Switzerland

Les Diablerets ; An Easy Winter Hike

January 2, 2021

Written by Ben

Always looking to rediscover Switzerland, it is time for walking boots and a winter hike in Les Diablerets.

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Between Les Diablerets and the Droutzay

An Easy Hike

Starting the year in the snow is exactly what the moment calls for. Snowflakes fell in abundance over the holidays. The walk starts in the centre of Les Diablerets. The car is easy to park near the Hotel Victoria. The path first follows a stream simply called the Grande Eau. Just let your steps guide you. The snow adds a fairy-tale touch, and the path remains easy and flat. Each stage holds its share of discoveries: forests, beautiful mountain ranges and an extraordinary view of old chalets.

Snowy path starting from Les Diablerets The Grande Eau stream under snow Flat trail along the Grande Eau in winter Snow-covered fir forest in Les Diablerets Mountain range of the Vaud Alps in winter Old wooden chalet under snow Winter hike in a fairy-tale setting Snowy landscape around the village of Les Diablerets

Breaks and Panoramas

Les Diablerets in Winter

Despite how easy the hike is, the urge is to take your time and enjoy the snow. When hunger strikes, a wooden kiosk offers a welcome break. Slightly off the path, it overlooks the mountains and chalets. The weather is fine and the magic of Switzerland in winter works. A lovely moment of communion with nature. The only sound is the muffled thud of snow falling from the trees.

Wooden kiosk for a break during the hike View of the snowy chalets and mountains Les Diablerets under the winter sun

A Village at the Foot of the Glaciers

The village of Les Diablerets owes its name to the massif that towers over it, rising to more than 3,200 metres. According to a local legend, devils gathered on its summits. Their games were said to cause the rockfalls that tumbled down into the valley. Today, the site mainly attracts mountain lovers. Glacier 3000 makes it possible to ski almost all year round. Its suspension bridge between two peaks offers a spectacular view of the Alps.

Les Diablerets ; Good to Know

The village can be reached by train from Aigle, on a scenic line through the mountains. By car, the drive from Lausanne takes about an hour. Shoes suited to snow are essential in winter. The walk suits families and occasional walkers. For another easy winter outing, the Ponts de Morgins trail (in French) crosses a snowy forest along the Vièze.

Les Diablerets ; One Return, Two Routes

The easy, quick walk offers two routes back. The first retraces the outward path. The second takes the Droutzay path, then passes through Aigue-Noire and La Corbas. It then winds among old chalets. This second choice reveals magnificent wooden relics and an unbeatable view of the mountains. After a good hour of walking between snow and forest, the return comes with lovely images in your eyes. For another snowy walk, the Sauvabelin forest (in French) in Lausanne also offers a pretty winter setting.

Snowy Droutzay path Old chalets between Aigue-Noire and La Corbas Wooden relics of an old mountain chalet Unbeatable view of the peaks of Les Diablerets Forest trail on the way back Snow-laden fir trees in the Vaud Alps Winter panorama at the end of the hike in Les Diablerets