A day on the new Grand Chamossaire downhill trail in Villars

Fasten your helmet, check your brakes, and take a deep breath – the brand-new Grand Chamossaire downhill track is waiting for you. Officially opened on 1 August 2025, this “blue” run is anything but tame, with its sweeping berms, jumps, and breathtaking views. We start with a smooth, flowing section, then we carry on with a playful traverse under the chairlift dotted with jumps, and finish with a more technical stretch to put your riding skills to the test… We tested it three times in a row to tell you all about it.

Arrival in Villars and getting set up

We arrived in Villars by bus from Aigle – practical and stress-free – dropping us right in front of the Roc d’Orsay gondola. We hired our bikes, picking up our steed for the day: a full-suspension downhill MTB ready to tackle the slopes. Full-face helmet, body armour, kit check… and we’re off.
A quick pit stop for an espresso – the perfect way to kick-start the day.

Heading for the heights

We hopped on the Roc d’Orsay gondola to gain altitude (Villars is part of the Magic Pass network, so no extra lift ticket needed for us). From the top station, a gentle warm-up ride took us down to Bretaye via the 4x4 road and perhaps even explore the lower part of the trail, where we boarded the Grand Chamossaire chairlift.
On the way up, we could already see the track winding its way below: sweeping turns, high berms, and, in the distance, alpine peaks stretching as far as the eye can see.

First run – first impressions

The start sets the tone: an airy first section with beautifully shaped berms and a natural flow. The grippy surface makes it tempting to let the bike run, but we keep some caution in reserve.
Through the traverse under the chairlift, there are tempting jumps for those who like to get airborne (with escape routes available at several points along the way).
The final section offers some technical challenges  with less-sculpted turns and a few quirks like an off-camber landing. Best to take it easy on your first try to get a feel for it.

On the second and third runs, we start to recognise the sequences, choose better lines, and pump through the corners to maintain speed. The airy sections become more playful, the jumps smoother, and the corners less intimidating.
The track is short enough to ride multiple times in a row, but engaging enough to get your legs burning.

Post-ride indulgence and relaxation

We returned our bikes, still buzzing from the descents, and headed to Mountain Burger for a hearty lunch. Crispy fries, a generous burger, and mountain views… the perfect way to refuel.
We wrapped up the afternoon at the Bains de Villars: panoramic sauna, swimming pool, hot baths… muscles and mind completely relaxed before catching the bus back.

Verdict

The new Grand Chamossaire track is a rewarding challenge for intermediate to advanced riders. Shorter than the Maxi Avalanche (which drops all the way to the valley) and less flowy than the Gryon flowtrail, it offers an appealing mix of smooth sections, jump options, and technical riding. The shaping is meticulous, and the variety of terrain makes it an excellent progression track – with world-class views to top it all off.