Villars Resort Overview
Perched at an elevation of 1,300m, with its highest ski lift reaching 3,000m, Villars-sur-Ollon, commonly known as Villars, is an enchanting resort located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. This resort is linked to the vast domain of the Alpes Vaudoises, offering 120km of skiable terrain.
Villars boasts a mix of traditional Swiss chalets, modern apartments and luxury hotels, all offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. With the ski season typically running from December to April, Villars promises a wonderful blend of snow-clad landscapes, ski adventures and cosy fireside evenings.
Skiing in Villars
Villars offers exhilarating skiing opportunities for all skill levels. The resort provides access to 44 lifts and over 120km of pisted terrain, ensuring endless opportunities for exploring the slopes.
For beginners, Villars has several gentle slopes, including the nursery slopes near the village centre. The ‘Villars Bretaye’ and ‘Villars Petit Chamossaire’ are excellent runs for those just starting out.
Intermediate skiers will relish the variety of blue and red slopes that sprawl across the resort. The ‘Perche Conche’ and ‘Chaux Ronde’ runs are particularly recommended.
For the seasoned skiers, the ‘Grand Chamossaire’ offers an exhilarating black run, while the off-piste skiing opportunities around ‘Glacier 3000’ promise thrilling descents.
Villars also caters to freestyle enthusiasts, with the ‘Villars Snowpark’ offering a host of jumps, rails and boxes to test your skills.
Is Villars Family-friendly?
Villars is a very family-friendly ski resort. The pedestrianised village centre is safe and welcoming, with a range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation options, including numerous self-catering apartments and chalets. The resort offers family-friendly facilities, including a toboggan run, an ice rink and family-friendly restaurants. Villars also offers discounted lift pass deals for children and teenagers.
Après-Ski Scene in Villars
Villars offers a vibrant après-ski scene with numerous bars, shops and cafes. The resort boasts over 20 bars, and while it may not rival the après ski giants, it offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The legendary ‘Bar du Lac’ is a must-visit, known for its live music and eclectic crowd. If you’re after a quieter evening, ‘Le Sporting’ offers a cosy setting with a wide variety of cocktails. For late-night revellers, ‘L’Ardoise’ is the place to be, with its lively atmosphere and dance floor.
Dining in Villars
Villars spoils its visitors with a plethora of dining options. In the village, ‘Le Sporting’ restaurant serves delicious Swiss specialities, while ‘Restaurant du Golf’ offers a gourmet menu with a stunning mountain view.
On the mountain, ‘Restaurant des Chaux’ and ‘Restaurant du Col de Soud’ offer traditional alpine fare with breathtaking vistas.
How to Get To Villars
The fastest way to reach Villars from the UK is by flying to Geneva Airport, which is approximately a 1h45m transfer from the resort. The other closest airports are Bern Airport (2h) and Zurich Airport (2h30m).
If you prefer to travel by train, Villars has its own train station, providing easy access to the resort. For those driving, there are several car parks available in and around the resort.
Villars Insider Tips
- Don’t miss a visit to ‘Le Grizzly’, a hidden gem at the bottom of the ‘Perche Conche’ run.
- Apart from skiing and walking, taxis and free shuttle buses are the most common modes of transport in the resort.
- Treat your taste buds to the extensive wine list at ‘L’Ardoise’.
- For a unique dining experience, visit ‘Refuge de Solalex’, a mountain restaurant accessible only by snowshoe or skidoo.