Winter is truly present all around the Neuchâtel region, and our beloved area is also a well-liked spot in winter for you, dear athletes, to take in a big breath of fresh air and engage in snow sports. However, for those who aren’t familiar with the Canton of Neuchâtel, it can be quite challenging to navigate and choose where to engage in your activity.
Indeed, the Neuchâtel mountains offer you a total of 10 Nordic centers, 65 kilometers of snow hiking trails, 125 kilometers of snowshoe trails, up to 340 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, and even 4 kilometers of trails for skiers with dogs!
Today, the Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel offers you a list of Nordic centers to practice your winter sport according to your preferences. Happy reading to everyone.
Practice cross-country skiing in La Chaux-de-Fonds
Practice cross-country skiing directly at the gates of the city of Neuchâtel! You can enjoy a little sporty and snowy break during your lunch break. A 6km track connects the Arêtes district to La Cibourg, to the East of the city. While in the Southwest, enjoy 17km of track to reach the La Sagne slopes from Les Foulets or the Crêt-du-Locle district.
Please note that 2km of illuminated track are offered from Les Foulets. You will need to press the switch at the base of the first lamppost to light the track! In total, you can enjoy 23km of classic tracks, 23 km of skating tracks, the 2km illuminated track, and 1km of snow hiking.
The center also offers accommodation and catering (Ferme des Arêtes, Restaurant Tepan-Yaki, Cibourg Holiday Center)
2km of illuminated track are offered from Les Foulets. Press the switch at the base of the first lamppost to activate the lighting!
Access to the slopes:
- The Arêtes
47.105349,6.844702
- La Cibourg
47.121743,6.898075
- Les Foulets
47.087234,6.818492
- Le Crêt-du-Locle
47.076480,6.786356
The Nordic center of Sommartel
Sommartel is a Nordic center located to the East of the Brévine Valley. This center offers you tracks at two altitude levels. However, please note that the difficulty is also offered in two levels.
You can access it by post bus from Le Prévoux, Chaux-du-Milieu, Le Cerneux-Péquignot. You will then realize that the trail in the valley is very attractive and easily accessible. It is located at 1,000 meters above sea level. Two other connections will also allow you to reach the Val de Morteau network in neighboring France. Note that you can go to the other side of the border since all access cards purchased in Switzerland allow you to walk in France. However, you will need the Transfrontalier Swiss Romande card or the Swiss card (respectively CHF 120.- and CHF 160.-).
A slightly more challenging track will allow you to reach the Grand-Sommartel at 1,300 meters above sea level. This track is practicable from Chaux-du-Milieu. You can only be proud of yourself and thus enjoy the breathtaking panorama as well as all the catering establishments. Afterwards, you can descend towards La Sagne or Les Ponts-de-Martel.
Sommartel offers accommodations and restaurants (Auberge du Vieux-Puits, Auberge du Prévoux, Pinte de La Petite-Joux, Le Petit Sommartel, Auberge du Grand-Sommartel, Chante-Joux)
Access to the slopes:
- Chaux-du-Milieu
47.013087,6.701855
- Le Cerneux-Péquignot
47.016539,6.664834
- Le Prévoux
47.036961,6.702289
- La Grande-Joux
47.000980,6.713810
- La Petite-Joux
47.013370,6.734836
La Côte-aux-Fées
La Côte-aux-Fées offers you a total of 18km of classic tracks, 18km of skating tracks, 2.5km of snow hiking trails, and even 300m of sledging tracks! Located at the western end of the Neuchâtel cross-country skiing network, you will be pleasantly surprised by its wild and mystical landscapes. The tracks are connected to the centers of Auberson and Les Fourgs, oscillating between France and Switzerland. Spruces and pastures are on the agenda! As with Sommartel, you can go to France under the same conditions mentioned above.
La Côte-aux-Fées also offers dining establishments (At the Pig’s Foot, for example)
Access to the slopes:
- La Côte-aux-Fées
46.865735,6.484894
- Les Jeannets
46.876851,6.479751
- La Vraconnaz
46.842957,6.481174
Les Cernets
Located at a maximum altitude of 1,200m, Les Cernets offer you 52km of classic tracks, 52km of skating tracks, 2km of illuminated tracks, and 7.3km of snowshoe trails.
In the middle of nature, untouched and wild landscapes: Les Cernets is firmly rooted in a varied topography outside of civilization. This area offers cross-country ski trails over 52km and that, for all styles. It is no longer presented, the domain of Les Cernets is also very well known for its extreme cold and optimal snow cover. It is a very well-known area for cross-country skiing.
Les Cernets is connected to La Brévine, Les Seignes (France), Haut Saugeais (France), and Larmont to the West. You can extend your kilometers without hesitation. As with Sommartel and La Côte-aux-Fées, you can go to France under the conditions mentioned above.
Access to the slopes:
- Les Cernets
46.913604,6.458646
- Le Cernil
46.934237,6.524937
- Les Bayards
46.921151,6.513530
- Bémont
46.962299,6.550057
La Brévine, the "Swiss Siberia"
Image credits: www.j3l.ch
Better known as the “Siberia of Switzerland”, La Vallée de la Brévine will perfectly suit nature lovers and athletes! The temperatures are extreme in winter. You can practice ice skating, cross-country skiing, snow hiking, and of course, snowshoeing. The tracks are rather far from any civilization, but you can sometimes pass by farms where nature remains in control. This center is connected between the Cernets center (West) and Sommartel (East). You can also go to France with the Gardot site (North) under the same conditions as previously mentioned.
In total, La Vallée de la Brévine offers you 30km of classic tracks, 30km of skating tracks, 11.5km of snow hiking trails, 3km of illuminated tracks, and 14.5km of snowshoe trails.
The center also offers many dining establishments, and you can even buy or rent equipment at Siberia Sports.
Access to the slopes:
- La Brévine
46.981893,6.606645
- Lac des Taillères
46.972004,6.587517
- Bémont
46.962299,6.550057
- Le Cernil
46.934237,6.524937
Looking for accommodation for your stay in Neuchâtel?
So, if you want to spend a weekend, a few days, or even several weeks of vacation in Neuchâtel, you will understand that the Canton of Neuchâtel offers you numerous snow sports activities. The Nordic centers are well connected, allowing you to enjoy cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, snow hiking trails, and even trails for skiers with dogs.
You will also have the opportunity to easily reach the French slopes, but make sure to get your Swiss Romande Transfrontalier card or your Swiss card.
Looking for accommodation for your stay in Neuchâtel? The Best Western Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel offers you an idyllic and relaxing setting by the lake. We offer rooms with panoramic views of the lake, high-quality catering, and premium services for your conferences, seminars, weddings, banquets, cocktails, or business meetings.
Located in the heart of the city, you can easily reach the heights of the region to enjoy the fresh air and coolness. Feel free to ask for more information about the Nordic centers in the region directly at the hotel reception. Have a great stay for everyone!
Book your stay at the Best Western Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel by clicking here
Sources: https://www.neuchatelskidefond.ch (Find all Nordic centers and more details on this website)
