mountains.</p>

Location: Chemin du Col de Valorse, 01110 Plateau d’Hauteville, France

Phone: +33 (0)4 74 35 39 73

See nearby properties

3. Les Rousses: the most family-friendly

Between nature and cuisine

Good for: Families, Food, Photo

<p>Straddling France and Switzerland, Les Rousses comprises 4 villages of the Jura region and is a real mix of discovery and emotion. This vast ski area offers an amazing range of activities suitable for all ages and levels. Enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, where you can slalom among the conifer forests, alongside kite surfing, as well as snowboard cross and slide parks for the more acrobatic among you.</p><p>Try the famous Baladaski (a type of Nordic skiing) and discover the fascinating flora and fauna. As well as this excellent sports program, a fantastic variety of food is also on the menu.</p>

Location: 39220 Les Rousses, France

Explore Les Rousses Morbier Station Hotels

4. Métabief: the most magical

A picturesque dream that’s great for photos

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

<p>Worthy of some of the most beautiful photos, Métabief is easily accessible and the ideal place to enjoy spectacular landscapes without the long journeys. Spread across 6 villages, the region provides skiers with enchanting spruce-lined pistes. Snowshoeing or off-piste skiing will give you breathtaking views of the Alps, while skijoring is sure to raise your pulse rate.</p><p>Enthusiastic beginners can tackle the blue and green slopes, whereas the red and black slopes will undoubtedly provide more seasoned skiers with new experiences. And if this still isn’t enough, check out the skating rink or swimming complex.</p>

Location: 25370 Métabief, France

See nearby properties

5. Mouthe: the most Canadian

The peaceful mountain atmosphere is sure to charm

Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo

<p>With its pretty chalets and rolling landscapes dotted with captivating forests, the Mouthe has all the charm of a Canadian resort town, minus the accent. This locale in the Doubs region specializes in downhill skiing and offers a majestic backdrop to your skiing sessions with its green, blue, and red slopes, which are particularly suitable for beginners or those hoping to improve their skills.</p><p>Luckily, the ESF ski school instructors are able to impart their love of skiing in a friendly way during lessons aimed at all levels, from the youngest through to the most advanced, as well as for those with additional needs. And to soak up the scenery, nothing beats a snowshoe hike in search of the source of the Doubs river.</p>

Location: 25240 Mouthe, France

See nearby properties

6. Les Plans d’Hotonnes: the most affordable

Sport and excursions within everyone’s reach

Good for: Budget, Families, Photo

<p>If you’re looking to ski without spending all your savings, Les Plans d’Hotonnes is the ideal destination. This family-friendly and peaceful location comprises over 9 miles of green, blue, and red slopes, as well as access to a snowpark.</p><p>To get a glimpse of the most beautiful scenery in the area, put on your snowshoes or cross-country skis and, armed with your poles, set off along the marked trails. Here, even good-quality accommodation is affordable, and the cultural visits are well worth the detour. In particular, sample some handcrafted cheeses or visit the Planetarium and Lèbe Observatory. It’s a great place for real winter fun in the Jura Mountains.</p>

Location: 01260 Haut-Valromey, France

7. Les Gentianes: the most versatile

A popular choice for beginners and families

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families

<p>Les Gentianes favors quality over quantity, and it works. Renowned for its excellent instructors, the resort mostly welcomes beginners and families who want to ski in a calm, safe environment. Depending on your starting level and progress throughout your stay, you may be able to tackle a green, blue, or even a red slope, either alone or accompanied by an experienced instructor from the ESF ski school.</p><p>If you add tobogganing, tubing, and snowshoe or cross-country excursions to this already exciting program and sprinkle the landscape with a good dose of snow, you’re sure to get a few days of exciting adventure.</p>

Location: 15 bis Route des Gentianes, 39400 Morbier, France

Phone: +33 (0)3 84 33 08 53

8. Les Fourgs: the most romantic

The ultimate slalom of wonder and relaxation

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

<p>Modest in size, but no less energetic, Les Fourgs is a popular location for cross-country skiers. The many Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails on offer here provide access to magnificent landscapes to wonder at while also providing fantastic photo opportunities.</p><p>You can even learn how to drive a horse-drawn carriage and create long-lasting memories, whether as a couple or as a family. Les Fourgs is a quieter locale and is aimed at both beginners and experienced skiers who can enhance their skills on the 2 red slopes, including La Meuse slope with its breathtaking high sections.</p>

Location: 25300 Les Fourgs, France

See nearby properties

9. Foncine le Haut: the most cultural

Skiing with a bit of culture

Good for: Budget, Families, History

<p>Small and welcoming, Foncine-le-Haut will win you over as soon as you arrive. This commune only has 3 slopes (green, blue, and red), but that’s enough to have some family fun between snowshoeing excursions and cultural visits.</p><p>A visit to the village’s cheese dairy is as informative as it is appetizing, while the eco-museum recounts country life over past centuries and is a journey back through time. The region’s springs and waterfalls will quickly create a calming atmosphere. Bonus: Foncine-le-Haut is one of the most affordable resorts in the Jura.</p>

Location: 39460 Foncine-le-Haut, France

See nearby properties

10. Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux: the most natural

The town of a thousand lakes

Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo

<p>All the pleasures of winter are brought together in Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux. Experience good food with authentic flavors, a variety of mountain-based activities, and above all colorful landscapes, dotted with majestic lakes and fast-flowing waterfalls.</p><p>A typical day’s schedule involves making the most of your early morning energy and heading off to the slopes for some skiing and tobogganing. In the afternoon, marvel at the different shades of blue at the lakes against a backdrop of snowy peaks. In the evening, slip into the warmth of a sauna or hot tub, before enjoying a comforting fondue. Finally, rest your head at one of the high-quality lodgings on offer, and the next morning you can do it all over again.</p>

Location: 39150 Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, France

Explore Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux Hotels

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.