Villars

100 km of piste between 1300-3000m

Villars is a pleasant enough resort, albeit a bit of a sprawl, and being one of the closest Swiss resorts to Geneva Airport makes it a package holiday favourite. It is low, however, and not as snow-sure as other Swiss resorts except at peak season - and there is little on-piste to challenge strong skiers. However the Alpes Vaudoises ski pass also covers adjacent Les Diablerets, snow-sure Glacier3000 and even Leysin, and the resort is a good choice for parties of mixed ability.

Best of the Slopes

There is some reasonable off-piste in Villars, mostly under or near the runs of the chairlifts. It is worth booking a guide to access the best of the off-piste.

Where to Eat and Party

Le Mazot (+41 244921023), on the Les Diablerets side of the resort has lovely views to enjoy while you have your lunch break. In the evening the Cookie Bar & Restaurant on Rte de Solalex in Gryon (+41 24 498 22 33) and La Gourmandine in Villars (+41 244951743) are recommended. Both for lunch and dinner places can get busy and you may want to book if you want table service. Après ski starts at Charlie's bar.

Getting There

By Public Transport

The best destination to access the downhill slopes by public transport in this ski area is Villars-sur-Ollon. Change to the BVB rack railway to take you to the heart of the pistes. The resort operates the Snow'n'Rail scheme, providing a 20% discount on the combined travel ticket and lift pass.

• From Zurich the least travel time is 3 hrs 58 mins with as few as 2 changes going via Lausanne / Aigle. Typically, an adult one day combined ticket is 194.20 SFr, reduced to 121.60 SFr with a Half-Price card.
• From Basel the least travel time is 3 hrs 31 mins with as few as 2 changes going via Lausanne / Aigle. Typically, an adult one day combined ticket is 183.00 SFr, reduced to 116.00 SFr with a Half-Price card.
• From Berne the least travel time is 2 hrs 28 mins with as few as 2 changes going via Lausanne / Aigle. Typically, an adult one day combined ticket is 136.60 SFr, reduced to 92.80 SFr with a Half-Price card.
• From Lausanne an adult one day combined ticket is 91.20 SFr, or 70.20 SFr with a Half-Price card.
• From Luzern an adult one day combined ticket is 179.80 SFr, or 114.40 SFr with a Half-Price card.

Indicative prices are for travel to Leysin-Feydey. Click here to find prices for other destinations. Under the combined ticket scheme the additional charge for a two day pass is 40.80 SFr.

By Road

Please refer to a map and check local conditions for accurate routing information.

• The road distance from Zurich is around 239 km and the journey time is roughly 2 hrs 45 mins.
• The road distance from Basel is around 212 km and the journey time is roughly 2 hrs 25 mins.
• The road distance from Berne is around 118 km and the journey time is roughly 1 hr 25 mins.
• The road distance from Geneva is around 123 km and the journey time is roughly 1 hr 40 mins.
• The road distance from Lausanne is around 76 km and the journey time is roughly 1 hour 8 mins.
• The road distance from Fribourg is around 66 km and the journey time is roughly 1 hour 6 mins.

Nearby Resorts

Destinations in the region include Glacier3000 and Les Diablerets.

Weather Outlook

View detailed snow forecast for Villars at:
snow-forecast.com

Latest Resort Report

Piste Map

Click HERE to see a larger version

Map

Get directions from Google in a new window or tab

Get a detailed Swisstopo map, showing main cable installations, in a pop-up window

Accommodation in the Resort and Surrounding Area

• Chalet Martin, Gryon (Hostel)
  $ Tel: +41 797246374 http://www.swissbackpackers.ch
• Hotel du Pillon - Relais du Silence, Les Diablerets (3*) Rated #1 in Les Diablerets and one of the 10 best hotels in Canton Vaud by TripAdvisor .
  $$ Tel: +41 244922209 http://www.hoteldupillon.ch/
• Hotel Les Sources, Les Diablerets (3*) The hotel is family-friendly.
  $$ Tel: +41 244920100 http://www.hotel-les-sources.ch/
• Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa, Villars (5*) Rated #1 in Villars and one of the 10 best hotels in Canton Vaud by TripAdvisor .
  $$$$$ Tel: +41 244959090 http://www.royalp.ch

See Where to Stay for more details on accommodation options.