General Terms & Conditions (GTC)
1. Scope and General Provisions
1.1 These General Terms and Conditions of Sale and Use (GTC) apply to all transport passes and tickets sold by Télé-Villars-Gryon-Diablerets SA and MountainCart Villars Sàrl (jointly referred to as: TVGD), as well as to Magic Pass holders insofar as the provisions of these GTC are applicable to them.
1.2 A Customer is defined as any natural or legal person who purchases tickets or passes, or who uses any TVGD service. The Customer declares that they accept these GTC, which they are required to read carefully before using the services provided. For any questions, the Customer shall contact TVGD customer service.
1.3 The provisions relating to data protection, as well as the Terms of Use of the website and mobile application, shall also apply where relevant.
1.4 Unless otherwise provided in these GTC, Magic Pass holders are bound by the General Terms and Conditions of Sale established by Magic Mountains Cooperation, for which TVGD accepts no liability. These general terms and conditions may be consulted on the dedicated website “magicpass.ch”.
2. Services and Activities
TVGD offers the following services and activities, depending on the time of year and weather conditions:
- Access to and transport on sports or leisure ski lift facilities owned by TVGD;
- Ski passes (day, season, multi-day);
- Pedestrian, mountain bike or sledging passes (single ascent, return trip, day pass, multi-day);
- Packages combining accommodation and/or catering and/or transport and/or activities;
- Catering services offered in all establishments owned or operated by TVGD or its subsidiaries;
- Activities in snowparks;
- Leisure or sports activities, including equipment rental;
- All ancillary and related services connected to the above-mentioned services.
3. Prices
The services and activities offered under section 2 are subject to a fee. Their prices may be changed at any time and are those indicated at the time of order confirmation. Prices for multi-day transport passes are decreasing rates, with no refund in the event of closure of the facilities due to circumstances beyond TVGD’s control.
The exchange rate for payments made in foreign currencies is defined by TVGD.
For online payments or payments by credit card, any exchange rate and any conversion fees are defined by the payment collection provider.
4. Tickets and Passes
The purchase and use of a transport pass require a valid medium. Tickets and passes are personal and non-transferable, even free of charge. In the event of fraud (e.g. use of a third party’s ticket), a minimum penalty of CHF 200 shall be charged. Tickets and passes used improperly shall be confiscated without refund. The same provision applies to tickets used for a purpose other than that for which they were issued.
4.1 Validity
Tickets and passes are valid only during published operating hours. They are not valid during special events or outside operating hours.
Valid tickets, passes and Magic Passes provide free access to all TPC public transport services (train and bus) on the Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets plateaus, as well as to the tourist train between Villars and Bretaye, provided that the TVGD pass or Magic Pass is used on the same day.
4.2 Loss or Theft
In the event of loss or theft of the ticket, no refund shall be made. A replacement may only be issued upon presentation of the receipt. An administrative fee of CHF 5.00 shall be charged for issuing the replacement card.
4.3 Refunds
4.3.1 Illness or Accident
There is no entitlement to a refund in the event of illness or accident of the Customer.
4.3.2 Bad Weather or Other Force Majeure Events
Bad weather or any other force majeure event does not entitle the Customer to a refund or extension.
4.3.3 Interruption of Operations
A total or partial interruption of operations does not entitle the Customer to a refund or extension. Operations may be stopped for safety reasons, depending on snow and weather conditions, or in the event of a health crisis. Ski lifts are subject to Swiss transport law.
4.3.4 Closure of Slopes
The closure of slopes does not entitle the Customer to a refund or extension, regardless of the reason for such closure.
4.3.5 Unexpected Departure
The Customer’s unexpected departure does not entitle them to a refund or extension.
5. Gift Vouchers
The Customer may purchase gift vouchers at TVGD points of sale. These are transferable and may be offered to third parties. They are not refundable in cash, do not bear interest, and are valid according to the indications stated on them from the date of purchase, the order confirmation being authoritative.
6. Leisure Activities
By participating in the activity, the Customer accepts that it involves certain risks and waives any claim or legal action for damages against TVGD in the event of an accident related to the activity.
As part of the leisure activities offered by TVGD, the Customer or Magic Pass holder is required to comply with the instructions for use and to actively participate in the safety briefing where applicable.
The Customer or Magic Pass holder must be able to understand the instructions given or have them translated. If this is not the case, the Customer or Magic Pass holder must inform TVGD staff and, where applicable, refrain from participating in the activity.
The Customer or Magic Pass holder must not be under the influence of alcohol or substances that may impair their physical and/or mental abilities.
TVGD staff are entitled to exclude from the activity any person who does not comply with the instructions for use or safety rules and/or whose physical or mental condition is not compatible with the planned activity.
TVGD accepts no liability in the event of an accident caused by failure to comply with safety and usage rules.
7. Equipment Rental
The Customer is required to return the rented equipment in the condition in which TVGD entrusted it to them.
The Customer is responsible for rented items (loss, theft, damage) and undertakes to pay replacement costs (equipment) and/or repair costs (labour). Repairs due to normal wear and tear shall be borne by TVGD.
TVGD accepts no liability in the event of an accident directly or indirectly involving the rented equipment during the entire rental period.
8. Rescue Service
In the event of an accident on the ski area handled by TVGD’s rescue service, the intervention shall be charged according to the duration, resources and means required to provide assistance or rescue. A minimum amount of CHF 200 shall be charged to the Customer or Magic Pass holder. Third-party costs (for example doctor, helicopter, ambulance, transport outside the ski area) shall be invoiced separately and remain payable by the Customer or Magic Pass holder.
9. Conditions of Use of Ski Lifts and Passenger Conduct (extract from standard SN EN 12397:2017) applicable to Customers and Magic Pass holders
Passengers must behave in such a way as not to compromise their own safety, the safety of others, the safety of the installation, or the environment. They must under no circumstances interfere with the operation. They must behave appropriately according to the type of installation used. The transport pass may be withdrawn in the event of inappropriate behaviour, including failure to comply with the rules set out below:
9.1 Basic Rules:
- Strictly comply with the instructions and indications intended for them, generally communicated by signs with symbols (pictograms) or by TVGD staff.
- Access only those parts of installations and company premises that are authorised, in accordance with the signage.
- Follow the indicated routes and board and disembark only at the places provided for this purpose.
- Do not cause vehicles or carriers to swing.
- Do not hold objects outside the vehicle or throw them outside.
- Leave the designated disembarkation area without delay in the direction indicated by the signs once the journey has been completed.
- Do not smoke in stations or on the line.
- Never attempt to start the installation.
- Do not misuse stop devices.
- Do not damage or soil the installation;
- Do not obstruct the proper operation of the installation.
9.2 Specific Rules for the Use of Gondolas:
- Do not operate the doors or obstruct their operation.
- Remain seated on the bench when transport is seated.
- Do not cause the gondola to swing.
- Do not lean against the windows.
- Access the boarding area and board only in the presence of staff, except where staff presence is not mandatory.
9.3 Specific Rules for the Use of Chairlifts:
- On chairlifts and gondolas, children under 1.25 m tall may only be transported on a seat if accompanied. The accompanying person must be able to provide the necessary assistance to the children travelling with them.
- The transport of skiers and pedestrians on the same seat is prohibited, except for the transport of accompanied persons with disabilities under the conditions provided for in section 6.2.2 of standard SN EN 12397.
- Passengers must access the boarding area and board only in the presence of operating staff. Persons wishing to be assisted when boarding or disembarking must expressly inform the operating staff.
- Before accessing the departure area, hands must be removed from ski pole straps.
- No bag may be worn on the back; depending on its size, it must be placed either in front of the passenger or next to them.
- Respect the timing and capacity of the vehicles.
- Do not try to hold on; on the contrary, let go immediately in the event of improper boarding.
- Passengers must close and open the safety bar in accordance with the signage and pay attention to other persons seated on the same chair. It is forbidden to jump from the chair, even in the event of a prolonged stoppage of the installation.
- When transported with skis on, keep the skis parallel in the direction of travel, tips upwards, resting on the footrest where applicable.
- Before disembarking, passengers must ensure that they are not caught on the chair.
- Upon arrival, in the event of failure to disembark, passengers must remain on the chair and wait for instructions from staff at the arrival station.
9.4 Specific Rules for the Use of Ski Tows:
- The transport of an adult and a child on the same tow device is permitted if the child slides on their skis.
- Before accessing the departure area, hold ski poles in one hand with straps released, except for the transport of accompanied persons with disabilities under the conditions provided for in section 6.2.2 of standard SN EN 12397.
- During the ride, do not unduly move away from the uphill track, slalom, or release the tow device.
- Do not grab a tow device on the line; in the event of a fall, release the tow device and leave the uphill track as quickly as possible.
- At the arrival point, release the tow device at the indicated place without throwing it and immediately move away in the signposted direction.
- It is forbidden to use the uphill track as a downhill slope.
- It is forbidden to cross the uphill track outside the places arranged for this purpose.
10. Conditions of Use of Ski Slopes
The Customer and Magic Pass holder must observe and comply with the markings along the edges of secured slopes.
The slopes are closed outside ski lift operating hours and are then not protected against hazards such as avalanche triggering or grooming machines equipped with winches or cutters.
The piste and rescue service monitors and checks only marked and open slopes.
TVGD accepts no liability in the event of an accident occurring outside ski lift operating hours and/or outside marked slopes and/or on slopes closed to users.
The transport of children in backpacks is prohibited.
11. Pets
Pets are allowed on ski lift installations, provided that they are kept on a leash and are not likely to disturb the safety, comfort or peace of other users.
However, pets are strictly prohibited on ski slopes, mountain bike trails and MountainCart tracks.
12. FIS Rules of Conduct
The 10 FIS rules of conduct apply to all snow sports participants:
(https://www.seilbahnen.org/fr/themes/conseils-sports-hiver-ete/regles-conduite-fis)
Warning: Failure to comply with these rules, as well as failure to observe signs, barriers and instructions, or using slopes exposed to avalanches, may result in the confiscation or cancellation of tickets, transport passes and subscriptions, without refund.
13. Conditions of Use of MountainCarts
The minimum age to use a MountainCart is 12 years and the minimum height is 140 cm. Children under the age of 16 at the time of rental must be accompanied by an adult.
The maximum authorised weight for using a MountainCart is 110 kg.
The user is required to strictly follow the official MountainCart track indicated by specific signage (Piste des Bouquetins). The use of any other routes is strictly prohibited. Pedestrians have priority in all circumstances.
The rental period for a MountainCart session is 1 hour and 15 minutes. The user is required to comply with this time limit and to inform customer service in the event of delay.
14. Reservation – Cancellation / Reduction in Number of Participants
TVGD must be informed as soon as possible and in writing of any change to a confirmed reservation.
The number of participants must be communicated to TVGD as soon as possible, and no later than 2 working days before the event or the date of the service.
Any cancellation or reduction in the number of participants:
- occurring less than two working days before the event or the date of the service shall result in a charge of 50%;
- occurring less than one working day before the event or the date of the service shall result in a charge of 100%.
15. Right of Withdrawal
Once the order has been finalised by payment, the Customer may no longer withdraw from it.
16. Liability
Participation in the activities offered by TVGD involves an inherent risk of accident. By participating in them, the Customer or Magic Pass holder acknowledges such risk. They are responsible for taking out any useful insurance cover, and any evacuation costs shall be borne by them.
TVGD endeavours to provide a safe service but cannot be held liable for personal injuries or accidents caused by failure to comply with safety protocols.
TVGD’s liability is entirely excluded in the event of inappropriate behaviour by the Customer or Magic Pass holder.
The Customer or Magic Pass holder who damages or soils a TVGD installation is required to bear the cost of repair and cleaning costs. Any deliberately caused damage shall be prosecuted.
TVGD accepts no liability in the event of loss of an item belonging to the Customer or Magic Pass holder.
Any liability of TVGD, its staff, auxiliaries and affiliated companies is excluded, except in cases of wilful misconduct and gross negligence.
17. Reservation of Civil and Criminal Law Provisions
These GTC do not prejudice any civil or criminal law provisions that may also apply.
18. Amendments to the GTC
TVGD reserves the right to amend these GTC at any time; they shall take effect upon publication on TVGD’s website, where they may be consulted at all times.
19. Data Protection and Confidentiality
TVGD processes personal data in accordance with the laws applicable to it. The purchase of services implies consent to the collection and processing of personal information in accordance with our “Privacy Policy”, which may be consulted at any time on our website.
For the purpose of protecting passengers and customers, operations and infrastructure, TVGD uses a video surveillance system in accordance with the Ordinance on Video Surveillance in Public Transport (OVid-TP).
20. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law
These GTC are governed by Swiss law. In the event of a dispute, the courts of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, shall have sole jurisdiction.
21. Contact Details
Télé-Villars-Gryon-Diablerets SA Avenue centrale 120, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon
Tel: +41 (0)24 495 81 13 | Email: info@tvgd.ch | Website: www.tvgd.ch
Version 2025-3; Villars-sur-Ollon, 11.08.2025