In the 13th century, Val d’Ormont (Canton of Vaud) was divided into several areas belonging to the Count of Savoie, the Abbey of St Maurice, the Lords of Saillon in Valais and other noble families.

In 1475, during the Burgundian Wars (1474-1477), Bern acquired the valley. The Bernese rule was apparently tolerable to the inhabitants, as during the French invasion (1798) they supported Bern.

In 1798, a detachment led by Colonel Tscharner marched towards Aigle to try to stop the French troops, but in vain. Another contingent under Colonel Forneret suffered the same fate at the Col de la Croix. Finally, in 1798, ministers in the valley announced Vaud’s independence from the pulpit.

Between 1836 and 1840, the road connecting Aigle to Sépey via the Grands Rochers was built, and later, the roads between Sépey and Château d’Oex and between Sépey and Les Diablerets were completed.

In 1913, the Aigle–Sépey–Les Diablerets electric railway line opened, sparking winter tourism. From 1950 onwards, the period of prosperity saw the construction of Glacier 3000, the cable cars, ski lifts, and the Gstaad – Pillon (Glacier 3000 stop) – Les Diablerets.

Les Diablerets

The village of Les Diablerets (municipality of Ormont-Dessus) lies at the foot of the Diablerets massif and on both banks of the Grande Eau. The first hotel, the Grand Hotel Les Diablerets, was built in 1856.

In 1881, the Grand Hotel built a chapel in the Anglican rite for its increasingly numerous English clientele. In 1946, the English chapel was taken over by the local Protestant church.

The summit of Les Diablerets and the Quille du Diable

The summit of Les Diablerets (3,209 m), located between the alpine pastures of Anzeindaz in the south and the Ormont valley in the north, was once considered a place of evil. According to legend, Les Diablerets was a refuge for evil spirits, a suburb of hell, and a meeting place for demons.

The sound heard high up in the mountains came from demons playing with rocks. They were even said to be playing skittles, hence the name ‘Quille du Diable’ (Devil’s Skittle), which was given to the tower-shaped rock south of the Tsanfleuron glacier (Blumlisalp) and Les Diablerets.

Glacier 3000

Nowadays, you can see this rock up close and even visit it without encountering any demons. In the heart of the Vaud Alps, Glacier 3000 and the area connected to Villars and Gryon are a paradise for skiers, hikers, cross-country skiers and sledgers.

 

Impressions from Les Diablerets

Pascal Bettex, installation cinétique à la  Jean Tinguely, 2017.