Rando Center
Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets support you in your first steps towards practising ski touring!
Would you like to discover ski touring on your own or accompanied by a guide, as a family or with friends? At Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets, we help you make a start with ski touring. We provide you with everything you require to discover ski touring, combining enjoyment and safety:
swept routes accessible for large numbers
high-quality rental equipment, supported by Dynafit and POMOCA
personal support to guide you in your first steps, overseen by the Swiss Ski School in Villars, in Gryon, Les Diablerets or by the Villars Ski School and Diablerets Pure Trace
professionals to listen to your requirements
advice to help you get started safely
large open spaces to explore
ℹ️Initiations take place every day in Villars and Les Diablerets at 4.30pm, and every day in Frience (Gryon) at 3.30pm, subject to ski school availability.
Stage 1 - Plan your Rando Center experience
Book your experience online at the shop of your choice. The package includes:
your equipment rental including Dynafit skis, boots and poles.
an introductory ski touring course to get started with a professional. Select the ski school of your choice and the desired schedule
During this course, you will be accompanied by instructors from the Villars Ski School, the Swiss Ski School of Villars, Gryon or Les Diablerets or Diablerets Pure Trace.
Etape 2 - Pick-up your equipment
Come to one of our partner shops to pick up your hire equipment. You will be given instructions with regard to the use of the special ski touring equipment. Our partners will support you and are available to answer your questions.
Stage 3 - Get going
Would you like to go ahead on your own?
Take your first steps in ski touring on the Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets Rando Center.
Would you like to be accompanied by a pro to start with?
Come to the Villars Ski School or the Swiss Ski School in Villars or Gryon or Les Diablerets or the Villars Ski School and Diablerets Pure Trace to train with one of the instructors. On the introductory course, you will learn to use the equipment correctly (use of fixings, placement of the skins and blades), assimilate good techniques and movements when practising ski touring (learning about conversions, rhythm and attire), and you will benefit from the advice of a pro. This course will enable you to acquire the basics of ski touring and become independent.
My passion for ski touring was communicated to me by a close friend with experience in this field. She always told me "You who like to move and be outside, I'm sure you're going to love it" and it's true! Going out with friends in a wonderful setting, incredible powder sensations in a wild setting... It really made me want to get into it! However, I don't hide the fact that as a beginner, it was not easy to start. I didn't have any knowledge about the appropriate equipment to have, nor about any technique to adopt, nor about the dangers of the mountain and the possible routes. I was a bit lost and discouraged! In the end, all this knowledge was transmitted to me little by little by a friend and my boyfriend, himself an alpine rescuer. I think the concept of Rando Center is great, because it makes it easier for beginners to ski touring, and it brings together all the information I would have liked to have to start!
TIPS N°1 : SET OUT WELL-EQUIPPED
You are climbing with the power of your legs, so always take food and water with you. Cereal bars and dried fruit are very practical for quickly giving you boost. Don’t forget to take a small bag with you. A bag is very useful for storing your jacket if it becomes too warm, or if you no longer require your sealskins when going downhill. Taking two pairs of gloves can turn out to be very useful on a trip: a thinner pair is pleasant when climbing and a thicker pair will keep you warm on a descent.
TIPS N°2 : BE AWARE OF HOW TO ADJUST YOUR EFFORT
When you start, avoid climbing too steep a slope, and press your heels with each step. If the slope becomes too steep, climb it in a Z shape. This stops you becoming too tired and helps you keep your balance better. Do not lift your feet too much with each step as that is tiring. Get into the habit of letting the skis slide on the snow.
TIPS N°3 : CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT
Before attacking the slopes, don’t forget to put your shoes in the climbing position, then in the descent position at the summit. Before setting off downhill, check your fixings: the heel must be fixed and secured.
TIPS N°4 : TREATING THE SKINS
Don’t let your sealskins dry out in the sun or near a heat source (radiator). This can damage the adhesive on your skins. When you put on or take off your skins, avoid letting them fall in the snow to ensure they adhere well if you put them on a second time. In fact, if the adhesive is damp, the skins tend to stick less well to the skis.
SECURITY
The Rando Parc may only be used by those who possess the necessary technical abilities, fitness and equipment.
You use the signposted routes at your own risk.
There are no ski patrols working on the ascending tracks at any time.
The runs are closed outside operating hours of the ski and gondola lifts (before 8:45 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.). Caution: Snow groomers equipped with traction cables may be operating in the area – risk of death!
ENVIRONMENT
The Villars, Gryon and les Diablerets Tourist Offices and Dynafit decline all responsibility in case of any accidents. Please follow the safety guidelines.
Don’t leave any garbage behind, show consideration for the natural environment and the property owners of the land used! The forest is an undisturbed wildlife habitat, so please stay on the marked trails.