The Ridge Trail
Route Information
Description
This demanding trail running course offers more than 1000 metres of positive difference in altitude to cover. Starting from the Roc cable car, you will have to work your legs to reach the Grand Chamossaire, the highest peak in Villars, before descending via Bretaye.
Starting from the bottom station of the Roc d'Orsay gondola lift, take the path that climbs along a stream and passes through the Domaine de la Résidence. At the top of this area, take a path that turns left and passes through pastures to the Bouquetins. When you arrive at the Crumbs Café, cross the tracks and head towards Bretaye. Before you reach the pass, take the road that starts on your left. Cross the train tracks again and follow the road for about 400m then climb on your right across the pasture on the old ski bob run. A good climb brings you to the top of Le Grand Chamossaire. Then continue along the ridges to Le Petit Chamossaire, taking the time to admire the view of Leysin on one side and the plunging views of Bretaye Lake on the other. Then continue along the ridges to Petit Chamossaire. Start the descent to the bottom of the Petit Chamossaire chairlift then head for Bretaye on your right. Pass Noir Lake then Bretaye Lake and head for Col de Soud. Once you have arrived, go under the rails and take the path that starts on your left towards Villars télécabine. You arrive at La Cousse to finish this last section on the road to reach your starting point.
Practical Information
Free parking is available at the foot of the Roc d'Orsay cable car. THE STRAVA TRAIL CHALLENGE This trail route takes you first to the Grand and Petit Chamossaire, offering breathtaking views of the Vaud Alps. You can find this segment on the Challenge Strava trail page (link below).
Links
This demanding trail running course offers more than 1000 metres of positive difference in altitude to cover. Starting from the Roc cable car, you will have to work your legs to reach the Grand Chamossaire, the highest peak in Villars, before descending via Bretaye.
Starting from the bottom station of the Roc d'Orsay gondola lift, take the path that climbs along a stream and passes through the Domaine de la Résidence. At the top of this area, take a path that turns left and passes through pastures to the Bouquetins. When you arrive at the Crumbs Café, cross the tracks and head towards Bretaye. Before you reach the pass, take the road that starts on your left. Cross the train tracks again and follow the road for about 400m then climb on your right across the pasture on the old ski bob run. A good climb brings you to the top of Le Grand Chamossaire. Then continue along the ridges to Le Petit Chamossaire, taking the time to admire the view of Leysin on one side and the plunging views of Bretaye Lake on the other. Then continue along the ridges to Petit Chamossaire. Start the descent to the bottom of the Petit Chamossaire chairlift then head for Bretaye on your right. Pass Noir Lake then Bretaye Lake and head for Col de Soud. Once you have arrived, go under the rails and take the path that starts on your left towards Villars télécabine. You arrive at La Cousse to finish this last section on the road to reach your starting point.
Practical Information
Free parking is available at the foot of the Roc d'Orsay cable car. THE STRAVA TRAIL CHALLENGE This trail route takes you first to the Grand and Petit Chamossaire, offering breathtaking views of the Vaud Alps. You can find this segment on the Challenge Strava trail page (link below).