Worldwide Ski Resorts • Switzerland • Villars
Overview
Situated on a sunny plateau overlooking the Valley of the Rhone across from the Portes de Soleil ski area, the resort of Villars is a small, friendly and family orientated town. It is an attractive place with many traditional Swiss chalet style buildings and a pleasant square that is full of interesting shops. Accommodation in the resort tends to be predominantly hotel based, although there is some self catering available as well as a Club Med complex. There is alternative accommodation to be found across the valley at Gryon, which like Villars, is directly linked to the slopes by a lift system.
Profile
The resort stands at 1300m and provides access to 100 km of slopes that take in the local Villars slopes as well as those local to the nearby villages of Gryon and Les Diablerets all of which are covered by the ‘Glacier — Alpes Vaudoises’ pass. There are a total of 36 lifts serving the entire ski region. The snow reliability record is not of the best due to the low altitude of the resort coupled with its slopes of generally southern aspect. The resort is sadly lacking in efficient snow making facilities, so in poor conditions, a trip either to Glacier 3000 at the top of the resort, or to a neighbouring resort is often necessary.
There are few runs here that will be of any interest to expert skiers, however there are some good off piste opportunities and heli-skiing is available at the resort. Basic to moderate intermediates will have a great time here, with plenty of suitable runs to be found all over the mountains. More advanced intermediates also have a number of first class pistes to explore. Cross country fans have 44 km of long and scenic trails that wind through the valley alongside La Rasse. Novice skiers have the benefit of a first class local nursery slope and the ski schools and child facilities get good reviews. Unfortunately it is inclined to be a very busy place — particularly at weekends — both on and off the slopes where queues for the lifts are common, but if the crowds get too much, Villars is convenient to other major resorts at Verbier and Aigle.
Mountain Information
The slopes are generally low and sunny. One of the novelties to be found at Villars is that one way to the slopes is by a small train that takes its passengers to Bretaye where some good long runs back towards the village can be picked up. Alternatively the central gondola from the town goes up to Roc d’Orsay and some further intermediate runs. From Bretaye there are links to Les Diablerets and the top of the resort. Advanced intermediates should also give the long red down from Combe d’Audon a try. There is a choice of good mountain restaurants, although in common with the rest of this resort, they do get very crowded.
Apres Ski
There are some popular and lively bars to be found in Villars, among them Charley’s and the Mini Pub are recommended. The two discos — El Gringo and Fox are also worth a visit. Don’t get too excited however, as while there is good fun to be had, it is not the most lively resort in the world.
Swiss Resort Guide
Resort Information • Villars
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Resort Height | 1200m |
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Top Station | 2987m |
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Bottom Station | 1200m |
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Vertical Descent | 1787m |
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Drag Lifts | 15 |
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Chair Lifts | 5 |
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High Capacity | 2 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 7 |
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Rating Intermediate | 9 |
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Rating Beginner | 8 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 6 |
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Snow Reliability | 6 |
