Leysin Resort Overview
Located at an altitude of 1,263m, with the highest ski lift reaching 2,205m, Leysin is a charming Swiss resort that offers a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. The resort is a part of the vast Alpes Vaudoises ski area, boasting 225km of skiable terrain.
Established as a ski resort in the early 20th century, Leysin is known for its traditional Swiss chalet-style accommodation, with a range of options from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments. The resort is notably sun-bathed as it sits on a south-facing plateau, providing skiers with stunning views over the Rhône Valley throughout the ski season which typically runs from December to April.
Skiing in Leysin
Leysin offers an extensive skiing experience for all skill levels. The resort is directly linked to the Alpes Vaudoises ski area which offers a total of 100km of pisted terrain to explore, along with access to the neighbouring resorts of Villars and Les Diablerets.
Beginner skiers can take advantage of the gentle slopes that the resort offers, with a good choice of green and blue runs. For intermediates, there are numerous red runs with varying gradients, providing room for progression and development.
Leysin is a delight for expert skiers, with several challenging black runs and plenty of off-piste skiing opportunities. The Berneuse area of Leysin is particularly recommended for its thrilling steep slopes and breathtaking panoramic views.
Leysin is also renowned for its snow park, which is one of the biggest in western Switzerland. The park has a range of features including rails, boxes and jumps, offering a fantastic playground for freestyle enthusiasts.
Is Leysin Family-friendly?
Leysin is an ideal ski resort for families, with its safe, pedestrian-friendly centre and a variety of ski-in-ski-out accommodation. The resort caters well to all ages and abilities, with family-friendly restaurants, an ice skating rink and a designated sledging area. Leysin also provides family lift pass deals and discounts for children under the age of 16.
Après-Ski Scene in Leysin
Leysin boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with a selection of bars, restaurants and cafes. The resort may be smaller in scale compared to other Swiss ski hotspots, but it certainly doesn’t lack in atmosphere.
Popular après ski venues include the Kuklos Revolving Restaurant, where you can enjoy panoramic views along with your drinks, and the Leysin Lodge for its lively music and warm atmosphere. For those looking to party into the early hours, The Club, situated at the heart of the resort, is a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Dining in Leysin
Leysin offers a variety of dining options, from high-altitude mountain restaurants to cosy eateries in the village. Le Restaurant de la Lécherette is a must-visit for its traditional Swiss fare and friendly service. For a lunch with a view, Le Kuklos delivers with its 360-degree panoramic vistas and delicious food.
How to Get to Leysin
The quickest way to get to Leysin from the UK is to fly to Geneva Airport, which is approximately a 1h 30m transfer from the resort. Other nearby airports include Bern Airport (2h) and Zurich Airport (2h 30m). Aigle is the nearest train station to Leysin, with a scenic cog railway connecting the station to the resort.
Leysin Insider Tips
- Enjoy a hot chocolate at the 360-degree revolving restaurant, Le Kuklos, at the top of the Berneuse.
- Take a ride on the Leysin toboggan run for a thrilling downhill experience.
- Visit the Leysin American School’s famous ice skating rink for some family fun.
- Try out night skiing on the floodlit slopes of Leysin for an unforgettable experience.