Situated in the French-speaking Vaud region of the Swiss Alps, this is one of the most accessible resorts in Europe. With a frequent train service linking to Geneva and a transfer time of just over an hour, it’s an ideal destination for all Sno lovers who want to make it to the pistes ASAP – particularly those with young children.
Les Diablerets was known as ‘Le Plan des Isles’ until the townspeople got so fed up of their post being delivered to a similarly named village, that they decided to name it after a local hotel... the rest is history, and there’s lots of it: The Swiss tourist board first recognised this as a ski resort way back in 1888 and, even now, most of its buildings are traditional chalets or new constructions styled to reflect the original architecture. It’s little wonder then that the accommodation here is rated as some of the most beautiful in the world, meanwhile there’s plenty of life to be found in the ‘unspoilt’ town centre which is home to a fantastic scene of shops, bars and restaurants.
The resort has the Swiss tourist board’s Families Welcome stamp for its brilliant kids’ facilities which makes it a super place to bring the clan. It’s definitely worth looking out for local discounts and offers (in previous years, they’ve given free lift pass for under 9’s) that make travelling with kids just that much easier.
The village’s location is even more impressive in that it’s at the foot of three ski areas: Meilleret’s large piste network which is connected to Villars-Gryon; the south-facing Isenau slopes, and the towering Glacier 3000 – reached by the Col du Pillon cable car to the east of the village. These are all included on the area lift pass (alongside Leysin and Les Mosses) to provide a huge choice of terrain.
Location: Switzerland, Valais
Established: 1888
Open: December to April
Downhill: 125km
View our detailed Les Diablerets snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Les Diablerets snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Geneva | 115km, 1 hour 40 minutes |
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Top Altitude: | 3000m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1200m |
Resort Altitude: | 1200m |
Longest run: | Olden 7km |
Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
Vertical Drop: | |
Skiable Vertical: | 1800m |
Night Skiing: | No |
Glacier: | Yes |
Downhill Runs: | 125km |
Beginner slopes: | 40% |
Intermediate: | 39% |
Advanced slopes: | 10% |
Lift Pass Price: | 301 CHF |
Nearby resorts: Villars, Chatel, Champery |
The snow-sure Glacier 3000 is a great asset to Les Diabs; its runs traditionally have a much longer season between October-May and are suited to all levels – meanwhile Issenau and the slopes around Meilleret also have lots of varied terrain.
Beginners can book lessons with the ESS, whose ski garden at the foot of Meilleret has a lovely gentle gradient. It’s even kitted-out with obstacles to put new skills to the test. As you progress, both Isseanau and Meilleret have beautiful blue runs which stretch right down to the village, while Leysin’s lengthy piste #1 is part of a brilliant network of blues.
The red slopes around the tip of Meilleret are a fantastic playground for intermediates, with particular highlights being the panoramic Mazots Rouge and Jorasse’s exciting tree-lined descent. Take the Perche Conche ski lift to Villars where you can kick about on some lovely long runs like Chamossaire Sud and the Sodoleuvre Rouge. Floriettaz on Issenau is also great for a steep, usually sun-soaked descent, whilst the glacier’s Cabanne-Oldnegg has great views and often a wicked dusting of powder to sweep through.
Tearing down the spectacular Olden slope is a particular highlight for experts. Found on the glacier, it weaves between the Oldenhorn and Sanetschhorn combe – pairing technical hairpin bends with heaps of powder. Oldnegg carries on from the bottom of Olden, giving you the chance to complete the thrilling ride to Reusch at the foot of the glacier. There’s a nice south-facing black on Issenau too and it’s also worth checking out Ruvines at Gryon for a long, sheer run through trees.
Olden is accessible to freeriders after a heavy snowfall – set your alarm early so you can be the first to carve tracks through the pristine 7km combe. There are some awesome trails at Villards while Les Mosses has a boardercross route in the trees. The Monsterpark at Glacier 3000 is also incredible to session – having some massive booters and a challenging Big Mama line.
The Issenau restaurant is a great place to begin the afternoon après for a warming vin chaud and stunning views before heading down to the village. If you’ve been skiing the slopes of Glacier 3000, the Rooster Bar at Reusch is worth a stop, followed by the buzzing atmosphere at L’Ormonan which is right in the town centre. Later on, most revellers tend to flock towards La Pote for its lively disco – often hosting guest DJ’s and theme nights – whilst MTB is the best spot to challenge your friends to videogames, pool or darts.
The resort is home to some of the area’s best Swiss restaurants – we’ve heard great things about Auberge de la Poste from tourists and locals alike. The restaurant is in a traditional-style chalet which is conveniently located in the middle of the village, serving classic fondues as well as amazing Swiss hot chocolates. The Chalet Lacroix is also impressive and does a range of authentic and exotic dishes, whilst the menu at family-run La Grange includes some fantastic Italian favourites.
Other things to do include skating on the outdoor ice rink; the Fun Park on Meilleret has its own sledge run and there’s even the option of husky rides on the glacier. Non-skiers can browse the village’s craft and souvenir shops or head up to the mountain for its walks and snowshoe trails.
The ski area includes pistes that face in all directions, with some terrific higher-altitude skiing in the Issenau region, making it a great destination throughout the season. In poor visibility, shady runs through trees can be found mostly towards Meilleret and as the area is north-facing, it’s also your best bet for good snow as spring approaches. The glacier is usually open from November to May, which pretty much guarantees fantastic fresh snow at all times of the usual season (you just might have to take the gondola back into the village once the warmer months roll in).
The traditional market and array of festive activities on offer usually make for a magical Christmas in Les Diablerets. The skiing’s an absolute gift too – with a beautiful spread of high-altitude slopes, sunny pistes and the snow sure wonderland of the Glacier 3000. Les Diablerets Christmas ski holidays ‣
New Years in Les Diablerets is marked by its vibrant and exciting nightlife – often including parties, moonlit sledge runs and amazing food! The range of skiing is also fantastic and ensures your time away is nothing short of spectacular! Les Diablerets New Year ski holidays ‣
The snowfall during Half-term in Diablerets is usually the best of the season and with such a varied choice of apres ski, everyone’s preferences are well-accommodated on their break from the classroom. Les Diablerets Half Term ski holidays ‣
Guests can explore the impressive après scene in more depth towards the end of the season. With guaranteed snow on the glacier though, Easter in Les Diablerets still manages to host some of the best skiing in Europe. Les Diablerets Easter ski holidays ‣
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