In spite of limited snow on the Salève this winter, the Téléphérique du Salève has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons ever this year.
The increase in passenger numbers reflects the fact that the Saléve remains one of the most popular attractions in the region - with or without snow. Walkers have been putting on their hiking boots instead of their snow shoes, and the more adventurous have taken to their mountain bikes rather than skis!
Indeed, on Sunday 21 February, the cable car had a record number of passengers for a winter season opening, with 2663 people using the lift to ascend the mountain (instead of the usual 900 - 1500 passengers on a Sunday).
So what attracts visitors to the Salève?
The Salève is very popular with walkers of all levels, and there are numerous trips by organized walking groups should you wish to be guided up the mountain. There is also a very nice restaurant at the top called Restaurant L'Observatoire, which we featured in an article on our website 2 years ago.
The Bureau de la Montagne du Salève is particularly active, offering a wide variety of seasonal activities such as outings with donkeys or in a calèche, canyoning, nordic walking, nature hikes, snow shoeing, and mountain biking. When the weather gets warmer, the bureau's gastronomic hikes are very popular and participants have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s most delicious local produce.
On our events and activities calendars you will regularly see walks hosted by Olivier Dunand at Changez d’Air, many of which feature group outings in the Salève. Olivier will also organize private tours for you if preferred. Keep an eye out for his “randonnées gourmandes” on the Salève, as well as his day and night time hikes for all the family. He also runs an orientation course on the Salève for children. We post details on the site as we receive them, but you can find all information on Olivier’s website directly at www.changezdair.com.
The Association Genevoise des Amis du Saleve (AGAS) is also popular amongst walkers for its free weekly guided tours of the Salève. Every Sunday at 10h, an excursion leader from the association will meet you at the No 8 bus terminal at Veryier-Douane and take you on a walk which, depending on the route, will usually take about 5 - 8 hours with a climb of about 800m. No prior registration is necessary but you may contact David Viry by telephone on 022 796 4133 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more information.
If you want to explore the Salève yourself, this handy guide provides an excellent starting point. The 5.5 km Sport Style walk takes you along the tracks of the first cog railway and includes a 670 m climb over 2 and a half hours. The Family Style walk includes a much less strenuous climb of about 160m over 4 km and should take slightly less time, depending on the age and willingness of your children!
New spring timetable
From 1st April, the new spring timeable will come into effect, which means the téléphérique will operate from Tuesday to Sunday from 9h30 to 18h00. In May, the opening hours will be extended further to include Mondays, as well as some late night hours.
Tickets purchased from the website for the Téléphérique du Salève are priced from €4.30 one-way or from €6.30 for a return ticket. It is also possible to buy a reduced 10-pass ticket as well as a special ticket for parapenters using the lift. Tickets can be also be purchased directly at the station itself, but cost more.
Téléphérique du Salève
+ 33 (0) 4 50 39 86 86
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www.telepherique-du-saleve.com
New opening hours from 1st April: Tuesday to Sunday, 9h30 to 18h
Bureau de la Montagne du Salève
+33 (0) 6 85 54 86 94
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www.bureaumontagnesaleve.com
Changez d'Air
Olivier Dunand
+33 (0) 6 85 54 86 94
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www.changezdair.com
Association Genevoise des Amis du Saleve (AGAS)
David Viry
022 796 41 33
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www.rando-saleve.net
Download flyer for Easter Egg Hunt on the Salève, Monday 28 March, 2016 (postponed from 27 March due to the weather forecast).
