
495m vertical, 40km piste, 12 lifts. Family resort in Vaud Alps with Magic Pass, 90min from Geneva.
Les Mosses operates between 1,379 and 1,874 metres across 40 kilometres of piste served by 12 lifts, delivering 495 metres of vertical drop in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous. The resort records 430 centimetres of average annual snowfall and maintains snowmaking coverage across its entire 40-kilometre network. Terrain divides 25% beginner and 75% intermediate with no advanced runs, whilst 42 kilometres of Nordic trails spread across the high plateau between 1,450 and 1,650 metres elevation. Connectivity to neighbouring Leysin via regular shuttle bus extends the combined domain to over 100 kilometres.
The ski area splits between Les Mosses and La Lécherette sectors across gentle wide slopes ideal for progression, with named runs including the red piste Les Folliets. A terrain park offers jumps and rails catering to multiple ability levels. The longest descent measures two kilometres, whilst the most challenging run is designated Parchet 1. Les Mosses sits at Col des Mosses pass at 1,445 metres, spreading across a protected high valley that contrasts with Leysin's sun-exposed south-facing bowl.
The resort maintains a relaxed family atmosphere with minimal queuing and traditional Alpine village character at 1,450 metres base elevation. A snow garden equipped with magic carpets offers free access for children up to age nine. Off-slope activities include dog-sledding, with the resort hosting international dog-sled races, snowtubing, and ice diving at frozen Lac Lioson at 1,850 metres. On-mountain dining includes Cabane des Monts-Chevreuils and Pra-Cornet hut.
Magic Pass inclusion provides unlimited access from early December through mid-April, alongside entry to over 100 partner resorts across Switzerland. Adult day tickets cost 52 francs standard rate, rising to 58 francs peak periods, whilst seniors born 1946 or earlier ski free. The combined Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette network suits families and intermediates seeking uncrowded slopes with reliable snow preservation above the Rhône Valley inversions.
Les Mosses is a small, low-key area with 18 runs over 40 kilometres, climbing from 1,379 metres at the base to 1,874 metres for a vertical of 495 metres. The grading is simple: 25% beginner and 75% intermediate, with nothing steeper. Eleven T-bars and a single surface lift carry skiers up the slopes, so there are no chairs or gondolas to wait for. Here the snow is a reasonable bet through winter because the Col des Mosses sits well above the Rhône valley inversions. It is a mellow place to build mileage rather than chase vertical.
Les Mosses and the neighbouring La Lécherette share a broad, open plateau of wide, forgiving slopes, with the two sectors joined by the Arsat lift. A shuttle bus runs to Leysin, and both areas are covered by the Alpes Vaudoises regional passes. The Col des Mosses is also well known for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding, so mixed groups can split between downhill and nordic days. There is little genuine steep terrain, so experts should look elsewhere. Beginners stepping up to blues and reds, and families wanting uncrowded cruising, are well served.
The 2025-26 season operates from 1 December 2025 through 15 April 2026, delivering approximately four and a half months of skiing. Typical season length extends mid-December through mid-April depending on snowfall, with early and late season dates varying annually. The resort opened for early season on 29-30 November 2025 when conditions permitted. December through April represents standard operating months across the Vaud Alps region.
Les Mosses records 430 centimetres average annual snowfall with peak accumulation during January and February. The resort's 1,450-metre base elevation and 1,874-metre summit provide superior snow preservation compared to lower Leysin during warming periods. Comprehensive snowmaking covers all 40 kilometres of piste, ensuring reliable coverage despite the area's abundant sunshine hours. February typically delivers optimal snow depth averaging 145 centimetres at summit elevation.
January through March offers the most consistent conditions, with December seeing 81 centimetres average snowfall and January delivering 117 centimetres. Spring conditions from March onwards favour Les Mosses' north-facing aspects over Leysin's sun-exposed terrain. The high plateau location between 1,450-1,650 metres maintains relative snow security throughout winter. Quieter periods occur weekdays outside Swiss school holidays, whilst weekends draw families from Geneva and Lausanne within 90 minutes' drive.
The resort frequently operates above cloud cover during winter inversions settling over the Rhône Valley, delivering exceptional sunshine hours. No night skiing operates at Les Mosses itself, though nearby La Forclaz village offers lit runs. The area hosts international dog-sled races during winter. Cross-country skiing on 42 kilometres of Nordic trails, including 850 metres of illuminated track, extends throughout the season. The plateau's exposed position creates reliable snow conditions from early season through April closure.
Les Mosses sits at the Col des Mosses pass at 1,445 metres elevation in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous within Aigle District, Canton of Vaud. The hamlet occupies a high plateau in the western Bernese Alps between the Grande-Eau valley and Pays-d'Enhaut, approximately 20 kilometres from Aigle in western Switzerland's French-speaking region. Surrounding peaks include Pic Chaussy at 2,351 metres to the south and Gros Van overlooking the pass, whilst Lac Lioson sits at 1,850 metres nearby.
The village of Le Sépey lies seven kilometres downvalley, whilst Château-d'Oex sits north over the pass. Aigle serves as the primary valley town 20 kilometres south at 415 metres elevation on the Rhône plain. Montreux sits 30 kilometres southwest on Lake Geneva's eastern shore. The resort occupies Col des Mosses pass linking Aigle with Château-d'Oex, a historic route through the western Vaud Alps.
From the A9 motorway, exit 17 signposted Aigle/Ollon/Les Mosses provides direct access via the Col des Mosses road. Geneva lies 130 kilometres or 90 minutes west via A9 and lakeside routes. Lausanne sits 64 kilometres or one hour northwest via A9. The pass road remains open year-round with winter maintenance, though chains may be required during heavy snowfall. Swiss motorway vignette costs 40 francs annually and is compulsory.
Geneva Airport lies 130 kilometres or 80 minutes by road, serving as the closest international hub. Sion Airport sits 60 minutes east, whilst Bern Airport lies 90 minutes northeast. Rail access requires Swiss Federal Railways to Aigle station, then the Aigle-Leysin (AL) cog railway to Le Sépey, followed by bus 175 to Les Mosses village. Total journey from Geneva by public transport takes approximately three and a half hours with transfers. TGV Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon reaches Lausanne in five hours fifteen minutes.
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Les Mosses's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 1 through April 15. That window is roughly 135 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
Les Mosses lists about 40 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 18 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
Trail grading at Les Mosses breaks down roughly as 25% beginner, 75% intermediate. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
Les Mosses operates 12 lifts across 2 lift types. The fleet includes 11 t-bars and 1 surface lift.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
Base elevation at Les Mosses is about 1,379 m (4,524 ft), with the summit around 1,874 m (6,148 ft), giving roughly 495 m (1,624 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
Les Mosses averages about 430 cm (169 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 31 to CHF 58, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Les Mosses so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Les Mosses. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Les Mosses sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.