Ski holidays to Villas-Gryon

Villars-Gryon ski area

The Villars-Gryon-Diablerets ski area offers 104 km of groomed slopes with a vertical height of 900 meters, divided between slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. However, it is worth noting that there are a limited number of advanced slopes and there are no black runs marked on the map.

Lift system and slopes

The ski area consists of a collection of lifts and trails stretching over several areas. The highest point in the area is the Chamossaire peak, which reaches 2,120 meters. From here skiers can enjoy beautiful routes down towards the village. For the more adventurous, Chaux Ronde offers some of the most exciting descents, with a total drop of over 600 meters from the peak to La Rasse. Most runs are relatively short compared to other Alpine destinations, which can be an advantage for those who prefer short and precise runs.

• Freeride opportunities: Although the resort is primarily geared toward beginners and intermediate skiers, there are excellent opportunities for freeriding and off-piste skiing, especially in the Villars sector.
• Ski Trail Conditions: Most trails are well-maintained, and although they are marked as “itineraries” (routes), they are in fact well-groomed trails that do not present any major challenges.

Snow-safe slopes and connections

It’s worth noting that there is no direct piste connection between the Diablerets sector and Villars-Gryon. Instead, a quad chairlift connects the two areas, which can be a cold ride in the winter months. However, it makes it easy to switch between the different sectors and take advantage of the many opportunities the area has to offer.

Activities on the slopes

Villars-Gryon is ideal for families and beginners, but there’s also something for the more experienced skier. Here’s an overview of what you can expect on the slopes:

• For Beginners: The area around Bretaye (1,810 meters) is perfect for beginners, with its wide, gentle slopes. From here, you can easily take gondolas and lifts to other areas.
• For intermediate skiers: More experienced skiers will find the wooded slopes at Les Mazots interesting. Although they are located at a relatively low elevation, they face north and therefore often receive good amounts of snow.
• For advanced skiers: If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, a day trip to Glacier 3000 might be a good idea. Verbier isn’t far from Villars either, and there you’ll find some of the steepest runs in the area.

Best places to stay in Villars-Gryon and Diablerets

The Villars-Gryon-Diablerets area consists of three villages: Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets. Each village offers different types of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences.

Villars-sur-Ollon

Villars-sur-Ollon is the largest of the three villages and is located at an altitude of 1,250 meters. Here you’ll find a range of hotels and apartments, from 2-star to luxurious 5-star accommodation.

• Hotel RoyAlp Chalet: This 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and a fantastic view of the mountains. It is ideal for those seeking comfort and elegance during their ski holidays.
• Hotel Villars Lodge: An affordable and centrally located hotel, perfect for budget travelers.
• Ski-in, ski-out options: In the upper part of Villars, you’ll find several ski-in, ski-out options, such as the Hotel du Lac at Col de Bretaye, which is easily accessible by train.

Gryon and Les Diablerets

These smaller villages are also popular choices for ski vacations, especially if you want a more tranquil and traditional Swiss experience. Les Diablerets is a great starting point for those wanting easy access to Glacier 3000, making it an attractive choice for longer ski trips.

Activities off the slopes

Villars-Gryon is not just for skiers. There are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy, suitable for all ages.

• Sledding: The 7.2-kilometer sledding run from the top of the Le Mazots gondola to Les Diablerets is one of the most popular sledding runs in the area. It is also open in the evening three times a week.
• Fat biking: A new fat bike trail between Bretaye and Villars offers a different way to explore the mountains.
• Winter Hiking: There are several marked winter hiking trails where you can experience the magnificent natural scenery on foot.
• Ice Skating: Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets all have ice rinks where you can take a break from the slopes and enjoy a fun day on the ice.
• Paragliding: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, paragliding is a fantastic way to experience the mountains from above.
• Indoor activities: In case of bad weather, there are also a number of indoor activities, such as bowling, a climbing wall, and an ice rink.

Transportation to Villars-Gryon

Villars-Gryon is easily accessible from Geneva, making it a great destination for short ski trips or spontaneous weekends away. The drive from Geneva Airport takes around an hour and a half, and there are also good train connections to the area.

• By car: You can easily drive to Villars, and there are parking options in town. Alternatively, you can park at the train station and take the train up to the ski area.
• Public transportation: There are trains to both Villars and Gryon from Lausanne, making it easy to travel without a car.