Here is some information to help you plan for the Pack hike up to the top of
the Dôle.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tom
Windmuller or Cathy Overly .
 

Date:  Saturday, 12 May.
 
Time:  We will meet at 14h00.  The hike will start promptly at 14h15 and is
expected to take about 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
 
Meeting Point:  We will meet at the Chalet de la Dôle, next to the cable car
that goes to the skyguide facility at the top of the Dôle.  Directions to
the meeting point follow below.

 
The hike:  The hike itself is relatively short (about 1 1/4 hours each way)
but steep and a little strenuous.  Our son had no trouble doing it at the
age of 6 but it is not for those with heart conditions, etc.  There is a
path but it is not smooth.  Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
 
What to bring:  We would recommend:

*    sturdy hiking boots (and socks to prevent blisters)
*    walking stick if you have one
*    water, especially if the weather is dry and hot
*   small snack (e.g. fruit, cookies, chocolate or nuts) to eat when we pause at the large skyguide dome at the top.
*   sun cream
*   rain gear if it looks threatening
*   cub uniform is optional

Non-hikers:  For those of you who would prefer not to join the boys on the
hike, we would recommend that after you drop off your son(s), you drive a
short distance (2-3 km) to the Barillette, a mountaintop restaurant where
you can enjoy the view and order coffee, drinks or a meal.
 
Directions to the Chalet de la Dôle:

 
1)  From Geneva, take the autoroute toward Lausanne to the Nyon exit. 
2)  At the Nyon exit, turn left, go over the autoroute and past the Volvo
dealer and Signy shopping center on your left. 
3)  Go straight at the first traffic circle, then pass the Avia petrol
station and the Moulin Motel on your left. 
4)  At the second traffic circle, turn left, following the signs to Gingins
and Cheserex. 
5)  Proceed about 2 km along this road to Cheserex.  (Note that a little
more than halfway to Cheserex, the road to Gingins will turn off to the
right.  At this fork you proceed straight ahead — or slightly left — to
Cheserex.) 
6)  As you enter Cheserex, bear right at the T-intersection.  About 30
meters later the main road will bend to the left but you proceed straight
ahead, passing the Plantins restaurant on your right. 
7)  At the next intersection (Volkswagen dealer on the far left corner) do
not follow the main road, but go straight ahead, following signs for La Dôle
and Floretaz.  You will then pass the VW dealer on your left. 
Continue on this narrow lane about 2 km, passing first through some
fields and then starting to climb through a residential area.  Continue on
until the road come to a T-intersection. 
9)  At the T-intersection, turn left onto the route de la Dôle, following a
sign for the Abbaye de Bonmont.  From here it is about 11-12 km to the
meeting point. 
10)  About 1 km later (or less), take the first turn to the right, following
signs to La Dôle and the Barillette. 
11)  Continue up this winding road, always following signs for La Dôle and
the Barillette and almost always turning uphill at an intersection.
12)  When you get to the top of the hill, turn left, toward the Dôle,
following the sign for skyguide.  Continue to the end of the road where the
cable car and Chalet de la Dôle are situated and park in the small parking
lot.  If the parking lot is full, park along the side of the road leading to
the Chalet.