Source image : www.alpesvaudoises.ch
Neither quite a road bike nor exactly a mountain bike, gravel riding represents a new way to explore the landscape. Born in the United States on the endless dirt tracks of the Midwest, this versatile type of bike—with a lightweight frame, wider tires, and a spirit of adventure—is now attracting an ever-growing audience. Why such enthusiasm? Because it combines freedom, simplicity, and accessibility. No need to choose between paved roads and forest trails—gravel encourages you to chart your own course, following your mood and the terrain.
And that’s precisely what makes Villars-sur-Ollon a prime destination for gravel enthusiasts. With its quiet mountain roads, well-maintained farm tracks, rolling forest trails, and breathtaking views of the Vaud Alps, the resort offers varied terrain—perfect for beginners or seasoned riders looking to push their limits. Here, gravel truly comes into its own: an invitation to discover, both physically and contemplatively.
We’ve selected three gravel routes for you to explore this spring:
1. UCI Gravel Switzerland Routes
The UCI Gravel Switzerland is a gravel cycling event that takes place as part of the UCI Gravel World Series in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. First held in 2024, this race quickly became a major highlight of the international gravel calendar. In 2025, it’s scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
Even if you’re not competing, nothing stops you from exploring the race’s two iconic routes!
The Summit – 105 km with 3,500 meters of elevation gain, for experienced cyclists
Difficulty : 5/5
Description : The “The Ridge” route starts by heading toward Lavey-les-Bains, following the Rhône. From there, it climbs through alpine pastures to Bex, and then leaves the valley by following the Avançon up to the Grand Tour route. A smoother segment to Solalex gives way to climbs to Taveyanne and Bretaye. Just like the Grand Tour, a final downhill gravel section brings you back to the Col de la Croix road, where a short final climb awaits—requiring one last push to conquer the summit and claim your finish. With its combination of alpine gravel segments and significant elevation per kilometer, UCI Gravel Switzerland stands out as a challenging and distinctive race in the UCI Gravel World Series.
The Ridge – 74 km with 2,400 meters of elevation gain, a more accessible challenge
Difficulty : 4/5
Description : Starting from the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, this 74 km route winds through the heart of the Vaud Alps, connecting the Rhône valley to the Col de la Croix with scenic gravel sections on idyllic mountain and forest roads. It begins with an asphalt climb, then hits 4×4 gravel tracks towards Plambuit and descends to Ollon. From Antagnes, the route follows the Gryonne canal before heading back up the Rhône toward Lavey-les-Bains.
Leaving the plains, you enter lush forests above Bex, then roll towards the Solalex and Frience refuges. The route continues to Taveyanne, a listed historic hamlet. Before reaching the summit of the Col de la Croix, the trail turns toward Ensex, leading to a pleasant singletrack and gravel climb to the Col de Bretaye, the high point of the course. A forest road descent leads to the Col de la Croix road, where one final climb ends the timed section. Then it’s a safe descent back to Villars.
2. The Chablais Tour in Gravel – 44 km with 879 meters of elevation gain, a gentle challenge
Enjoy a flatland gravel ride through the open landscapes of the Chablais. This captivating loop even includes some surprises among the vineyards!
Difficulty : 1/5
Description :
Enjoy a flatland gravel ride through the open landscapes of the Chablais. This captivating loop even includes some surprises among the vineyards! Starting from Ollon, you begin with the longest climb of the day, leading to the start of the Provence Trail: a beautiful forest singletrack offering a fun challenge. You then descend through the vineyards to the Château d’Aigle and along the banks of the Grande Eau before reaching the Rhône. But not for long! After passing the World Cycling Centre, you head toward Massongex and Lavey via a series of little-known trails—some even unfamiliar to locals! If you wish, you can make a detour to the thermal baths at Lavey. The end of the route becomes more hilly again, with a passage through the Chiètres vineyard hill, the climb to Bévieux, and the final ascent to Antagnes before returning to Ollon.
3. The Col de la Croix by Gravel – 48 km with 1,704 meters of elevation gain, a leg-burning workout
Take on the iconic Col de la Croix and cross the mountains above Villars, Les Diablerets, and Gryon. You’ll encounter a wide range of landscapes and local points of interest on this scenic gravel ride.
Difficulty : 2/5
Description : Au départ de Villars, vous rejoignez tout d’abord Les Ecovets, puis Plambuit. C’est là que commence l’ascension en direction de Bretaye (1800 m. d’altitude), tout d’abord sur une jolie route d’alpage goudronnée, puis un secteur gravel qui vous offre une vue magnifique sur Villars et les Dents du Midi. Starting in Villars, you first reach Les Ecovets, then Plambuit. The climb to Bretaye (1,800 m) begins here, initially on a lovely paved mountain road before transitioning to gravel, offering stunning views of Villars and the Dents du Midi. Next, you head to Lac des Chavonnes (with a quick gourmet stop possible at the lake restaurant!) before skirting the mountain to reach the Col de la Croix road and its famous gypsum pyramids. Take in the impressive view of the Diablerets Massif rising to your left! After climbing the final kilometer of the pass on the road, you pass the alpine pasture at Col de la Croix before tackling a more technical section toward the traditional hamlet of Taveyanne. Then, ascend again toward Les Chaux, before the final part leads you to the Solalex refuge facing the dramatic Miroir d’Argentine via a mix of alpine roads, 4×4 trails, and easy singletracks. Return to Villars via Barboleuse on paved roads.
We wish you amazing gravel adventures!