It is hard to believe that back in 1870 the main hotel in Villars only opened in the summer because the mountain dwellers of the period considered the snow to be hostile, cold and dismal! Luckily, this view didn't last long and the first lift was installed in 1936 in the combe at Chaux Ronde, which involved fastening yourself with a large leather belt in order to be pulled back up the mountain! Thankfully things have moved on a little since then and the resort has since flourished.
The resort has managed to retain its Village ambience, despite strong development from Tourism and this is largely down to the strict building policies which preserve the architectural integrity of the area. There are many older chalets as well as newer properties and there are many protected areas within the resort, which have allowed nature to flourish, keeping the traditional mountain beauty intact.
The resort of Villars has an enviable location, being one of the nearest ski resorts to Geneva at a mere 115km away or just an hour and 20 minute drive. Sitting in the French speaking part of Switzerland, Villars is in the heart of the Vaud Alps at an altitude of 1300m, on a natural balcony facing the south. For skiers the resort boasts a total local area of 125km with a further 100km available if you purchase a 3 days pass to include the Leysin and Les Mosses areas.The ski area includes Diablerets and Glacier 3000, which sits at an altitude of 3000m. The area offers a range of terrain above and below the tree line, with much of the terrain being for skiers of an intermediate standard: 40% of the runs are blue and 39% are red. However there is also plenty to occupy the more expert skier with plenty of black runs, including a long descent from Roc d'Orsay to Villars. There are also many off piste opportunities all over the area with a guide, plus other advanced routes over the glacier. For kids there is a bob sled run and a beginner area, which is available in Gryon. There are also snow gardens in the centre of the ski area at an altitude of 1800m at Betaye and Les Chaux.
A huge bonus for the area is that many of the lifts are easily accessed by non-skiers as well as skiers, so non-skiing relatives can easily join loved ones for lunch. Speaking of lunch, there are many good quality restaurants on the mountain, a total of 17 to keep those ski hunger pangs at bay!
Apres Ski
Even though the resort is largely renowned for its great family atmosphere, there is still plenty in the way of nightlife and apres bars to keep the party goer entertained! There are many bars, tea rooms, piano bars and restaurants in the area including Charlie's bar who provide themed nights, live music and DJ's. You'll definitely know you're there as the bar features a replica of Charles Lindberg's airplane on the ceiling! For those wanting a bit more of a work out (if all the skiing hasn't worn you out yet) then there is the El Gringo Nightclub offering punters live music, guest DJ's, shows and gogo girls!
