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Villars Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Linked ski area
  • Access to glacier skiing
  • Charming Swiss village

Great for

  • Groups
  • Families
  • Short transfer

Ski Holidays in Villars

Not just a sunny ski resort, Villars has an impressive ski area and caters really well for families. Topped with olde village charm, views of Lake Geneva, Mont-Blanc and the Dents du Midi and restaurants that even Heston raves about, a holiday here is likely to be a hard one to forget.

  • Flight Time
  • 1.5 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Geneva, Zurich
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 1 hour
  • Language
  • German, French, Italian, Romansh
  • Currency
  • Swiss Franc
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Villars Stats

Top Altitude
3000m
Bottom Altitude
1300m
Resort Altitude
Villars 1300m
Total Piste
125km
Longest Run
Olden 7km
Slope Orientation
NSEW
Vertical Drop
Skiable Vertical
1800m
Night Skiing
No
Glacier Skiing
Yes

Just west of Lake Geneva, Villars is part of the French-speaking region of the ‘Alpes Vaudoises’. The resort sits on a balcony at 1300m and is mostly south-facing – ideal for sun-soaked vistas of the Portes du Soleil and even sights of Mont Blanc on a clear day.

This eco-savvy destination is one of the greenest resorts in the world and has been awarded the Flocon Vert for sustainable development. The Swiss tourist office has also recognised it for the awesome children’s facilities (they’ve offered free lift passes to under 9s in recent years), and at just over an hour from Geneva, its perfect for anyone wanting to land and hit the slopes, stat.

The historic village dates as far back as the 12th century and saw its first skiers take to the slopes in 1913 – its heyday really taking shape during the glamour of the roaring twenties. The existing architecture honours this depth of history by sticking faithfully to the traditional alpine style; you’ll find that even the most recent constructions have rustic wooden designs to blend seamlessly with their neighbours.

The town is connected to the ski area via the Roc D’Orsay gondola and the BVB railway. The lift network also makes it possible to get to neighbouring Les Diablerets and the Gstaad glacier (the highest in the Vaud Alps) without the hassle of having to take off your skis.

A little further down (linked by road and rail) is the smaller village of Gryon, where the Chaux gondola also has access to the mountain. Gryon’s not quite so well-versed in terms of accommodation, but has some lovely restaurants and is just as handsome as its neighbour. Villars on the other hand is pretty established; there’s a town centre with various shops and cafes, a great selection of daytime activities and a varied nightlife. Don’t just take our word for it – celebrities from royalty to the Rolling Stones have enjoyed holidays here, with Grace Kelly and Mick Jagger as well as the likes of Richard Branson and Roger Moore having a taste of Villars powder.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Villars Transfer Times

Geneva 1 hour 20 min

The nearest airport to Villars is Geneva / Geneve at 110 km or about 90 minutes by car

What's the ski area like in Villars?

The local ski area covers the four peaks of Petit Chamossaire, Grand Chamossaire and Chaux Ronde above Villars and the Croix des Chaux behind Gryon.

Which other ski resorts are near to Villars?

The nearest ski resorts to Villars include Les Diablerets, Chatel, Champery.

Ski Area Facts

LocationSwitzerland, Vaud Alps.
Established1913
Downhill125km
Lift Pass301 CHF

Beginner Slopes

57km40%

Intermediate Skiing

45km39%

Advance & Expert Terrain

13km10%

Snowboarding Trails

125km100%

What is Villars like for Beginner skiers?

There’s some fantastic beginner skiing on the designated areas towards the back of town – as these are off the main piste network, they’re usually free to use. Venture towards the bowl at Bretaye where you’ll find some wide, sweeping blue runs like Bretay-Orsay and Chaux Ronde (the main learners’ slope). The Populaire Bretaye run meets the Lapins slope for an easy ride back to the village. Otherwise, head on up to the Croix des Chaux via the Sodoleuvre chair for its spectacular tree-bordered cruise down to La Rasse.

What is Villars like for Intermediate skiers?

Intermediates are spoilt with an excellent network of reds around the ridges of Roc D’Orsay and the Chaux Ronde. We love the Chamossaire Sud - a long, sprawling descent from the 2120m peak to Bretaye at 1810m. Towards Gryon there’s also the Sodoleuvre Rouge, a sheer run cutting across the Chaux’s western ridge. Taking the Perche Conche chair into Les Diablerets, you can reach the steeper area of Meilleret – try the Mazots Rouge if hot views are your thing or hit Jorasse for a technically-demanding spree through the pines.

What is Villars like for Advanced skiers?

For experts, La Croix is a hair-raising drop at the summit of the slopes behind Gryon. It finishes a little above the Restaurant Des Chaux, then leads into a second black – Ruvines – a much longer cruise through the treeline. Having access to Les Diableret’s 3000m glacier is brilliant for seasoned skiers; snaking through the combe between Oldenhorn and Sanetschhorn, the 7km Olden is snow sure and best known for its fresh powder and tricky switchbacks.

What is Villars like for snowboarding?

It’s Les Mosses also has an amazing boardercross through woodland, whilst at the Glacier 3000’s Monsterpark, the Big Mama line and half pipe are well worth sessioning.

What is Villars like for off-piste skiing?

The Les Diableret’s glacier is a haven for freeriders after particularly heavy snowfall. Villars has some spectacular trails too, which make amazing shortcuts back to the village: Bouquetins bypasses Bretaye, ideal for beating the late-afternoon madness and getting ahead for après drinks.

What is Villars like for cross country skiing?

Cross-country routes network across the region, and you will find 16 tracks, 50km, prepared for both skating and classic disciplines.

Villars Restaurants

Kick things off during the afternoon by settling for vin chauds at a slopeside café like Col De Bretaye. You can relax on the terrace with a sunny view of Mt Blanc and the surrounding runs - if you haven’t had lunch yet, we’ve heard the steak tartare is amazing. With Heston Blumenthal raving about the food in restaurants like Lac des Chavonnes and L'Etable, you can enjoy some pretty amazing meals here. Les Francis is a definite favourite for its value for money Italian classics (the crepes are pretty tasty too). El Gringo has a reputation for the best pizzas in town and there’s even Asian cuisine at Sushi-B and Vieux Villars. For a taste of traditional Swiss mountain food, Tisonnier specialises in fondues, raclettes and rostis and has a lovely open fire.

Where to eat in Villars and on the mountain

Villars Après Ski

Down in the village, the Plaza el Gringo has 3 bars that are popular with both tourists and locals. The liveliest is the El Gringo disco and there’s also the VIP club and Charlie’s that do a good range of drinks and have DJ’s most nights. The Moon Boot Lounge is an attractive modern building in the town centre, serving legendary cocktails and often hosting guest DJ’s and themed parties. Le Sporting has its own jazz bar whilst Harambee in Gryon often puts on concerts and discos.

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Villars

Villars Activites for Non-skiers

All the classic winter activities are at hand including an ice rink and a 2km sledge run. The Télébob track at Gryon is sometimes open at night and there’s also a sports centre with bowling and a swimming pool. Non-skiers have the awesome benefit of the Liberty Pass which gives you unlimited travel on the main ski lifts and entrance into most tourist attractions. There are loads of souvenir and craft shops as well as various wellness facilities. If you’ve got time to spare during the day, the Bains de Lavey thermal baths are an hour’s bus ride away, or closer to home is the stunning Royalp hotel spa – complete with gym, swimming pool (with fireplace!) and Jacuzzis.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

Villars is a wonderfully sunny ski resort which is encompassed by traditional wooden chalets making It a very appealing resort for its beauty and weather conditions. The village is small so the shopping is limited but the resort has very high standards so there will be good quality service and shopping facilities. There are a variety of bars, tea rooms, with wonderful Folklore evenings.

Villars Package Ski Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Villars

The relatively low ski area and limited snowmaking (12%) around Villars suggests that the resort’s best-suited to mid-season skiing – where snowfall tends to be at its highest. There are slopes facing in all directions, making it ideal for a variety of temperatures and conditions, although some of the most popular runs to the village don’t tend to see much of the white stuff around the warmer months. Shady runs through trees (like Ruvines) have the best chances of snow preservation, meanwhile the north-facing Meilleret domain does well to avoid the sun’s glare. Don’t forget that the glacier at Les Diablerets is covered in your lift pass too; it’s usually still skiable in the summer so should be in good shape whichever time you choose to visit!

What's Villars like at Christmas?

If it’s anything like years gone by, you should expect to find an enchanting display of festive spirit during Christmas in Villars. The resort becomes a winter wonderland with pretty market stalls, seasonal entertainment and activities – with a cracker of a ski area to enjoy too!
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Villars like in the New Year?

New Year in Villars is a spectacular time to visit – full of music, food and fireworks! There are plenty of seasonal activities to get stuck into, alongside brilliant displays and some beautiful skiing to kick start your New Year in style.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Villars like in Half-Term?

With its best snowfall traditionally being around February, you should expect some great skiing during Half-term in Villars. The town’s fantastic range of facilities guarantees everyone has a fab time away from the classroom – whether letting off steam in the sports centre or unwinding in a hotel spa.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Villars like at Easter?

The nearby glacier usually has some awesome snow during Easter in Villars. If you’re spending afternoons off the mountain, you’ll also find loads of brilliant activities in the resort to keep you occupied.
Easter Ski Holidays

Villars Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Villars snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Villars snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Villars snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Cloudy skies Today
  • Light snow showers Sunday
  • Sunny skies Monday
  • Moderate or heavy snow with thunder Tuesday
  • Moderate snow Wednesday
  • Partly cloudy skies Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    133 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    14 cm

Ski Accommodation in Villars

We have 6482 ski holidays in Villars. Search all Villars ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Villars
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0
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4
out of 5
If you can afford it, you can’t beat it, it’s easy to get to, the skiing is really good and everything is very civilised. The area is nice as you can go over to Diablerets and Isenau and up to the glacier. The pass doesn’t get you to the glacier though, we would have had to pay 67 Swiss Francs per person f... + more
Steve, Monifieth
4 out of 5
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Villars

Maximum and minimum adult Villars lift pass prices ranged from CHF260 to CHF260 for 6 days access to the Villars ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Villars holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price CHF42 - CHF42 CHF63 - CHF63 CHF57 - CHF57
6 Day Price CHF152 - CHF169 CHF260 - CHF260 CHF234 - CHF234
Age Range 6 - 15 16 - 64 65+
Villars Packages + Extras

Getting to Villars

Most of our ski holidays to Villars packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Villars from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Villars from the UK?

Flights from London take about 1.5 hours to Geneva, Zurich. This table shows approximate transfer times to Villars from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Geneva / Geneve 110 km 90 minutes
Zurich 300 km 3 hours
Sion 60 km 1 hour
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long does it take to drive to Villars from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

Self-Drive Ski Holidays
↑ INCL CAR ↑↓ WITHOUT ↓
Accommodation-Only

How long is the transfer from nearest Switzerland train station to Villars?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Villars transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Aigle 15 km 15 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Villars Maps

Villars piste map
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Regional map
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Town Map
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Going to Villars under your own steam

For independant travel to Switzerland, compare accommodation only with Villars self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Villars in Switzerland.

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More Villars Information

Villars Tourism Office Villars is a wonderful resort and very family friendly. The tourism office is located in the centre of the village, 50m from the train station. You will receive advice on the many activities to discover in the region. You can also obtain fishing permits and topographical maps in the summer, and ski passes in the winter, as well booking your tickets for important events taking place in the resort. The Ticket office also provides a wide range of brochures, flyers and hiking and mountain bike maps available for self-service. Services Offered by the tourism office: - Webcams - Traffic and road information - Parking and ticket booking - Doctor on duty - Cable car tickets - Information on upcoming events - Brochures and information - Tourist tax - Accommodation - Information on where to eat and apre ski Operating Times: Weekdays : 08:00 - 12:00 and again 13:30 - 17:30 Saturday & Sunday 09:00 - 12:00 and again 13:30 - 17:30

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Villars Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Villars ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Villars in Switzerland

Switzerland Ski Holiday Resorts

Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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