The ’60s
In 1960, at Squaw Valley, the Frenchman Jean Vuarnet conquers Olympic gold with his famous “egg position” (the schuss). The skiing talents from the Romandy region are also noteworthy, as the Frenchman shares the podium of the Olympic downhill with Villardou Jean-Daniel Daetwyler.
In Villars, the golden years continue, and the Sporting’s wild parties are renowned throughout Europe. The resort is experiencing a real estate boom, and the Villard hotel industry is gradually taking on its current shape.
In 1968, an important page in the resort’s history was turned with the purchase of Villars Palace by Club Méditerranée.
Winter 1960 saw the inauguration of the Roc d’Orsay gondola lift. This state-of-the-art facility is completed with the new Combe d’Orsay ski-lift. In 1963, the ski slopes were extended from Gryon to Les Chamossaires with the successive construction of the La Rasse, Roc à l’Ours and Bretaye-Orsay ski lifts. In 1969, the “Lac Noir-Chaux-Ronde” chairlift completed the development of the ski area.
At the same time, the Swiss Ski School expands, and by 1966, the School employed around 50 people at peak times, catering for up to 700 students a day. The old chalet that housed its offices was rebuilt and from 1962 onwards, the Swiss Ski School shared its premises with the Tourism Office.
In the 60s, children’s skiing developed considerably. Instiutions such as “Aiglon Collège”, “La Printanière” and “La Harpe” are making increasing use of the Swiss Ski School’s services. In 1963, the ski lifts lead to the founding of the first kid’s centre in Bretaye. The Swiss Ski School Villars place a key role in bringing life to the resort. The Swiss Ski School prominently supports the resort, taking part in the traditional August 1st parade. It is at the end of the 1960s that the Swiss Ski School Villars was able, for the only time in its history, to teach skiing in the summer at Bretaye, more precisely at Roc d’Orsay, using the “Roc Brosse” carpet system.
The Swiss Ski School Villars place a key role in bringing life to the resort. The Swiss Ski School prominently supports the resort, taking part in the traditional August 1st parade. It is at the end of the 1960s that the Swiss Ski School Villars was able, for the only time in its history, to teach skiing in the summer at Bretaye, more precisely at Roc d’Orsay, using the “Roc Brosse” carpet system.
