Villars runs weave through pine forests on the lower slopes before opening out into wider, more exposed terrain higher up, making the skiing and snowboarding feel varied, spacious and unhurried. On a clear day, the panoramic views from the ridgeline are spectacular, and there's a pleasant rhythm to the mountain. You can ski from tree-lined blues to open reds and back without ever feeling crowded.

The interconnected Alpes Vaudoises ski area is spread across two main sectors: the Villars-Gryon side, which has the bulk of intermediate and beginner terrain, and the Glacier 3000 link via the Diablerets sector, which adds glacier skiing above 3,000m. Each area has its own character, with lower slopes that are sheltered and scenic, while higher terrain is more exposed and offers longer, more sustained descents.

Skiing for beginners in Villars

Villars is a truly encouraging place to learn to ski. Nursery slopes at Bretaye are gentle and wide, set in a sunny bowl at altitude with stunning views. From there, progression onto the longer green and easy blue runs feels natural, with quiet, well-groomed pistes that give you space to build confidence at your own pace.

The runs through the forest are particularly good for newer skiers, as the trees provide shelter from wind and help with visibility on flat-light days. Once you're comfortable on blues, the link across to Gryon opens up further gentle terrain without any intimidating steps up in difficulty.

WeSki insider tip: Head to the Bretaye area first thing in the morning when the pistes are freshly groomed and quieter. It's the best time to practise turns without worrying about faster traffic.

Intermediate skiing in Villars

Intermediates will find plenty to explore across the Villars-Gryon area. Long red runs from Petit Chamossaire are a highlight, with sustained descents and varied pitch that reward clean, confident skiing. The blues linking the different sectors make for great cruising, and you can easily spend a full day working your way across the mountain without repeating a run.

For a change of scenery, the connection to Les Diablerets and the glacier adds real variety. Runs from Glacier 3000 back down towards the valley are long and satisfying, and the snow conditions at altitude are typically excellent. The terrain across both areas gives confident intermediates enough to stay challenged without ever feeling out of their depth.

WeSki insider tip: Take the link over to the Diablerets side on a clear morning. The glacier views are extraordinary, and the long descents back down are some of the best intermediate skiing in the Vaud Alps.

Advanced and expert skiing in Villars

Advanced skiers will find the steeper blacks off the Petit Chamossaire and the Chaux Ronde rewarding, these are tight, technical runs that demand good edge control and offer genuine challenge. The terrain on the Diablerets side adds further options, including sustained steep pitches and the chance to ski glacier terrain above 3,000m.

Off-piste opportunities are scattered across the area, particularly in the bowls above Bretaye and on the north-facing slopes towards Gryon. These routes require proper equipment and ideally a guide, but they reward exploration with untouched powder and quiet lines away from the groomed runs. A vertical drop of over 900m from summit to base allows for some genuinely long descents.

WeSki insider tip: Hire a local guide for the off-piste itineraries between Villars and Gryon. There are some fantastic north-facing couloirs that hold powder well after a storm.

Snowboarding in Villars

Villars works well for snowboarders, with a good mix of wide-open runs, natural features in the trees, and a terrain park with rails, boxes, and jumps suited to different levels. The area is largely free of annoying flat sections, and the gondola and chairlift access means minimal dragging on surface lifts. Freeriders will enjoy the natural gullies and side hits through the forest.

Off-piste skiing

North-facing slopes above Gryon hold snow well, and the bowls around Bretaye and Chaux Ronde provide accessible backcountry terrain for those with the right kit. The glacier terrain at Les Diablerets opens up further touring options at altitude. A local mountain guide is recommended for the best routes and current conditions.

Villars ski school and lessons

Several ski schools operate in Villars, including the Swiss Ski School and a number of independent instructors. Group and private lessons are available for all ages and levels, and English-speaking instruction is widely available. Children's group lessons are well organised, with dedicated areas and age-appropriate teaching methods that keep younger skiers engaged and progressing.

Villars terrain parks

Villars itself has a terrain park with features ranging from beginner-friendly boxes and small kickers to more technical rails and medium jumps for progressing riders. It's well maintained and positioned in a convenient spot on the mountain, making it easy to dip in and out between regular runs. It's a great option for families with teenagers or anyone looking to develop park skills.

Villars piste map

1. Villars Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Villars
3. Planning your trip in Villars
4. How to get to Villars
5. Villars FAQs

Villars family ski holiday

The overall pace of life in Villars suits families well. It's engaging without being overwhelming, and the combination of good skiing, safe village layout, and varied activities makes for a holiday that works for everyone. The village is compact and safe, with a relaxed atmosphere that means older children can enjoy a bit of independence. For parents, spa and wellness options provide a particularly welcome break in Villars while the children are in lessons.

Younger children are well catered for with ski kindergartens and snow gardens at Bretaye, where they'll learn in a dedicated area away from busier runs. Childcare facilities are available for non-skiing days, and many hotels in the village are set up with families in mind. Older children and teenagers have plenty to keep them busy, with progression terrain and lessons where they can learn independently, and a friendly terrain park for practicing freestyle skills.

Villars's connection to the Glacier 3000 is a memorable day out for the whole family, with a viewing platform and the Peak Walk suspension bridge adding a sense of adventure. Toboggan runs, ice skating at the outdoor rink, and the swimming pool complex provide entertaining options for rest days or afternoons after ski school. In the evenings, the village has a good selection of restaurants that welcome families without being exclusively child-focused.

Things to do in Villars

Villars has the depth of a real Swiss mountain town rather than a resort built solely around skiing. Whether you're taking a rest day, travelling with non-skiers, or simply want to explore beyond the pistes, the village and surrounding area have plenty to fill your time. The setting alone, with sunny terraces overlooking the Rhône Valley, makes just being here feel like a reward.

Snow activities

Villars and its surroundings provide a strong range of winter activities beyond the pistes, taking full advantage of the resort's sunny position and dramatic mountain scenery:

• Snowshoeing: Guided trails through quiet alpine forests and meadows above the village.
• Tobogganing: A dedicated toboggan run provides fast, family-friendly fun after the lifts close.
• Cross-country skiing: Over 42km of groomed Nordic trails winding through the Vaud Alps.
• Glacier 3000 Peak Walk: A suspension bridge between two peaks at 3,000m with panoramic views.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights from the mountain ridgeline over the valley below.
• Ice climbing: Guided sessions on frozen waterfalls for more adventurous visitors.
• Winter hiking: Well-marked paths through the village and up to higher viewpoints.
• Dog sledding: Husky-pulled sled rides through snowy landscapes around the resort.

Non-snow activities

For days off the slopes, Villars has plenty of non-snow activities to keep you occupied. The village combines Swiss charm with practical amenities, making rest days feel like part of the holiday you'll look forward to:

• Spa and wellness: Several hotels and centres provide pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage treatments.
• Ice skating: The outdoor rink in the village is a popular evening activity for all ages.
• Swimming: An indoor pool complex with facilities for families and fitness swimmers.
• Scenic train rides: The cogwheel train to Bretaye is a scenic journey even for non-skiers.
• Shopping: Browse independent boutiques, local food shops, and mountain sports stores in the village.
• Montreux day trip: Around 40km away, with its lakeside promenade, Château de Chillon, and café culture.
• Wine tasting in Lavaux: The UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces above Lake Geneva are within easy reach.
• Cheese dairy visits: Local fromageries in the Vaud Alps where you can taste and buy regional cheeses.

Villars restaurants

Villars has a dining scene that reflects its character. Its unpretentious, well executed, and rooted in Swiss Alpine tradition. You'll find everything from mountain terrace lunches with fondue to more refined evening dining, and the quality across the board is consistently good. The village centre has enough variety to keep you well fed for a full week without repeating.

• Le Sporting: A Villars institution serving Swiss classics and international dishes in a warm setting.
• Restaurant du Golf: Refined dining with panoramic mountain views and seasonal Vaud cuisine.
• Refuge de Solalex: Rustic mountain hut accessible on foot or by shuttle, famous for its fondue.
• La Rougeoôle: Cosy, traditional Alpine atmosphere with hearty Swiss dishes and local wines.
• Le Mazot: Wood-fired grills and Valais specialities in a charming chalet setting.
• Bretaye Mountain Restaurant: Sunny terrace at altitude that's ideal for a long lunch between morning and afternoon skiing.
• Eurotel Victoria Dining: Upscale hotel restaurant with creative menus and a strong wine list.
• Jaman Café: Relaxed spot for coffee, light lunches, and homemade cakes in the village centre.

WeSki insider tip: Try a traditional fondue moitié-moitié (half Gruyère, half Vacherin) with a glass of local Vaud white wine. For something different, order a croûte au fromage, an open-faced cheese toast that's a local favourite.

Villars après-ski

Villars' après-ski scene is relaxed, and this isn't a resort where you'll find thumping bass at 4pm. Instead, it's the kind of place where you'll enjoy a well-earned drink on a sunny terrace, a good bottle of wine with dinner, and perhaps a quiet cocktail afterwards. The vibe suits those who want to use their après time to unwind rather than party.

That said, there's enough variety to keep evenings interesting. A handful of bars in the village centre stay lively into the later hours, and the hotel bars provide a more refined setting for nightcaps. The overall tone is sociable and warm, where you can expect good conversation, Swiss wines, and a pace that lets you enjoy the mountain air.

• El Gringo's: The liveliest bar in the village, popular with a younger crowd for post-ski drinks.
• Charlie's Bar: Friendly pub atmosphere with good beer selection and sports on the screens.
• Le Sporting Bar: A classic village meeting point for après drinks and cocktails.
• RocKafé: Music-focused bar that's the closest thing to a late-night venue in Villars.
• Bretaye Terrace Bar: Catch the afternoon sun with a vin chaud straight off the slopes.
• Hotel lobby bars: Several hotels provide elegant, quieter settings for evening cocktails and Swiss wines.

Villars map

Planning your trip in Villars

Villars accommodation

Accommodation in Villars ranges from comfortable hotels and aparthotels to self-catering chalets and apartments. The village is spread along a sunny terrace, with most properties within a 10 to 15 minute walk of the main Roc d'Orsay gondola and the village centre. A ski bus connects the main accommodation areas to the lifts throughout the day, making location less of a concern than in some larger resorts.

Staying in the centre puts you closest to restaurants, shops, and transport links, while the edges of the village tend to be quieter with better views. Chalets are popular for families and groups looking for more space, though they may be a short shuttle ride from the lifts. Hotels in the centre combine convenience with easy access to après-ski and dining.

Villars lift pass

The Alpes Vaudoises ski pass covers all lifts across the Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets ski area. This also includes access to the Glacier 3000 and the seven destinations within the entire Alpes Vaudoises, giving you 232km of ski runs to discover. Multi-day passes are available, and the pass also covers the ski bus and the cogwheel train between Villars and Bretaye.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Villars ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment rental

Villars has several well-stocked equipment hire shops in the village centre and near the main lift stations. You'll find a full range of skis, snowboards, boots, and accessories for all levels, and pre-booking is recommended during peak weeks to ensure the best selection and fitting time.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Villars, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Villars ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Villars

Villars is a compact, walkable village, and most of what you need is within easy reach on foot. A ski bus operates throughout the day, connecting the main accommodation areas to the Roc d'Orsay gondola and other lift access points. The cogwheel train from the village to Bretaye is both a practical transport link and a scenic experience in itself. For evening dining, taxis are available, though most restaurants are within walking distance of the village centre. The overall layout is manageable and stress-free, and you won't need a car once you're here.

How to get to Villars

The nearest major airport to Villars is Geneva, around 130km away, with good motorway and rail connections. Zurich airport is also an option at around 280km, as well as Lyon (265km) and Basel (218km). The train route via Aigle is scenic and straightforward, with a connecting mountain railway up to the resort. Driving from Geneva is simple, following the motorway along Lake Geneva before heading up into the Vaud Alps.

WeSki provides car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Villars. Add them to your Villars ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Villars FAQs

Is Villars good for beginners?

Yes, Villars is an excellent choice for beginners. The nursery slopes at Bretaye are wide, gentle, and set at altitude in a sunny bowl, giving new skiers a confidence-boosting environment. Progression onto green and easy blue runs is natural and well signposted, and the quieter pistes mean less pressure from faster skiers. Several ski schools provide English-speaking instruction for adults and children.

How does Villars compare to Verbier?

Villars and Verbier are quite different experiences. Verbier is larger, steeper, and geared more towards advanced and expert skiers with a lively party scene. Villars is more relaxed and family-oriented, with a balanced ski area that suits all levels. If you're looking for a quieter, more traditional Swiss village with reliable skiing and a genuine community feel, Villars is a strong alternative.

Is the snow reliable in Villars?

Villars' base sits at 1,114m, so lower runs can be affected in warmer spells. However, the upper slopes reach 2,020m and the glacier connection at Les Diablerets takes you above 3,000m, providing excellent snow security. The season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April, and the resort invests in snowmaking to supplement natural coverage on key runs.

What is the Glacier 3000 connection?

Glacier 3000 is accessible from the Villars-Gryon ski area via the Diablerets sector. It takes you up to glacier terrain above 3,000m, where snow conditions are reliable well into spring. The area includes the Peak Walk suspension bridge, a viewing platform, and some excellent long runs back down. It's included in the Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets ski pass.

Is Villars suitable for non-skiers?

Absolutely. Villars has a genuine village atmosphere with shops, restaurants, spas, and scenic walking trails that make it enjoyable without ever putting on skis. The cogwheel train to Bretaye, day trips to Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards, and the Glacier 3000 viewing platform all provide memorable experiences for non-skiers. The village's sunny terrace position and panoramic views are a draw in themselves.

How family-friendly is Villars?

Very. Villars is consistently rated as one of Switzerland's best family ski destinations. The village is safe and compact, the beginner slopes are excellent, and there are dedicated children's areas, ski kindergartens, and childcare options. Activities like tobogganing, ice skating, and swimming give families plenty to do beyond skiing, and the restaurant scene is welcoming for all ages.

Can I get to Villars by train from the UK?

Yes, and it's a scenic journey. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV to Lausanne or Aigle. From Aigle, a mountain railway climbs up to Villars in around 45 minutes. The whole journey from London takes roughly eight to nine hours, and the final stretch through the Vaud Alps is a highlight in itself. It's a practical and enjoyable alternative to flying.

Explore other resorts in Switzerland

Zermatt - Verbier - St. Moritz - Grindelwald - Crans-Montana - Davos - Saas Fee - Nendaz - Engelberg - Arosa - Laax - Gstaad - Champéry - Klosters - Thyon - Lenzerheide - Kandersteg - Zinal