Ovronnaz
Origin of the name Ovronnaz
The name Ovronnaz, which first referred to a group of mayens, remains unexplained.
Founding of Ovronnaz
Ovronnaz is the summer and winter resort of the municipality of Leytron, at 1'350 metres. Before tourism it was a group of mayens in the upper, mountainous part of the municipality, watered by the Salentse and its tributaries, with four summer pastures and many mayens. In the early 1930s the mayens of Ovronnaz and Chevalley were the most frequented and had hotels and guesthouses. The place grew quickly from the late 1950s, and the thermal complex opened in 1990 made it a spa resort as well.[1][2][3][5]
History of Ovronnaz
1926. A chapel is built at the mayens of Ovronnaz. Its high altar is the former altar of St Anthony, patron of the noble Montheolo family, once vidomnes of Leytron.[2]
Around 1933. The mayens of Ovronnaz and Chevalley are among the most visited on the Leytron mountain and have hotels and guesthouses.[2]
Late 1950s. Ovronnaz expands quickly, which creates constraints for the parishioners, guests and residents using the small chapel.[3]
1968. The Châtillon drag lift is built. It is now out of service.[6]
1971. The parish decides to dismantle the small chapel and replace it with a new building.[3]
1972-1973. The new 350-seat chapel is built from June 1972 to the end of 1973. The work, estimated at 800'000 francs, is supported by a fundraising drive.[3]
1974. On 11 August Bishop Adam of Sion consecrates the new chapel. The same year the Tsantonnaire drag lift is built.[3][6]
1990. Inauguration of the thermal complex, with an indoor pool and a wellness centre.[5]
1993. Construction of the four-seat chairlift linking the car park to Jorasse.[6]
1994. By 2000 the baths gain two outdoor pools and enlarged treatment and restaurant areas.[5]
2000. The municipality of Leytron contributes 500'000 francs to the capital increase of Téléovronnaz SA, its last financial stake in the company.[4]
2001. The Col-Express chairlift comes into service.[6]
2009. The Bougnonne chairlift comes into service. The same year the primary assembly approves a new zoning plan for the ski area.[4][6]
2012-2013. A new wellness area is built at the thermal baths.[5]
2015-2016. Renovation of the chapel, planned in two stages.[3]
2018. In January avalanches damage the Tsantonnaire drag lift.[4]
Historic sites in Ovronnaz
Ovronnaz chapel. Chapel of the parish of Leytron, dedicated to St Mary Mother of God and celebrated on 15 August. Built from 1972 to 1973 in place of the small chapel of 1926, it has 350 seats and was renovated from 2015.[3]
Bains d'Ovronnaz. Thermal complex opened in 1990 with an indoor pool and a wellness centre, extended up to 2000 and given a new wellness area in 2012-2013.[5]
Ski area. Ski area from about 1'400 to 2'500 metres, run by Téléovronnaz SA, with the Ovronnaz-Jorasse, Col-Express and Bougnonne chairlifts among others.[4][6]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Leytron » (Patrick Maye), version du 24.01.2008
- G. Devayes, « Leytron vu par ses armoiries » (1933), document numérisé par RERO DOC
- Commune de Leytron, Info Leytron n° 74b, « Chapelle d'Ovronnaz » (2014)
- Commune de Leytron, Info Leytron n° 92 (2018), Téléovronnaz SA
- architectes.ch, « Panoramic Alpine Spa, Thermalp, Les Bains d'Ovronnaz »
- remontees-mecaniques.net, « Ovronnaz » (liste des remontées mécaniques de la station)
- Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
- geo.admin.ch, service de recherche de swisstopo (Ovronnaz)
Other villages near Ovronnaz
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