Mountain Cart in Villars-sur-Ollon: the thrilling descent from the Roc d'Orsay
Do your teens dream of mountain thrills? At the top of the Roc d'Orsay, above Villars-sur-Ollon, the Mountain Cart takes them on a 5 km descent aboard a three-wheeled machine, somewhere between a go-kart and a bike. Hanging on tight, they race down 700 metres of vertical drop on the Bouquetin trail.
A life-size descent from the Roc d'Orsay
The Mountain Cart is the thrill activity of the summer in Villars-sur-Ollon. You ride the gondola up to the top of the Roc d'Orsay, hop onto a three-wheeled machine that is halfway between a go-kart and a bike, and set off for a 5-kilometre descent down to the village, via the Bouquetin trail. The vertical drop reaches 700 metres: needless to say, the rush is there, bend after bend, with the panorama of the Vaud Alps as a backdrop. No prior experience is needed, but the activity is meant for older children.
What your children will discover
The Mountain Cart is reserved for young people aged at least 12 and measuring at least 140 cm. So it is not an activity for little ones, but a real adventure for teens and adults. They discover how to handle a stable, nimble mountain cart, learn to control their speed in the bends and enjoy a long, exhilarating descent. A full loop, including the gondola ride back up, lasts about an hour.
What you do there and the atmosphere on site
The atmosphere is sporty and cheerful. You show up at the start at the top (10 minutes before your booked time), receive your cart and your instructions, then set off at your own pace on the Bouquetin trail. Departures are at fixed times, five times a day, which makes it easy to plan your half-day. It is the ideal activity for sharing a great adrenaline moment as a family with older children.
Before you go
- Recommended age: from 12 years and 140 cm minimum.
- Duration: a full loop (including the ride back up) lasts about 1 hour.
- Times: 5 departures per day, at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00. Show up 10 minutes before.
- Price: 1 descent for 20 francs, 2 descents for 35 francs. The cart rental does not include the lift pass; the Roc d'Orsay gondola is around 15 francs (free with Magic Pass).
- Booking: mandatory online at tvgd.ch.
- Transport: Roc d'Orsay gondola from Villars; TPC train (Bex-Villars-Bretaye) to Villars.
- Best season: summer. The 2026 dates are to be confirmed (tied to the summer opening of the Roc d'Orsay; the 2025 season ran from 14 June to 22 September).
Tips from parents
- Check your child's height before booking: the 140 cm minimum is mandatory.
- Book online in advance: spots at the fixed-time departures are limited.
- Bring closed shoes and clothing suited to the mountains, even in summer.
- Ask whether a helmet is provided when booking (to be confirmed).
- Arrive 10 minutes before your slot at the top so you do not miss the departure.
Useful information
- Address: start at the top of the Roc d'Orsay (Roc d'Orsay gondola), finish in Villars-sur-Ollon. 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon VD.
- Official website: https://www.tvgd.ch/mountaincart/
- Phone: +41 24 495 81 13 (TVGD).
- Times: 5 departures per day (10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00).
- Access: Roc d'Orsay gondola from Villars; TPC train to Villars. Parking to be confirmed.
Why we recommend it
Because it is one of the longest and most fun descents in the region, perfect for thrilling teens. Five kilometres of riding, a high-altitude panorama and a comfortable ride back up by gondola: the Mountain Cart turns a half-day in Villars into a memorable experience.
In a nutshell
A 5 km descent aboard a mountain cart from the Roc d'Orsay, from 12 years and 140 cm, in Villars-sur-Ollon.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can you do the Mountain Cart?
How much does the Mountain Cart cost?
Do you need to book?
How long does a descent last?
Do you need experience to drive the cart?
How do you get to the start?
What are the 2026 opening dates?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Villars-sur-Ollon
Vaud
Sommet du Roc d'Orsay, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon VD
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