Villars-sur-Ollon

Nestled in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland, is the tiny ski village of Villars-Sur-Ollons. It overlooks the Rhone Valley and Mont Blanc can be seen from parts of the ski area, Bretaye.  The village is at the base of the ski fields but the lift pass includes the train that takes you up the mountain, and with the right conditions you can ski back to the village. You can also link into the ski slopes of  Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000. 

We stayed at the Club Med, which is in the Villars Palace, a grand hotel from the 1920's. I believe the Club Med will sell the property at the end of this season so I'll watch with interest what moves in. The benefit of the Club Med for families is that the kids can have their lunch with their lesson group, so all levels of skiing could be in their lessons all day. Lunch was usually served up the mountain at their restaurant on the slopes, so more time for skiing. Little kids could be catered for with lessons and rests in the Mini Club, while the teens were more independent but still in a group.

There are plenty of hotels and chalets to rent for a more independent holiday, with plenty of restaurants and bars around the charming village.

Other than skiing, the highlight is the Bains de Villars. Housed in the same sports centre as the bowling and ice skating, there is a spa with glorious views from the large outdoor pool with many different types of jets. Indoors there are steam rooms and a glorious sauna with a view. It's the perfect end to a day of skiing.

We organised private lessons on the days not included with the Club Med, and had wonderful instructors to guide us through the unknown slopes.

An hour from Lausanne, and a 90 minute transfer from Geneva airport, this is an easy and affordable place to ski in Switzerland.

Sauna with a view!

Practicalities:
Club Med
Villars Ski School
Bains de Villars















Further reading:
Le Flon, Lausanne
Parc Mon Repos, Lausanne

Linking with Friday Feature












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