Hint

Intro

A magnificent high-altitude route starting in Bretaye, with views of Mont Blanc and the Vaud Alps. Snowshoe trekkers can also explore scenery that features tranquil Alpine lakes, broad snow-covered mountain pastures, forests, clearings and hamlets.

Description

The famous cogwheel railway runs from Villars to the Bretaye terminus, where a magnificent view of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and all of the Vaud Alps awaits snowshoe trekkers. You cross the hamlet of Bretaye with its charming chalets. Snow-covered Lake Bretaye is to your left. On this section, you have superb views of Grand Chamossaire – the highest of the Villars peaks at 2,112 meters – and its neighbour, the Petit Chamossaire (2,034 m).

Then the route continues towards Lake Chavonnes, set amid rocky cliffs and forests. Legend has it that there is treasure buried in the lake, guarded by the Monster of Lake Chavonnes. Depending on the light cast by the moon or the sun, the white diamonds still sparkle on the bottom of the lake. In actual fact, this effect is probably caused by rock encrusted with pyrite, a shiny mineral. The restaurant on the lake shore is an ideal spot for a break.

The trail plunges into the forest here, following the left shore of the lake. Above the lake, it climbs through forest clearings towards Vy Boveyre and then on to Conche. The trail passes close by the Conche-Mi Laouissalet chair lift that connects this area with Les Diablerets. This is the highest point of the tour. To complete the circle, you traverse meadowland and then a small, sparse forest to reach the starting point. The train runs from Bretaye back to Villars.

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
Villars-sur-Ollon, Col de Bretaye
Destination
Villars-sur-Ollon, Col de Bretaye
Ascent
220 m
Descent
220 m
Distance
5 km
Duration
2 h 20 min
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in one direction

Map

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

Contact

Office du Tourisme de Villars
Avenue Centrale 140
1884  Villars-sur-Ollon

Phone  +41 (0)24 495 32 32
information@villars.ch
villars-diablerets.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 481

Distance

5 km

Duration

2 h 20 min

Ascent

220 m

Current Offers

  • Villars-sur-Ollon Le Grand Tour - The Brigand Brothers treasure hunt (Villars)

    An access code for the app to access the coded puzzlesAn "introduction" documentAn "instructions"... from CHF 59
    Offer details


    valid: 08.12.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Le Grand Tour - The Brigand Brothers treasure hunt (Villars)
  • Villars-sur-Ollon Husky-Gourmet Polar Adventure

    First contact with huskies (meet Edène, Daenerys, Vaya and Alpine)All the equipment you need for... from CHF 390
    Offer details


    valid: 03.01.2026 - 29.03.2026

    Learn more about Husky-Gourmet Polar Adventure
  • Villars-sur-Ollon Entrance Bains de Villars

    Outdoor bubble poolSaunasSteam roomsSwimming poolOutdoor area (in summer) from CHF 21
    Offer details


    valid: 08.12.2025 - 31.03.2026

    Learn more about Entrance Bains de Villars
  • Ollon VD Winemaker's basket & Wine tasting in Ollon

    Picnic basket (cheese, sausage, homemade bread, trout rillettes, vegetables, fruit, a 50 cl bottle... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 09.12.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Winemaker's basket & Wine tasting in Ollon
  • Villars-sur-Ollon An introduction to the Swiss art of paper-cutting

    A traditional decoupage course of approximately 3h30 given by a professionalCourse materialsA coffee... from CHF 135
    Offer details


    valid: 10.12.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about An introduction to the Swiss art of paper-cutting
  • Ollon VD Guided walk & Wine tasting in Ollon

    Tasting of ten of the estate's winesAperitifs prepared with careGuided walk (3h) with the... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 12.12.2025 - 19.12.2025

    Learn more about Guided walk & Wine tasting in Ollon
  • Leysin Private ski lessons for kids and adults in Leysin

    Get a private ski lesson in the Leysin ski area. With direct coaching, you’ll make quick progress... from CHF 330
    Offer details


    valid: 08.12.2025 - 05.12.2026

    Learn more about Private ski lessons for kids and adults in Leysin