Frience Space: the high-altitude lake in summer, snow sledding in winter
And what if the same mountain spot offered your children free swimming in the summer and sledding on snow in the winter? At the Espace de Frience, above Gryon, the alpine lake and the sledding slopes alternate with the seasons for the greatest pleasure of families.
A mountain site that changes its face with the seasons
The Espace de Frience, on the heights of Gryon near Les Chaux, is a place of two times. In summer, it's the lake of Frience that takes over: a free high-altitude swim in an alpine setting, complemented by a recreational area with inflatable structures and tubing. In winter, the scenery transforms and the site becomes a snow sledding area, with its slopes and covered conveyor belt. Important to know: there is no summer sledding on rails here. Sliding is only on snow, in winter. Summer or winter, families come to enjoy the fresh air of the Vaud Alps.
What your children will discover
In summer, the lake of Frience is the star: a gravel beach, a wading pool about 40 cm deep for toddlers, a non-swimmer pool of 90 cm, and a large pool up to 2.5 m for those who swim well. Next to it, the recreational area offers inflatable structures and a tubing mat. In winter, there are three snow sledding slopes (beginner, advanced, expert) served by a covered conveyor belt of about 160 meters, sheltered under a wooden chalet-style structure presented as unique in Switzerland.
What to do there and the atmosphere on site
The atmosphere depends on the season, but the spirit remains the same: simple, family-friendly, and outdoors. In summer, you spread your towel on the gravel beach, alternate swimming and inflatable slides, and children splash safely in the shallow wading pool. In winter, you rent a bob or sled, ascend comfortably thanks to the covered conveyor belt (a real comfort in cold weather), and enjoy the descents according to your level. All this in a mountain panorama that delights young and old.
Before you go
- Recommended age: family-friendly. Listings mention slopes suitable for 3-6 years and 6-12 years for winter sledding; the lake is suitable for all thanks to its progressively deepening pools.
- Seasons: summer, lake of Frience open for swimming from June to October, recreational area from mid-June to mid-September; winter, sledding slopes according to the ski season.
- Prices: free access to the sledding conveyor belt in winter, rental of bob or sled for 6 francs per day; free access to the lake of Frience in summer. Recreational area fee (inflatables, tubing) to be confirmed.
- Reservation: not required, free access.
- Transport: to be confirmed (cable car La Barboleuse-Les Chaux, shuttles).
- To bring: swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen in summer; warm clothes and gloves in winter.
Parents' tips
- Keep an eye on toddlers at the lake: high-altitude swimming is not a typical supervised pool.
- In summer, arrive early on nice days: the gravel beach and high-altitude water are quickly in demand.
- In winter, enjoy the covered conveyor belt: it saves children from walking up and keeps everyone dry.
- Renting a bob for 6 francs a day is economical: no need to bring your own equipment.
- Check the opening dates of the lake and slopes before leaving: they depend on the season and weather.
Useful information
- Address: Espace récréatif de Frience, Les Chaux, 1882 Gryon VD (exact address to be confirmed).
- Official website: https://www.gryon.ch/N729/les-chaux-frience-taveyanne-experience-panoramique.html
- Phone: +41 24 498 00 00 (Tourism Office of Gryon, to be confirmed).
- Hours: summer recreational area open from mid-June to mid-September, variable hours; winter sledding slopes according to the ski season. To be checked on the official website.
- Access: to be confirmed (cable car La Barboleuse-Les Chaux, shuttles).
Why we recommend it
Because it's two outings in one: a free mountain lake for summer afternoons and a comfortable sledding area for winter days. Few sites offer as much enjoyment for families in every season without breaking the bank.
In two words
An altitude site in Gryon: free swimming at the lake of Frience in summer, snow sledding slopes with a covered conveyor in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a summer toboggan on rails in Frience?
Is swimming at Lake Frience paid?
Is the lake suitable for young children?
How much does sledding cost in winter?
When is the summer recreational area open?
Should we make a reservation?
How to access the Frience Space?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Gryon
Vaud
Espace récréatif de Frience, Les Chaux, 1882 Gryon VD
Nearby
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