Mini Zoo de Jorasse in Ovronnaz (VS): the alpine farm at 2000 m

An Alpine Farm at 2000 m

On the heights of Ovronnaz (municipality of Leytron, Valais), the Mini Zoo of Jorasse brings together farm animals at an altitude of 2000 m. You ascend via the Ovronnaz-Jorasse chairlift, then stroll in the fresh air, between alpine pastures and Valaisan peaks. It's a simple, gentle, and refreshing outing: children observe the animals, enjoy a playground, and try a pony ride, while parents breathe in the panorama.

What Your Children Will Discover

Chickens, rabbits, goats, donkeys, alpacas, and ponies roam freely in a secure environment. The animals are loaned by local breeders, giving it a true alpine farm feel. Children learn to observe, to respect distance and gentleness, and to recognize who is grazing, who is resting, and who is approaching. Next to it, a playground with inflatable castles and trampolines allows for some fun between encounters.

A very appreciated bonus: free pony rides, reserved for children, lasting about 10 minutes, supervised and under the watch of a parent.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Recommended age: from 1 year in a baby carrier to enjoy the outdoors, up to 10-12 years for the animals and the playground.
• Duration: plan for 1 to 2 hours on site, in addition to the chairlift ride.
• Type of activity: calm, playful, and educational, outdoors and at altitude.
• Prices and access: entry to the mini zoo is free. However, a ticket for the Ovronnaz-Jorasse chairlift is required, free for Magic Pass holders.
• Pony rides: free for children, generally from 10:00 to 11:45 and from 14:00 to 15:30 during school holidays and weekends.
• Season: open from late June until the animals descend in October (depending on weather conditions). The site is closed in bad weather: call before heading up.
• Accessibility: natural alpine terrain (grass, slope). A baby carrier is more practical than a stroller.
• Safety: animals roam freely in a secure area; keep young children close and follow the instructions for the ponies.

Benefits include: empathy and respect for living beings, curiosity, observation, motor skills, and fresh air, all in a Valaisan mountain setting.

Parents' Tips

• Check the weather and the chairlift's opening before leaving: the zoo closes in bad weather.
• Aim for the pony slots (morning or early afternoon) if your children want to ride.
• Bring good shoes, a windbreaker, water, a hat, and sunscreen: at 2000 m, the weather changes quickly.
• Bring a picnic or take a break at the mountain hut depending on its opening.
• Keep your Magic Pass or chairlift tickets handy.

Useful Information

• Address: Jorasse, on the heights of Ovronnaz, 1911 Ovronnaz (municipality of Leytron, Valais) — arrival of the Ovronnaz-Jorasse chairlift.
• Official site: https://www.ovronnaz.ch/mini-zoo-de-jorasse/
• Contact: Téléovronnaz +41 27 306 35 53 — Tourist office +41 27 306 42 93
• Period: from late June to October, depending on the descent of the animals and the weather.
• Ideal weather: dry and sunny; closed in bad weather.
• Access: by car to Ovronnaz then Jorasse chairlift; by public transport, CarPostal to Ovronnaz (via Leytron/Riddes), then chairlift.

Why We Recommend It

Because it's a simple and original nature outing: you gain altitude via the chairlift, discover farm animals in the alpine pastures, and enjoy a breath of fresh air with a view of the Alps. Access to the zoo is free, the ponies bring joy, and the playground completes the visit. Ideal for a summer half-day with family.

In Two Words

The Mini Zoo of Jorasse is the alpine farm at 2000 m above Ovronnaz, to be enjoyed from summer to autumn. Looking for more ideas? Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to discover the best family outings in French-speaking Switzerland.