Switzerland
Perched on a sunny, south-facing plateau at 1,300m, the pretty Alpine village of Villars-sur-Ollon, has welcomed tourists for over 150 years. Alpine chalets and breathtaking views of the Dents du Midi, the Mont Blanc Massif and even Lake Geneva make for a relaxing escape at any time of year.
Villars has a lively shopping street, a good selection of bars and restaurants and a train station. A cogwheel train runs between Bex and Bretaye via Villars all year round - it’s a spectacular journey and makes it easy to the gondolas and the hiking trails.
In the winter, skiers and boarders enjoy the ski area of Villars/Gryon/Les Diablerets which has 44 lifts and 125 km of pistes for all levels. There’s also glacier skiing at 3,000m nearby.
When the snow melts, hikers and bikers come to Villars for the variety of marked trails and wonderful scenery. But there’s plenty of other activities too, such as caving, paragliding, white water sports, fishing, horse-riding and much more!
Snow sports are naturally the main attraction for guests visiting Villars-sur-Ollons in the winter. The ski area of Villars/Gryon/Les Diablerets (1224-2120m) is just 1km from the centre of Villars, and is also linked by shuttle to the glacier skiing area of Glacier 3000. Together, they offer more than 130 km of pistes for all levels.
Young children can gain confidence in the snow gardens, while older children practise their jumps in the snow parks. Intermediate skiers will find plenty to explore while those with more experience can test their skills on the Combe d’Audon’s challenging black or the Red Run - together they offer 8 km of slopes and a drop of 1,700km.
Non-skiers will find plenty to do in Villars too, with snow-shoeing, winter hiking, ice-diving, ice-skating, hot air ballooning, tobogganing and dog sledding among the many ways to fill your time.
Set in the beautiful Vaud Alps, the village of Villars-sur-Ollon is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year.
The majority of guests come for the spectacular scenery, the walking trails and the cycling. Whether you want to head for the high mountains, relax by a mountain lake or observe the wildlife, there are plenty of options for walkers of all ages and abilities.
Cyclists will find plenty of variety too, with beautiful routes for road cyclists, breathtaking trails for mountain bikes and thrilling downhill routes.
But there are plenty of other activities to try while you’re here. Play a round on Villars’ superb 18-hole golf course, try fishing in a mountain lake, potholing, horse-riding or relax in a hot water pool with a view of the mountains at the Bains de Villars.
Skiing and boarding are the main activities that bring guests to chalets in Villars-sur-Ollon in the winter, and in the summer, hiking, biking and climbing are the most popular. But when you stay at an OVO Network property, there is so much more to see and do.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around Villars-sur-Ollon - you’ll find the details below.
Via ferrata This Alpine adventure is a great day out for families with older children (seven years and over) - it combines hiking and climbing on a trail cut into the rock face. You’ll wear a helmet and be clipped to the trail at all times to ensure your safety, but you’ll still need a head for heights! Via ferrata Dames Anglaises in Les Diablerets is a moderate course, but if you have some climbing experience, you might like to try the Cascade du Dar route.
Visit the salt mines Take the workers’ train into the heart of a mountain to visit the Bex Salt Mines. Find out how the salt is extracted, and why cheese and wine are also stored in the caves! At the end of your visit you’ll be invited to taste the salt in various forms and buy some products using the salt as an ingredient. Remember to book your place on the train!
Try the Peak Walk Are you brave enough to cross a suspension bridge between the summits of two mountains at almost 3,000m? You can prove it on the 107m-long Peak Walk at Glacier 3000! Take the Col du Pillon cable car from Les Diablerets to Scex Rouge top station, then it’s a walk to the bridge. If you can bear to take your eyes off the 80cm bridge during your crossing, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the Matterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. There is no charge to cross the bridge, and it’s open all year round, depending on weather conditions. Other activities at the glacier include the Alpine Coaster toboggan run and a snow park. There’s a restaurant too, so you can make a day of it!
Ride the mountain train Enjoy a scenic trip through beautiful Alpine valleys, villages and plains when you board the BVB cogwheel train between Bex and Villars. The trip from Villars to Bex takes 45 minutes and when you return, if you’ve not had enough, you can change and take the train from Villars to the Alpine meadows and ski lifts at Bretaye. The train runs throughout the year, hourly during the summer and more frequently in winter.
Pendulum jump Do you want to try something a bit different? How about this giant swing over the Pissot Gorges? You’ll be strapped into a harness before stepping to the edge of the platform, then … jump! There’s none of the shock you’d experience on a bungee jump, just an incredible sensation of swinging through the gorge. As the swing begins to slow you can take in the incredible view and the sound of the Torneresse river below you. The jump is open to anyone in good health over the age of 13. You’ll be supervised by a guide.
Dog sledding Let a team of huskies take you on an exhilarating sleigh ride through the snowy mountains - it’s the perfect day for those who love animals, nature and the great outdoors. You can also learn how to drive the sled from the musher, who will pass on their skills and passion. You can try this at Glacier 3000 at the top of the Col du Pillon cable car or Gryon.
Ski joering Combine skiing and horse-riding when you try this unusual Scandinavian sport! All you need to do is strap your skis to your feet, hang on to a wooden bar attached to a horse harness and let the horse pull you across the snow!. Anyone aged seven or over, who knows how to snowplough on skis can have a go - you’ll need your skis or snowboard, and children must wear a helmet. Gloves and goggles are also recommended.
Toboggan thrills Head to Glacier 3000 if you want to try the Alpine Coaster - the highest toboggan run in the world! This thrilling run is only open in the summer, and opening times vary according to snow conditions. With 520-degree circles, curves, waves and jumps, you’ll need to ride it once for the thrills and then again to take in the view! Children from the age of three can go down with an adult and those aged nine and over can ride alone. If you’re visiting in winter, you can have your toboggan fun at Leysin Tobogganing Park, which also has a minipark for younger children.
Hot air balloon ride Enjoy sparkling winter landscapes or float over the mountain pastures with a magical hot air balloon ride. You’ll go where the wind takes you, constantly discovering new views as they unfold below you. If you’re visiting in January, you can enjoy the Château d’Oex balloon festival, when enthusiasts from all over the world converge on the Vaud Alpes. Balloon rides are available all year round as long as conditions are right - it’s a good idea to book it at the beginning of your stay in case you have to postpone a couple of days.
Ice diving Experience the silent and magical world that lies beneath the ice on a mountain lake! Dives take place at Lake Lioson. You’ll have a safety cable to help you discover this spectacular setting and afterwards, you can warm up with a fondue at the lakeside restaurant. This experience must be booked ahead and is only open to holders of a valid driving licence.
Don’t fancy cooking? There’s a huge choice of restaurants in and around Villars-sur-Ollon. Here are some of our favourites:
Restaurant Vieux Villars (Route des Hotels 16, Villars, tel: +41 24 495 25 25) Enjoy some authentic Alpine dishes in the heart of the village at this Swiss chalet-style restaurant, set over three levels. The service is friendly and efficient. The large menu covers everything you’d expect to see in the Alps, with fondues, raclette (book ahead), steaks and sharing platters, but there are also some unusual dishes with an Asian influence. Vegetarian options and a children’s menu are available.
Auberge du Col de Soud (Col-de-Soud, Villars, tel: +41 24 495 26 40) People come from far and near to eat the wonderful rostis at this mountain restaurant - it’s a steep walk up from the village. The food is all home-made with fresh ingredients, so the menu changes according to what is in season, but the rostis are always the stars - try them with goat’s cheese, ham, cured meat, a fried egg, veal sausage … the possibilities are almost endless. Leave room for some homemade ice cream. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Restaurant du Lac des Chavonnes (Bretaye, Villars, tel: +441 24 495 21 31) This lakeside restaurant enjoys a spectacular setting, whatever time of year you decide to visit - a table on the sunny terrace is a real treat in good weather. Visit as part of a walk, ski there or take the cogwheel train from Villars to Bretaye. Local dishes such as fondue and rosti are on the menu along with steaks and fish, and there’s a delicious selection of desserts - try the tarte aux myrtilles, if it’s available! The children’s menu includes a burger, nuggets, spaghetti bolognese or rosti, all of which are also available as adult portions.
Restaurant Botta (Glacier 3000, Les Diablerets, tel: +41 24 492 09 42) It’s the location which sets this restaurant apart from the rest - it’s at the top of the Diablerets Glacier at 3000ft! You can reach it by taking the Col du Pillon cable car - combine it with a day’s skiing, a walk across the Peak Walk suspension bridge or a ride on the Alpine Coaster toboggan! And book ahead - it’s a long way to go to miss out. Fondues, raclette, rostis and steaks are on the menu, along with veggie options.
La Gourmandine (Avenue Centrale 137, Villars, tel: +41 24 495 44 44) This beautiful tea shop and bakery in the heart of Villars is the perfect place for a light meal and some delicious cakes and pastries. Try the buckwheat pancakes (galettes) which come with a variety of fillings (smoked salmon, cured meat and cheese, Roquefort and nuts …), quiche, sweet pancakes, salads or panini. Pop in for breakfast or grab a takeaway sandwich before you head for the lifts.
Le Jardin des Alpes (Domaine de Rochegrise 23, Villars, tel: +41 24 495 90 900) If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book early to get a table at this Michelin-starred restaurant at the Chalet Royal Alp Hotel. You’ll find elegant dishes made using the finest ingredients - carpaccio of Wagyu beef, John Dory with endive and raspberries, or smoked iberico pork with burrata and nduja.
Peppino (Route des Layeux 1, Villars, tel: +41 24 496 33 33) Italian restaurants and pizzerias are not unusual in ski resorts, but if you’d like an authentic taste of Italy, you’ll find it on the menu at Peppino’s. As well as delicious pizzas, there’s home-made pasta, tasty risottos and main courses including roast octopus, turbot and guinea fowl. Round off your meal with a rum baba, panna cotta or perhaps a selection of Italian cheeses. The children’s menu features pizza, calzone, pasta, guinea fowl and home-made ice creams and sorbets, and vegetarian options are available.
Villars sur Ollon has a lively shopping street which has everything you’d expect to find in a small ski resort - sports shops, ski hire and bike hire are well represented.
The tourist office is in the centre of the village, just 50m from the station - it’s the place for ski passes, maps, fishing permits, event tickets and, of course, information.
The boulangerie Maison Heiz is the place to go for fresh bread, pastries and handmade chocolates, and if you’d like to try some local produce, head to Les Saveurs des Alpes, where you can buy local wines, jams, cold meats, cheese and bread before enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
For gifts and homeware try Boutique a Suivre, for ladies’ clothing head to Poudre de Riz, and if you’re looking for fresh flowers, Petales Rouges will deliver to your chalet.
There is also a Co-op supermarket for your daily shopping needs and a Laiterie Centrale, where you can pick up delicious local cheeses, yoghurts, butter, raw or pasteurized milk and fondue.
By car - Using Geneva as a starting point, follow the A1/E25/E622 to Lausanne and then the A9/E27/E62 to Aigle. From Aigle follow the signpost to Ollon, and the steep winding road will take you into Villars.
By train - The nearest mainline station to Villars sur Ollon is at Aigle, although Villars has its own regional station. The quickest way to get from Aigle to Villars is by the local bus service, which will take you the short but steep journey into Villars. Alternatively you could book a taxi and try Ski-Lifts..
If you have more time and would like to take the scenic route, stay on your mainline train as far as Bex (one stop on from Aigle) and take the cog railway from Bex to Villars - you’ll start your holiday with beautiful views of vineyards, forests and mountains!
By plane - The nearest international airport to Villars sur Ollon is Geneva (119 km), If you are hiring a car or private transfer, the journey around the north coast of Lake Geneva will take you about 1hr 25mins. Alps2Alps is a reliable transfer company - you can get a quote or book online.
Getting around:
By taxi - Taxi Zorro, Villars - tel: +41 24 495 84 84, Gryon Excursions, Gryon - tel: +41 24 498 26 46
By train - The spectacular cogwheel train runs between Villars and Bex, and Villars and Bretaye. It’s a charming and picturesque way to discover the area.