CTA Hike View of Lac de Bretaye and Grand Chamossaire

Fri, Jun 26 - Sun, Oct 25

Grand Chamossaire: Villars’ summer summit

At 2,120 m altitude, the Grand Chamossaire is the highest point of the Villars area and one of the key summer highlights in the Vaud Alps.

Accessible from Bretaye by the Grand Chamossaire chairlift, the summit offers panoramic views over the Mont Blanc massif, Lake Geneva, Lac de Bretaye and the mountains of Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets. In just a few minutes, visitors move from the alpine atmosphere of Bretaye to one of the most open viewpoints in the region.

During the summer season, the Grand Chamossaire brings together several major experiences: panoramic hiking on the Edelweiss Hike, mountain biking in Villars, BalancAIR, high-altitude art with Saype and a sensory discovery with Dolce Vista. Whether you come to walk, ride, take photos, enjoy an adrenaline activity or simply admire the view, the summit offers a complete mountain day.

Thanks to direct lift access, the Grand Chamossaire makes high-altitude scenery easy to reach without a long climb. It is an ideal summer destination for families, hikers, mountain bikers, Magic Pass holders and visitors looking to experience Villars from a different angle.

Location: Grand Chamossaire, Villars

Summer experiences at the Grand Chamossaire

360° panorama
Views over the Mont Blanc massif, Lake Geneva, Lac de Bretaye and the Vaud Alps.
Edelweiss Hike
Alpine hiking trail between the Grand Chamossaire and the Petit Chamossaire, ideal for ridge views and high-altitude scenery.
BalancAIR
Giant swing installed at the top of the Grand Chamossaire, with open views over the mountains.
Mountain biking in Villars
Mountain bike descent accessible from the summit down to Bretaye.
Saype
Monumental outdoor artwork, visible during the summer season depending on conditions.
Dolce Vista
An immersive high-altitude experience, also known as the Cabane des Sens, offering a different way to discover the mountain.
Spotphoto
Automatic photo point on the Grand Chamossaire chairlift to keep a souvenir of the ascent.

Hiking: reach the views without going too far

The Grand Chamossaire is an excellent starting point for a panoramic hike. The Edelweiss Hike connects the Grand Chamossaire with the Petit Chamossaire in an open alpine setting, with regular views over Bretaye, the surrounding peaks and the valleys.

Visitors who want to reach the summit on foot can also take the Roc d’Orsay gondola and continue with a short panoramic climb to the top.

BalancAIR: adrenaline at the summit

Installed at the top of the Grand Chamossaire, BalancAIR offers a short and intense experience facing the panorama. The activity is accessible with a valid TVGD transport ticket, including the Magic Pass according to its conditions of use.

Online booking is available to guarantee a time slot. The activity remains subject to weather and operating conditions.

Mountain biking: a descent from the Grand Chamossaire

The Grand Chamossaire summit gives access to mountain biking in Villars, with a trail leading down to Bretaye. The route is accessible by chairlift during the summer season and is designed for riders looking for an alpine descent in the Villars area.

A helmet is mandatory for mountain biking. Opening conditions may vary depending on the weather and trail conditions.

Art and discovery: Saype and Dolce Vista

In summer, the Grand Chamossaire also becomes a place of cultural discovery. Saype’s monumental artworks transform the mountain into an open-air artistic space. These outdoor frescoes are visible for a limited time and evolve with natural conditions.

Dolce Vista, also known as the Cabane des Sens, offers another way to experience the summit. This immersive installation invites visitors to slow down, observe and discover the mountain through a more sensory approach.

Access

From Villars via Bretaye
Take the BVB train to Col de Bretaye, then the Grand Chamossaire chairlift.
From Roc d’Orsay
Take the Roc d’Orsay gondola, followed by a panoramic walk up to the summit.
With the Magic Pass
Access according to pass conditions and lift operating periods.

Practical summer information

Altitude: around 2,120 m
Highest point of the Villars area
Summer opening of the Grand Chamossaire chairlift: 26 June to 25 October 2026
Standard opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Access via the Villars-Bretaye train and the Grand Chamossaire chairlift
Alternative access via the Roc d’Orsay gondola and a walk up to the summit
Activities subject to weather and operating conditions
Suitable footwear recommended for hiking routes
Helmet mandatory for mountain biking

Extend your day

After visiting the Grand Chamossaire, continue your mountain day towards the Roc d’Orsay area. Rocco Cantina Italiana welcomes visitors at the top of the gondola, while the Golden Hours offer a chance to enjoy the evening light on Saturdays during the summer season, depending on weather conditions.

Useful links

Please note

Opening times, activities and access may vary depending on weather, terrain conditions and lift operations. Before your visit, check the latest opening times and live information on the official website.

Location