Posted on 11 October 2023
Villars in Switzerland is a typical Swiss ski resort with breathtaking views, pristine lakes, and Alpine villages, filled with charming chalets. The resort has long been a favourite destination for skiers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness. Among countless picturesque locales in Switzerland, Villars-sur-Ollon stands out as a quintessential Alpine paradise, offering unique outdoor adventure, relaxation, and Swiss homes for sale.
Sitting in the Vaud Alps canton, and easily accessed via Geneva airport, Villars-sur-Ollon at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) offers awe-inspiring magnificent views of surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc and Dents du Midi. This alpine destination dates from the 13th century when people first set up homes, making this leisure also excel in heritage and traditions.
With tourism starting in the 19th century, Villars-sur-Ollon promotes an international ambience between winter and summer. The ski resort transforms into winter wonderlands with stunning views when snow blankets the region, turning the resort into a skiing paradise. Indeed, skiing here is highly underrated and the resort deserves more praise. During summer, landscapes transform into one big paradise playground where hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts explore a vast network of trails and alpine meadows. So, for house hunters in the Swiss alps, Villars resort is ideal as a year round destination.
About Villars-Sur-Ollon in Switzerland
Winter Skiing in Villars
Winters in the traditional resort of Villars in Switzerland are synonymous with world-class skiing networks that attract every hard-core Alpine skier. The region belongs to the larger “Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets” ski area, boasting over 125 kilometres of skiing slopes and 25 ski lifts. For ski lifts, there are 13 T-bars, 8 chairlifts, 3 gondola ski lifts and one cogwheel train, and at the top of Roc D’orsay lift, there is an exceptional restaurant for snacks and drinks.
Cross country skiing trails cover 44 kilometres, and there are 2 terrain parks for freestyle skiers and terrain at the nearby Chaux Ronde. On the Glacier 3000, there is also a black run for advanced skiers. (For pistes map for experienced skiers, see the official website.) The resort’s altitude (ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 meters) ensures skiing in Villars from December through April, making it prime for winter sports and every enthusiastic alpine skier.
Villars offers slopes suitable for all levels, both intermediate skiers and beginners. The cosy ski chalets and mountain restaurants also perfect après-ski relaxation settings. However, if that is not enough, Villars is well-connected to neighbouring ski areas, including Les Diablerets and Leysin, so explore various terrains and experiences during your stay. This interconnected skiing network provides broader ranges of slopes and more comprehensive skiing experiences, and there are private schools for lessons. The magic ski pass also gives access to 30 ski areas. What more could you want?!
Beautiful Views During Summer in Villars Resort
As snow melts, the Swiss resort reveals beautiful views for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With many hiking trails, walking paths, mountain biking routes, and lush alpine meadows, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Summer also brings local festivals, cultural events, and opportunities to experience traditional Swiss life.
In addition to skiing and hiking, visitors enjoy various adrenaline-pumping activities. Paragliding offers bird’s-eye views of stunning landscapes, while mountain biking and rock climbing provide ample opportunities for adrenaline rushes. Also, visit the adventure park nearby Aigle or Gruyère-Pays d’Enhaut National Park, an hour’s drive away. This beautiful plateau with views, nicknamed the cradle of Alpine cheese making, is famous for brands like Gruyere.
Other Leisure Activities and Alternatives to Skiing
One exceptional feature of Villars resort is the spectacular views of Mont Blanc, the highest Alpine peak. The sun setting over Mont Blanc casts golden hues on surrounding peaks. Many visitors to Villars ride the mountain railway or hike to the summit for an up-close encounter with this natural wonder. Villars-sur-Glâne train station taps into the Lausanne-Bern railway line and Chemin de fer Bex-Villars-Bretaye Railway, should you want to explore further afield.
Nearby resorts also include Gryon in the Canton of Vaud at a lower altitude, and you can also head to Lac Leman or other lakeside towns for boat trips. Situated in the quieter resort part, new facilities at Bains de Villars include a swimming pool, wellness centre, hall for Volleyball, massage rooms, ice rink, and tennis centre at the indoor sports hall in Rochegrises.
Salt Mine Museum – The Swiss Alp’s Most Popular Tour
One option is to take the train to Bexs, 45 minutes away and visit Sel Des Alpes Salt Mines. The Salt Mine Museum is an exciting journey into what is Switzerland’s last place where white salt is farmed. The salt mines in Bex date back over 200 years. Salt extraction in this Swiss area began in the early 19th century and boosted the region’s economic development.
The museum experience is guided underground tours. Visitors don protective gear and venture deep into the mountain to explore actual salt mines. These sculptures are created by artists who use salt blocks as their medium. The museum is family-friendly; children often find guided tours and experiences inside real salt mines exciting and memorable.
Villars by Night: Après-Ski and Entertainment
The active resort of Villars-sur-Ollon is not just about daytime activities. Evenings in this Alpine paradise are equally vibrant. After the slopes or exploring trails, visitors enjoy the cosy vibes of roughly 40 restaurants and four bars. Villars-sur-Ollon is no exception for offering culinary delights. From cosy mountain restaurants serving cheese fondue to elegant fine-dining establishments, Villars’s diverse gastronomic scene and charming restaurants cater to all tastes.
Exploring the Surrounding Area: Swiss Day Trips from Villars
The classic resort of Villars-sur-Ollon is an ideal base for exploring other nearby attractions. Take day trips to charming Swiss towns, visit picturesque lakes, or venture into nearby cities like Lausanne and Geneva, each offering unique attractions and cultural experiences.
From Villars to Geneva
Villars is a 90-minute drive from Geneva airport, and if that is the way you are coming in, you might like to combine your trip with an overnight stay in Geneva. The nearest airport is Sion Airport, just 61 kilometres away, but most people head to Geneva for more flight choices. Activities choices are endless. Geneva boasts a rich history, and historical sites, such as St. Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, and the Old Town, where you’ll find charming medieval architecture.
The location on Lake Geneva shores provides breathtaking views and opportunities for water-based activities like boat tours, swimming, and picnicking. Geneva also offers diverse cultural scenes with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. The Museum of Art and History and the Red Cross Museum are notable cultural institutions. More about Geneva in Switzerland.
From Swiss Villars to Lausanne
Meanwhile, just a 60-minute drive away, Swiss Lausanne makes for the ideal day trip out. Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud, is a city brimming with charm, culture, and many compelling reasons to visit. Lausanne boasts a thriving cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and concert venues. The Collection de l’Art Brut and the Olympic Museum are particularly notable. The city’s Old Town (Vieille Ville) is a historic gem with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and well-preserved heritage buildings. St. François Church and the Lausanne Cathedral are worth exploring.
Other Ski Resorts in Switzerland
Verbier – In the Valais region, Verbier is a magnet for celebrities, property hunters and avid skiers. This resort is part of the 4 Valleys ski area, offering over 400 kilometres of ski runs, from gentle slopes to challenging off-piste terrain. Discover luxurious chalets, vibrant après-ski scene, and thrilling heli-skiing adventures.
Zermatt – Zermatt, tucked beneath the iconic Matterhorn, offers skiers access to a vast ski area, including the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, one of Europe’s highest cable cars. Explore the enchanting Alpine village, indulge in gourmet dining, and experience the Swiss alps beauty.
St. Moritz: St. Moritz is synonymous with sophistication and winter opulence. This glamorous resort in Engadin Valley has hosted two Winter Olympics and continues to attract elite visitors. Experience world-class skiing, high-end shopping, and the Cresta Run exhilaration.
Davos – Davos, Europe’s highest town, combines a lively urban atmosphere with exceptional skiing. As a host of the annual World Economic Forum, Davos’s cultural scenes and reputation for medical wellness sit alongside the vast ski area, cross-country trails, and the stunning Davos Lake.
Crans Montana: A wonderland of white awaits you when you buy property in Crans Montana in Switzerland. It’s in the French speaking Swiss Alps, and serves up picturesque views of the Valais Alps which offers 1668 hikes and the Weisshorn, translated means white peak/mountain. It’s an imposing Swiss Alp peak at 4,506 metres (14,783 feet.)
Jungfrau Region – For another alternative to Villars in Switzerland, majestic Views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau: The Jungfrau Region, home to Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren, is celebrated for its awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Ski beneath the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, where breathtaking vistas and charming Swiss hospitality await.
Also About Switzerland
Are you ready to turn your winter dreams into reality? Explore our portfolio of ski properties for sale, and envision yourself in breathtaking alpine destinations. Whether you’re a passionate skier seeking the ultimate ski-in, ski-out chalet or an investor looking for a wise opportunity, our carefully curated collection offers several options to suit your needs. From cosy mountain retreats to luxurious ski lodges, our properties capture the essence of alpine lifestyles.
More about the Swiss Alps: When looking at property in beautiful global regions, the Swiss alps shine brightly. Sharing the southern alpine range with other countries like Liechtenstein, Italy, Austria and France, the northern Bernese and Appenzell Alp ranges sit entirely in Switzerland. As well as those rolling green Swiss plateaus that turn into blankets of snow during winter, the Swiss alps boast majestic mountain tops like Dufourspitze, Dom, Liskamm, Weiss horn, and Matterhorn.