Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
You’ll wonder why you’ve never been here before! But don’t just take our word for it- read what The Times newspaper has to say:
“There’s a buzz phrase in the Alps: “dual season”. Villars-sur-Ollon in the Swiss canton of Vaud is a prime example of this, offering year round appeal. Sitting on a sun drenched plateau, with stunning views of the Dents du Midi peaks, the pretty town has been pouring money into the winter ski area as well as enhancing its summer appeal through events and activities. More than £91m has been invested in upgrading the lift infrastructure over the past two decades.
The popularity of spending summer months in the Alps is growing with the temperate climate, long sunny days and healthy lifestyle. Lifts are fired up in the summer months for hikers, mountain and electric bikers. Villars’ location, 30 minutes drive from Montreux, famed for its jazz festival on the shores of Lake Geneva and its favourable micro climate are other draws. It is an exciting time for Villars! Not least because it is to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2020!”
Resort features
Ski | Snow Board | Cross Country ski Glacier | Ice Rink | Snowshoe | Skidoo
Spa | Heated Outdoor Pool | Indoor Pool Bowling | Gym | Hiking | Walking Trails Biking: Mountain, Road, Electric
Resort Statistics
Resort Altitude: 1300m
Highest Lift: 2971m
Total Piste: 215km
Cross Country trails: 44km
Walking Trails: 30km
Snow Parks: 3
Medical
Two excellent medical centres in the resort both set up to receive ‘typical mountain’ injuries. They offer an X- ray service and are able to stabilise injuries. Nearest hospitals in Aigle and Monthey 20 km away.
Skiing in Villars
There is a good mix catering for all abilities from off piste opportunities for experts to the nursery slopes for beginners. Intermediates are perhaps the best catered for with a super selection of red runs.
Snow conditions in Villars: There is plenty of natural snowfall in Villars ski area. For guaranteed skiing and snowboarding throughout the winter season the town has, in recent years invested significantly in snow making facilities which add to the fresh snow increasing the skiing terrain.
Childcare
Nursery: <2 years. The resort nursery allows for vacation usage.
Ski- kindergarten: 2- 4 (6) years full/ half day.
Ski-school: (6+ years) full/ half day.
More the resort has to offer
Out and about
“Stroll into the friendly, compact resort, centred around a main street lined with shops, bars and restaurants.”
Dining Enjoy apres ski with small ‘bites’, fine dining, also more family- orientated restaurants or even get a take away.
Entertainment Here are just a few of the other things you can enjoy in the resort: An indoor pool, tennis courts an ice rink can be found at the sports centre. Villars has a reputable Ice Hockey team- catch a match for some nail biting spectating! Or a bit of friendly competition with your group at the bowling alley. Try a night time, guided toboggan run!
There is regularly live music and other events in the town square.
Whilst the nightlife is not the liveliest to be found in the mountains, there are enough bars and a couple of nightclubs for those wanting to extend their apres ski. There is a fabulous spa where you can relax in the steamy waters overlooking the mountains, bliss!
Mountain restaurants
“There are some uber quaint places to eat in the mountains: cafes opened by farmers with the animals gently lowing in the background! Try ‘La Rivena’. “
Restaurants A good selection of restaurants and cafes on the slopes. Try the friendly, Aussie run ‘Crumbs’ next to the train tracks at Bretaye, ‘Restaurant Col de Sud’ half way on the slope back to town from Bretaye (also next to a train stop), ‘L'Etable’ on the slopes above Barbouleuse and Lac des Chavonnes near the Petit Chamossaire chair lift.
Rhone Wine It is certainly a priority to mention that Villars is located within the Rhone wine making area. The indigenous grape varieties that grow in the region are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne. Take advantage of the affordability of this ‘local’ yet world- renowned wine in restaurants, bars and shops.
Shopping
“Delicatessens will tempt you with local cheeses- perfect for your ‘raclette’ to compliment the delectable flavours of wines from the Rhone.”
Supermarkets Local supermarkets e.g Migro and Co-Op in the town. There is one just a stone’s throw from the lift station which even offers a delivery service! Larger supermarkets <20km down the mountain for example, Co-Op, ALDI, LIDL. Why not shop on your way here then just top up with fresh items during your stay.
Gallery
Any questions? Just ask.
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