The Col de la Croix 1778m is located between the Ski towns of Villars and Les Diablerets. This route is closed when the snow start flying in the autumn and is usually open again by May. During the winter it serves as a ski run on the Villars side, and a sledge run on the Les Diablerets side.

This is a fantastic little road with some stunning scenery. Starting in the centre of Villars you wind up the mountain by few of the smaller ski lifts, expensive chalets and hotels. Once you clear the village you will usually have a clean run up to the summit. The road is a bit narrow and many of the turns are tight, but nothing too difficult. The surface is generally very good on this side and there are some lovely sequences of corners which provides some great entertainment. On the summit, there is a small snack bar, a favourite with local riders, but the better views follow on the way down the north side. There are several laybys from which the views are stunning. The Diablerets massif up to Glacier 3000 is a sight to behold.

The surface on the north side is not generally as good as the south, so care needs to be taken, especially in the spring and on the shady corners. About ½ way down there is a turn up the hill to the main restaurant for the Les Diablerets ski hill. They have a fabulous terrace and is worth a stop if the timing is right.

We would rate this a medium difficulty route just because the road is fairly narrow in places.