On the slopes
The Ski Area. Villars-Gryon-Diablerets - Considerately suitable for all abilities! Best for intermediate, good for beginner, advanced + off piste.
The chalet is 200m to the piste + 200m to the tele-cabin on skis, a little further by road. There are 72 runs (total length 225 km). A Snow park, halfpipe, 44 km cross country ski tracks, Ski walking paths, Winter walking paths (bring your ‘Nordic walking’ groups here!)
The ideal resort for mixed ability groups- from learners or ‘rusties’ to advanced, with wide sweeping, open pistes, blue, red and black runs (as depicted by the 3 tier Swiss grading system). Advanced skiers and boarders are very well catered for with bountiful off piste options to discover, explore and enjoy! You can genuinely feel safe bringing your children here, whatever their level.
The area seems to attract considerate sports folk, the ski schools are efficient and friendly, the children’s areas are set aside and cater well for little legs- jump on the travelators! ‘Civilised’ is an ongoing theme throughout the resort, which is very refreshing: There is an etiquette here whereby if someone falls, the next person helps them. The lift attendants actually attend (!) and everyone is, generally polite and helpful. Pistes are well kept and regularly ‘bashed’.
Skiers and boarders alike seem to be in less of a hurry than in other resorts, even when moving at phenomenal speed, so you can truly admire the views as you practise techniques, gain speed and have fun! Conveniently located rendezvous restaurants. Or if you just want to ‘sit this one out’- relax with a chocolat-chaud basking in the sunshine.
Ski- out/ in? Out: With sufficient snow you can ski directly from the chalet down the road then pick up the final bit of piste which takes you to the tele-cabin, <400m total. With less snow: walk 200m to where the road crosses the piste then ski 200m to the lift. In: Ride the piste to where it crosses the road then walk 200m over to the chalet. Or complete the run, exit through the tele-cabin and leave your kit in your locker (see ‘Equipment Lockers’ ) then walk <1km back up to the chalet via the road.
Glacier 3000 Enjoy an adventure with an excursion to the Glacier at 3000m! Splash out and book a helicopter drop off at the top then ski down!
Winter Activities
On the slopes: Skiing | Snowboarding Cross- country skiing | Race training Biathlon | Helicopter drop off | Snow Shoe | Snow mountain biking | Walking- dedicated paths | Toboggan runs
Off the slopes: Spa | Sport Centre Bowling | Sledging with Huskies | Ice rink
The Lifts
1 gondola lift- from Villars to Roc d’Orsay
3 cable cars
8 chair lifts
21 drag lifts
2 children's ski lifts - travelators
Ski train and bus (free of charge) linking Villars to the other nearby areas
Lift Passes
Access areas- two options:
Villars, Les Diablerets and Gryon: 84km piste
Glacier 3000, Leysin and Les Mosses, Villars, Les Diablerets and Gryon: 212km piste
If you buy a pass for 3+ days it automatically includes all areas
Pass Prices
Based on Winter 2020/ 21
<6 years - free
Adult/ child age 6-15:
Part day pass from 49/ 29 CHF
Full day 56/ 33 CHF
6 days 310/ 202 CHFFamily Pass rates also available
Pass + entry to pool/ spa also available
Events.
More info
Tuition
Ski: Downhill : Ski Racing : Cross Country : Adapted with ‘Handiconcept’.
Snowboard
Ski kindergarten: 4+ years.
Children: 6+ years.
Equipment Hire
There are a few options in the resort but it’s probably easiest to hire from the store opposite the tele- cabin where you can book online in advance for the best rates and take advantage of their lockers.
Lockers: An excellent, logistical solution: Stash away your equipment so you can enjoy some apres-ski in the town or simply to make life a little easier- especially with kids, also weary (/wily!) adults. Lockers are available to rent within the hire shop, discounted if you also hire your equipment here.
Parking in the resort
Large, free car park by the tele-cabin. Drop off bays directly outside the tele-cabin. Free parking also on the side of road leading from the chalet to the lift. Free car park at the train station (where you drop kids for their lessons).
Gallery
Any questions? Just ask.
We aim to provide a comprehensive, efficient, friendly service. We are a small, family run business and have your enjoyment of St Piran as our priority. We will respond to any queries and booking requests as quickly as possible. For best rates, book direct. Contact us now!