Photos: © Iwan Schuwey, © Nicolas Dulex

Starting from the Roc d’Orsay gondola in Villars (1,250 m), the route climbs up the Populaire piste to the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye (1,750 m). It then continues via the Col de Bretaye to the top of the Roc d’Orsay gondola (2,000 m). For the most motivated, it is possible to continue to the summit of the Grand Chamossaire (2,112 m). The ascent and descent follow the same route, and grooming is delayed until 10:00 pm on these pistes. 

Our tip: finish your climb with a hearty fondue at the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye, which offers a special hikers’ menu served until 9:00 pm. Reservations recommended. 

The activity is free of charge and is undertaken at the hiker’s own risk. The descent through the ski area is well secured and monitored by a patroller who carries out a piste check. The piste is not lit, and wearing a headlamp is mandatory. Hikers must be back at the bottom of the piste by 10:00 pm at the latest.