Les Frasses

The toponym of Frasse is quite common in French-speaking Switzerland and neighbouring France and it can have two meanings: either a crack or a woodcut. In this case, the Frasses chalet which is above Bassins owes its name to the second meaning since no large crack is found in the region.

I must also draw attention about this snowshoe hike. Indeed, the route crossing the Franc Federal District of Noirmont, one must scrupulously follow the marked trails in winter. The only sprain that I allowed myself was to cross the Orgères pastures, since it is open ground. Above the pastures I followed the marked path to the Route des Montagnes, which serves as the limit of the Franc District. At the Bois du Ministre and the Jubillet, one crosses the Franc District again, but staying on the official trails, it does not really pose any problems.

From Arzier, you must find a good, unmarked path starting at the last hairpin and going up through the forest to be joined by the official path. Continuing to climb, it does not take long to reach the small, paved road that one follows (do not follow the marked path, but the road and the path). After the Creux des Abériaux, one reaches the small clearing and the last car park of the Route des Montagnes. In winter, it is better to park lower, because the first section of this road is not always cleared of snow.

From this car park, one can easily reach Les Orgères by following the small road leading to the chalet. Above the chalet one can then cross the pasture to reach its end, where one finds the official trail. All one must do is follow this route, the one of the Crêtes du Jura, to Les Frasses and continue on to the Route de la Montagne.

To return, one passes under the Crot, next to the Pessette and in view of La Dunanche to descend into the Bois du Ministre. At Bugnonet, one then follows the road and the shortcuts to finally reach the reservoir located above the Platets. A marked path then allows one to cross the Combe de Minsel and return to the starting point.

Itinerary: Arzier (car park near Les Viroux) – Creux des Abériaux – Les Orgères – Les Frasses – La Pessette – Bois au Ministre – Le Jubillet – Arzier
Distance: 11Km
Altitude gain: 450m
Duration: 4 hours