Les Bouquetins - Villars
Route Information
Description
A fantastic snowshoe trail starting in Les Bouquetins (close to Bretaye), accessible from Villars via cogwheel railway. Along the way: many stretches of forest, the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye founded by General Guisan, and a unique backdrop with Mont Blanc and the Vaud Alps.
The starting point of this itinerary is located in Les Bouquetins (close to Bretaye), at an altitude of 1750 metres. Get there thanks to the cogwheel train from Villars! When you get off the train, admire the scenery that is offered to you. A panorama including the Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and the entire Vaud Alps! Now that you've had your fill of it, set off on the 4.8km walk, which takes you to the final point of your outing. Go up to the left and reach the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye. This mountain house is a former military accommodation. It was founded by General Guisan (1874-1960) and for decades housed military schools and training. Today it is a hotel with restaurant. Continue around the building, the path follows the ridge and then descends into the forest on two bends. As you leave the forest, cross the railway tracks, then follow them for a while, passing the Auberge du Col de Soud. Take a break here, and enjoy a home-made rösti! The last part of your route takes you to a ridge in the forest. The road on the left side is reserved for sledgers. Take the path in the forest on your right. After this last climb, follow the path that zigzags down to the junction with the railway line. A few more bends and you are in the forest estate. At the end of the path, take off your snowshoes and walk back to the village centre, which is just a few steps away!
Practical Information
SIGNPOSTING - Itinerary Switzerland Mobile 482 ACCESS - Access to Les Bouquetins by train from Villars station or from the "Roches Grises" stop - Parking du Centenaire (paying), in the centre of the resort, opposite the station - Free parking at the Rochegrises (limited to 10 hours), near the "Roches Grises" train stop A FEW POINTERS : - Always check the weather forecast and snow conditions before leaving (no departure without visibility) - Have with you a map or a plan of the route - Respect the road marking and the bans - Always visualize the following beacon since the place where you are - Be wary of false tracks and do not hesitate to turn back in case of doubt - Watch to carry of the adequate material(equipment), the drink and if possible a mobile phone - You make a commitment on the plans of hikes, tracks of bottom or sled under your own responsibility - We disclaim all liability in the event of an accident, of distraction or problem inherent to forces of Nature - By respect for the fauna and the environment, please keep your dog on a leash and collect its dropping and do not leave waste in the nature
Links
A fantastic snowshoe trail starting in Les Bouquetins (close to Bretaye), accessible from Villars via cogwheel railway. Along the way: many stretches of forest, the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye founded by General Guisan, and a unique backdrop with Mont Blanc and the Vaud Alps.
The starting point of this itinerary is located in Les Bouquetins (close to Bretaye), at an altitude of 1750 metres. Get there thanks to the cogwheel train from Villars! When you get off the train, admire the scenery that is offered to you. A panorama including the Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and the entire Vaud Alps! Now that you've had your fill of it, set off on the 4.8km walk, which takes you to the final point of your outing. Go up to the left and reach the Maison de Montagne de Bretaye. This mountain house is a former military accommodation. It was founded by General Guisan (1874-1960) and for decades housed military schools and training. Today it is a hotel with restaurant. Continue around the building, the path follows the ridge and then descends into the forest on two bends. As you leave the forest, cross the railway tracks, then follow them for a while, passing the Auberge du Col de Soud. Take a break here, and enjoy a home-made rösti! The last part of your route takes you to a ridge in the forest. The road on the left side is reserved for sledgers. Take the path in the forest on your right. After this last climb, follow the path that zigzags down to the junction with the railway line. A few more bends and you are in the forest estate. At the end of the path, take off your snowshoes and walk back to the village centre, which is just a few steps away!
Practical Information
SIGNPOSTING - Itinerary Switzerland Mobile 482 ACCESS - Access to Les Bouquetins by train from Villars station or from the "Roches Grises" stop - Parking du Centenaire (paying), in the centre of the resort, opposite the station - Free parking at the Rochegrises (limited to 10 hours), near the "Roches Grises" train stop A FEW POINTERS : - Always check the weather forecast and snow conditions before leaving (no departure without visibility) - Have with you a map or a plan of the route - Respect the road marking and the bans - Always visualize the following beacon since the place where you are - Be wary of false tracks and do not hesitate to turn back in case of doubt - Watch to carry of the adequate material(equipment), the drink and if possible a mobile phone - You make a commitment on the plans of hikes, tracks of bottom or sled under your own responsibility - We disclaim all liability in the event of an accident, of distraction or problem inherent to forces of Nature - By respect for the fauna and the environment, please keep your dog on a leash and collect its dropping and do not leave waste in the nature