Villars Ski Holidays Switzerland
"The Villars Palace is one of my favourite hotels in the Alps. It's sophisticated and elegant with superb but unobtrusive service. Opt for a mountain view room so you can soak up the views from your balcony - it never gets boring!"
Villars Ski Holidays
A picturesque haven that’s especially loved by families, the elegant ski village of Villars sits on a sunny plateau in the Vaud Alps with views stretching from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc. While Villars is full of refined luxury, you’ll also find it a low-key alternative to some of the glitzier Swiss resorts.
Explore the slopes
Villars links to the villages of Gryon and Les Diablerets by both ski lift and mountain railway to create an extensive and varied ski area with lovely views of the Dents du Midi. Fantastic skiing can also be found on the mighty Glacier 3000, accessible from Les Diablerets by free shuttle bus.
If you make it over to Glacier 3000, remember to take your camera to capture the spectacular vistas of the Alps’ most famous peaks: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and beyond.
Although the pistes of Villars are perhaps best suited to novices and intermediates with a good choice of sunny beginner areas and plenty of lovely wide cruising runs, experts can enjoy a handful of demanding black runs and amazing off-piste terrain when the powder gods are smiling.
Enjoy the resort
From its timber-clad chalets to its snow-laden forests, Villars has retained a wonderfully traditional Swiss feel. The streets are safe and friendly and there’s an attractive centre with a choice of shops, bars and restaurants.
Villars is renowned for its excellent dining options and the warm welcome it extends to families. Choose from crowd-pleasing favourites like pizza, hearty mountains dishes like fondue and raclette, and gourmet fine dining at Le Jardin des Alpes at the Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa. Much of the dining and vibrant après-ski takes place within the resort’s hotels, although you’ll also find some fantastic authentic bars where you can mingle with the locals.
The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the pistes in Villars. Keep the action going with everything from paragliding, ice skating and sledging to winter walks through the magnificent scenery surrounding the village. And the chic metropolis of Geneva is within easy reach for a day trip.
Where to stay
We’ve chosen the the best accommodation in Villars to ensure you have a wonderful holiday. The stunning Villars Palace is a magnificent hotel right in the heart of the village which just oozes elegance and sophistication. At the Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa, traditional alpine inspiration blends perfectly with chic modern luxury to create a cocoon of cosy ambiance. The Hotel Victoria Hotel & Residence offers spaciouls rooms and suites, ideal for families.
Image: Nicolas Gascard
"The Villars Palace is one of my favourite hotels in the Alps. It's sophisticated and elegant with superb but unobtrusive service. Opt for a mountain view room so you can soak up the views from your balcony - it never gets boring!"
Villars Palace Hotel
Offers in Villars
Villars Accommodation
Villars Palace Hotel
The newly renovated Villars Palace Hotel offers a truly 5-star...
Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa
The beautiful Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa occupies a peaceful...
Hotel & Residence Victoria
The recently renovated Victoria Hotel & Residence is located close...
Après-Ski in Villars
There is a good choice of authentic après ski bars in Villars where you can mingle with the locals. Le P'tit Chalet, just opposite the railway station, is not to be missed as you come off the slopes and features live music and DJs at its outdoor bar. Bar 1870 at the Villars Lodge has a great atmosphere and is an ideal spot for enjoying a drink and some tapas with friends. For the best views in town head to the Bar du Palace at the Villars Palace Hotel. The views from the terrace are stunning and the Ski Independence team can personally vouch for the superb cocktails. For something cosy but indulgent head to the BeAR's Bar in the Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa. The 105 Bar MB is a modern bar with resident DJs and regular theme nights, perfect for partying.
Dining in Villars
For a lunch on the slopes L'Etable comes highly recommended. A refurbished stable offering home-cooked dishes, you'll also find plenty of animals roaming free here including donkeys and sheep. Restaurant Auberge du Col-de-Soud serves traditional Swiss dishes made with fresh ingredients. Bretaye 1808 serves delicious Swiss cuisine and is an ideally located at the ski school meeting points and arrival point for the train up from Villars. The views from here are also superb.
For evening meals, the Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa offers plenty of dining options including Le Jardin des Alpes and the traditional Swiss style restaurant Le Grizzly serving unbeatable fondue. The 1913 Restaurant at the Villars Palace serves superb tasting menus with wine pairing and is a perfect choice for a special occasion. If you decide to venture into town you'll find a good choice of restaurants including L'Alchimiste which offers a varied menu.
Activities in Villars
Aside from skiing, there are many activities for people of all ages to enjoy in Villars. Whether it's sledging, ice skating or a winter walk, you're sure to find something to suit you. If you fancy a day trip to Geneva, it's within easy reach by train but you may decide simply to make the most of all the home comforts at your accommodation.