Gourmet snowshoe hike in Solalex

There are many ways to enjoy winter. Looking for fresh air, tranquillity, snow-covered landscapes and a delicious meal? We take you on a snowshoe trail to the magical Solalex mountain pasture for a timeless winter (and gourmet) experience. Let's go!

✎︎ Alpes Vaudoises, ©︎ Alpes Vaudoises, ※︎ January 2024

What we loved ❤️‍🔥

• That little feeling of being in the Great North🐻‍❄️

• Admiring the Miroir d’Argentine winter coat ❄️

• The soft crunch of the snow under our snowshoes 👣

• Enjoying a delicious fondue by the fire in the refuge 🫕

Snowshoe itinerary from Cergnement to Solalex

On this beautiful, cold January morning, we parked at the Cergnement car park, above Barboleuse, the starting point for our snowshoe hike. We set off for about an hour's gentle ascent (there is a positive difference in altitude of 215 metres). Warmly wrapped up, we couldn't wait to get going and warm up. We follow the signposted snowshoe itinerary through the mountain pastures to the river.

The magic of the forest and snow-covered fir trees

Once we reach the bridge over the Avançon river, we branch off into the forest. The frozen branches of the trees and the fir trees covered in a beautiful layer of white gold create a timeless atmosphere, giving us the feeling that we're walking in the Far North. We took the opportunity to observe the animal footprints on the snow. Some hares have certainly been here!

Final ascent and arrival at the Solalex mountain pasture

After a short climb, we reach the Solalex mountain pasture. To reach the refuge, we follow the snow-covered road that crosses it. Our eyes are filled with this icy, silent and tranquil mountain cirque. At the top of the mountain pasture, the smoke from the refuge's chimney tells us that we've almost reached our destination!

Snowshoes and fondue: the perfect winter duo

We enter the warmth of the refuge and settle down at a table by the fireplace. As usual, the welcome is perfect! The fire crackles and the fondue lives up to its promise: a moment of pure happiness... For those with a sweet tooth, you can round off your meal with a delicious meringue with double cream. It's the perfect way to build up your strength before starting the descent back to Cergnement.

Today we're choosing to descend on snowshoes. If you opt for this activity at night, you can also take a snowmobile back down to the car park.

Back to Cergnement

We take the same route back to our vehicle as on the outward journey, reaching Cergnement in just over an hour. Shortly before reaching the car park, we stop off at the Crêpecidre, a small Breton crêperie housed in a magnificent chalet. Here you can enjoy delicious crêpes (we'll settle for chai tea today!) and wool lovers can even buy soft balls of Icelandic wool.

Delighted with our gourmet snowshoeing experience in this little corner of paradise in the Alpes vaudoises, we can't recommend this lovely hike enough, to be enjoyed with family or friends during the winter.