Hint

Intro

This winter hike takes you into the heart of the Neuchâtel Jura between snow-covered valleys and mountain ranges. From the Col de la Vue des Alpes, the route leads to the sun-drenched Tête de Ran peak. Once at the top, the view stretches from the Säntis to the Mont Blanc, while the French Jura and the Vosges mountains rise up towards the north.

Description

The highest peaks of the alpine chain loom up from the Col de la Vue des Alpes pass. The panorama ranges from the Bernese to the Vaudois alps, while lake Neuchâtel gleams in the depths far below. An impression of infinite height and vastness is created right at the start of the winter hike. Looking across to the wooded ridge leading towards the Tête de Ran, you can spot the winter hiking trail just a few metres below, which follows the cross-country ski track for the first few kilometres.

Soon after, you will notice the small ski lift, where families are out and about and children are making their first attempts on skis. The path leads around the Métairie de Derrière - Tête de Ran inn. Here, the children can watch the farm's goats. If the weather is nice, there’s a small snack bar with drinks and homemade products inviting you to enjoy a refreshing break before tackling the last 100 metres of altitude up to the summit of the Tête de Ran.

Once at the top, the 360° panorama is overwhelming. To the south, the view sweeps over lake Neuchâtel and the alpine chain from the Säntis to the Mont Blanc. To the north, the French Jura and the Vosges mountains rise up, while at the bottom of the valley you can see the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is known as the cradle of watchmaking and, with its chessboard-like townscape unique to Switzerland, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The way back to the Col de la Vue des Alpes follows the same route. Alternatively, it can be shortened by taking the free Nordic’BUS departing from Tête de Ran.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
La Vue des Alpes
Destination
Tête de Ran
Ascent
220 m
Descent
220 m
Distance
7 km
Duration
2 h 25 min
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/winter-hiking/route-805...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Tourisme neuchâtelois Vue des Alpes
Route de la Vue des Alpes 4
2052  La Vue-des-Alpes

Phone  032 889 68 86
info.vda@ne.ch
neuchatelskidefond.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 805

Distance

7 km

Duration

2 h 25 min

Ascent

220 m

Travel information: Vue-des-Alpes / Tête-de-Ran

Current Offers

  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Scavenger hunt - Les Barons

    On the trail of your watchmaking ancestor who had his watch stolen... Will you be able to find the... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 04.11.2026 - 24.12.2026

    Learn more about Scavenger hunt - Les Barons
  • Neuchâtel Self-guided tour

    With a fully informative brochure in your hand, set off to discover the treasures of the old city.... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 04.11.2026 - 30.12.2026

    Learn more about Self-guided tour
  • Les Brenets Hiking holidays Au fil du Doubs

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 565
    Offer details


    valid: 20.03.2027 - 17.10.2027

    Learn more about Hiking holidays Au fil du Doubs
  • Les Brenets Cruise on the lake des Brenets

    All on board for an out-of-the-ordinary voyage on a boat with panoramic views of the Doubs Basins:... from CHF 9
    Offer details


    valid: 04.11.2026 - 05.11.2026

    Learn more about Cruise on the lake des Brenets
  • Les Brenets Offer Saut-du-Doubs and Underground mills

    Boat trip on the Doubs and back Entry to the underground mills of the Col des Roches. from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 04.11.2026 - 05.11.2026

    Learn more about Offer Saut-du-Doubs and Underground mills