This is a snowshoeing trip we did in the mountains of Neuchâtel when conditions were still right. The snow has now completely disappeared, and it is unlikely that we will have again winter conditions this year.
The route follows the trail of the snowshoeing path leading to Le Maillard from La Chaux-de-Fonds. However, instead of starting from La Sombaille, we climbed directly from the Bois du Petit-Château to reach Haut des Combes. There, we followed the signposted route for a short moment before leaving it to cross the woods below Pouillerel.
Arriving in sight of the Chalet des Asters, we crossed straight through the pastures to reach the top. The weather was fine, so we were not alone.
Following the edge of the forest towards Le Maillard, we had to remove the snowshoes because there was not enough snow left. It was not until a little further into the prairies after Le Maillard that we were able to put the snowshoes back on.
Instead of following the summer route, we followed the ridge to reach the edge of the forest above the Saignolet. It is important to observe the fence because a passage in the fence indicates the start of a vague trace that crosses the woods and emerges above Beauregard.
Leaving the forest, we went down through the pastures to reach, after cutting off the road, Les Combes. From there, all we had to do was follow the asphalt road to reach the Crêt-du-Locle train stop.
Route: La Chaux-de-Fonds – Pouillerel – Le Maillard – Les Saignolis – Beauregard – Les Combes – Le Crêt-du-Locle Distance: 10.4Km Altitude gain: 350m Duration: 3h