Luca In The Alps

🗺️ Hike Overview Starting point:  Le-Haut-de-la-Côte, 1050 m Highest point:  End of the via ferrata, 1120m Distance:  ~2.4 km round trip Elevation gain:  ~150 m Duration:  1h30 (loop) Difficulty:  K3 via ferrata Download GPS file Via ferrata di Tichodrome is special as It Is the only via ferrata in the Jura! It starts above Noiraigue on the other side of the cliff at the parking of the restaurant Le-Haut-de-la-Côte, 1050m. From there you go down the road towards Noirague (there is a shortcut in the woods) after crossing the road twice you climb in the forest for 5 min and there you are at the start of the via ferrata. N.B.: The via is closed from 01/01 to 30/06 as it is the period when the Tichodrome bird makes its nest! The entire via is nested along a rock ledge. It is not a difficult one, marked and K3. The most thrilling point is right at the center where there is a short but very exposed section. It takes about half an hour to arrive at the end where ...

🗺️ Hike Overview Starting point:  Colle di San Pantaleone, 1650 m Highest point:  Puy de Sainte Evence, 1670m Distance:  ~4.8 km round trip Elevation gain:  ~150 m Duration:  1h (retour) Difficulty:  Very easy Donwload GPS file This will be a short post as it could almost be a forgotten hike. It reaches the Puy de Saint Evence, Valle d'Aosta, 1674m, with its chapel starting from Colle di San Pantaleone, 1650m, where there is another chapel. The hike takes about 30 min (one way) and goes on a large and well marked path that goes a bit up and down in the forest. In the middle the trees open up and you have a clear view of the Matterhorn (see cover image)! At the arrival the forest clears around the chapel and you have a nice viewpoint across the valley. The hike takes 4.9km and 1h-1h30 with 150m elevation (return). The best part of this hike? Just 10 minutes from it there is the Confrérie du Moyen âge . This is "an hotel" but the most incredible I've ev...

🗺️ Hike Overview Starting point: Crêt du Midi, 2332 m (top of Vercorin lift) Highest point: La Brinta, 2658 m Distance: ~6.5 km round trip Elevation gain: ~400 m Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours (to La Brinta and back) Optional extension: Roc d'Orzival (~4.5 to 5 h total) Difficulty: Moderate (short exposed section, optional scramble) Download GPS file We originally planned to reach  Roc d'Orzival , 2853m , but early summer snow made the final stretch too risky. Still, we reached two scenic high points —  Sex de la Brinta  and the summit of  La Brinta  — and it was absolutely worth it. The Trail The hike starts at Crêt du Midi (2332 m) , the upper station of the Vercorin cable car . This spot is particularly special for me — it’s where I took off on my 2nd and 3rd (and last) solo paragliding flights . The view over the Val d'Anniviers is already stunning before you take a single step. From the station, descend slightly before beginning the ...

🗺️ Overview Starting point: Noiraigue, 780 m (Devins parking) Highest point:  Creux du Van center, 1454 m Distance: ~12 km loop Elevation gain: ~780 m Duration: 3.5-4 hours Difficulty: Moderate Download GPS file This counts as a classic even if I don’t do it that often. The  Creux du Van  is a landmark in the Swiss Jura: a  semicircular cliff ridge  that plunges dramatically into a natural amphitheatre. It’s one of the most impressive rock formations in the country and a rewarding loop hike that combines forest paths, alpine views, and dramatic cliffside panoramas. The Trail The hike starts in Noiraigue , at 740 m. Cross the village and the train tracks to reach the Devins parking , located just at the foot of the hill. From there, follow the asphalt road, which turns to gravel after a few minutes. Shortly after, you’ll reach a signpost offering two options to hike the Creux du Van loop. I followed the right-hand path , which takes ...

  🗺️ Overview Starting point:  La Gittaz Dessous, 1250 m Highest point:  Aiguilles de Baulmes, 1560 m Distance:  ~6.5 km Elevation gain:  ~350 m Duration:  ~3 to 3.5 hours Difficulty:  Moderate (steep sections, narrow paths) Family-friendly:  Yes, with caution (Cave Noire detour is short but exposed) Download GPS file This hike offers a taste of adventure, quiet Jura forest trails, and wide views over the lakes — all just above Saint-Croix. It includes a steep ascent to a ridge, an optional detour to the  Cave Noire , and ends at the dramatic summit of the  Aiguilles de Baulmes , a jagged crest with stunning cliff views. The Trail The hike begins at La Gittaz Dessous (1250 m) , accessible via a small road from behind Saint-Croix . There’s a small parking area at the village, but the better option is to continue a little further — follow the left fork at the signposts instead of going to La Gittaz Dessus. You’ll find a larger and sh...