Le Chamossaire, Villars

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Villars, bottom of Roc d’Orsey gondola (1,250 m)

• Highest point: La Chamossaire (2,112 m)

• Total elevation gain: 836 m

• Total distance: ~9 km (depending on variant)

• Total time: 3h30–4h30 (ascent + descent)

• Technical difficulty: Easy to moderate (well-marked paths, some steep parts, possible confusion if leaving official trails)

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In Villars there are many beautiful hikes. You can start directly from the village, or save some uphill by taking the little train to Col de Bretaye (1800m).

Here I’ll describe in more detail the one with the most elevation gain: 836 m from the very bottom of the Roc d’Orsey gondola (1,250 m) up to the summit of La Chamossaire (2,112 m).

You start on the road to the left of the gondola station. Take the first right and follow the road until you cross under the gondola line. From here you have two options:

• the better-marked path straight ahead towards Bretaye, or

• a smaller trail along the gondola and beside a small river.

I chose the latter, which is charming as it follows the little stream. From time to time it crosses the road, and it’s not always obvious where it continues, so pay attention to the signs.

At one point (see picture just below), instead of staying on the main path, I decided to be bold and went left. After a bend I climbed straight through pastures. Bad idea! The path was barely visible in places, and I had to cross two fences. It’s much better to stick to the larger road or the official path. Further up, the trail becomes clear again but is more of a mountain track. Lesson learned: follow the signs—there’s a reason the alternatives aren’t marked!

Continuing on the main route you eventually reach Bretaye. From there you have two options:

• go straight up, steep but manageable, or

• take the path on the other side of the valley, less steep but busy with downhill mountain bikes.

Overall, I recommend the main marked trail.

Soon you arrive at Roc d’Orsey. From there, it’s just an easy 15-minute walk to the summit.

The view from La Chamossaire is stunning, stretching across the Muveran, Les Diablerets, Les Dents du Midi, and Leysin behind. The panorama is a little spoiled by the giant antenna and chairlift at the top, but still well worth the effort.

For the descent, you can follow the ridge to Petit Chamossaire and then drop down to Bretaye, from where you can take the train. This time, I was short on time, so I returned to Roc d’Orsey and took the gondola down. Just note: the gondola and the train both arrive in Villars, but about 1 km apart. If you left your car at the other station, you’ll have to walk a bit.

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Other hikes around Villars worth trying

• Villars – Bretaye: 3.6 km, 540 m ↑

• Bretaye – Chamossaire – Petit Chamossaire – Lac de Chavonnes – Bretaye: 6 km, 420 m loop. Probably the most scenic. If you only have time for one, I recommend this.

• Bretaye – Meilleret – L’Encrène – Bretaye: 10.6 km, 390 m loop.

• Lac de Bretaye loop: 1.6 km, 30 m loop.

• Lac de Chavonnes and return: 3 km, 120 m.

All are beautiful and can be combined. The last two are perfect for families. All are fun!