VillarsCanton Vaud
Situated at 1300 m, on a sunny south-facing terrace high above the Rhone valley, the holiday resort of Villars-sur-Ollon in the heart of the Vaud Alps enjoys breathtaking views of the Dents-du-Midi and the Mont Blanc massif and as far as Lake Geneva.
About Villars
Villars offers an international ambience, with guests of all ages – there are a number of exclusive private schools located here. Its smaller neighbour Gryon is a little lower down, on the more easterly side of the valley. Together, they make up the holiday destination of Villars-Gryon.
You reach these resorts by driving from Ollon or Bex in the Rhone valley. In summer, it is possible to drive to Les Diablerets over the Col de la Croix. From Bex there is also a narrow-gauge railway which winds its way in tight curves through Gryon and up to the sunshine terrace of Villars and on to Bretaye, the starting point for numerous sporting and leisure activities.
Winter
The skiing area of Villars incorporates the two smaller areas of Villars/Bretaye and Gryon and is also linked via the route over Le Meilleret with the Les Diablerets skiing area, including a glacier skiing area at 3000 m. Altogether, this creates a skiing arena with 44 lifts and 125 km of ski slopes.
In addition there are three snowparks, a snow kindergarten, 44 km of cross-country skiing trails, sledging runs and numerous winter walking routes – not to mention a lively après-ski scene. Those in need of relaxation can visit the amenities and wellness centres at the thermal baths in Lavey.
Summer
In summer the main activities are hiking, mountain biking and golf. You can choose from over 300 km of signposted footpaths and 150 km of mountain bike routes. One enjoyable tour leads up to the mountain lakes of Lac de Chavonnes, Lac de Bretaye and Lac Noir. Visitors can look forward to gastronomic walking tours and treasure hunts.
A beautifully scenic 18-hole golf course located at 1600 m allows you to play golf in the heart of the mountains, with views of Mont Blanc. Other sporting activities include an educational woodland walk with a picnic hut, Nordic walking trails, a sport centre with ice rink, swimming pool and climbing walls and a via ferrata (fixed-cable climb).
There are exciting theme parks and places for excursions just nearby: AquaParc and Swiss Vapeur Parc in Bouveret, the adventure park in Aigle (rope park), the adventure maze in Evionnaz, the working salt mine in Bex, "Fun Planet" near Villeneuve, the delightful Montreux with the castle of Chillon and swimming or water sports on Lake Geneva.
Our personal highlights
Explore Suisse Selection’s unmissable places of interest and top things to see and do during your stay.
Preferred hotels
Browse Suisse Selection’s favored luxury hotels, carefully chosen for their unmatched excellence in architecture, service, gastronomy, and comfort.
Unique experiences
Discover Suisse Selection’s once-in-a-lifetime activities, to be included in your personal itinerary.
When to go
Switzerland has a moderate climate and four distinct seasons, making it an attractive year-round travel destination.