Villars - Slope

The Villars-Gryon-Diablerets ski area is generally open from late December until late April (Villars often closes a little earlier due to its lower elevation). The Glacier 3000 area is open from the beginning of December until May although cross-country skiing is available here almost all year.

Villars ski resort markets itself as a family oriented resort, but does offer some more challenging runs for the experienced skier. Those looking to explore the area can take advantage of its links to Les Diablerets, Gryon and on to the Diablerets glacier with a little planning and a map.

Largely a resort for beginner to intermediate skiers, the slopes are generally wide and gentle. There are some more difficult sections, one of which (Chaux Ronde) is classified as a black run, albeit a relatively easy one, and some interesting mogul fields.

Off-piste skiing is limited in Villars itself and the resort is relatively low, so the snow can be patchy in early and late season, but good conditions are usually to be had at the higher elevation areas.

Villars' lift system is modern; with considerable recent investment ensuring it is almost exclusively served by chairlifts. There are five terrain parks spread around the region, as well as various small jumps and a halfpipe for snowboarders.

There is a wide selection of reputable ski schools, distinguishable by their different-coloured uniforms. These include Ecole de Ski Villars (tel: (024) 495 4545; www.villarsski.ch) and Ecole Suisse de Ski et de Snowboard (tel: (024) 495 22 10; www.ess-villars.ch), snowboard specialist Riderschool Villars and a ski/adventure school for disabled travellers, Association Handiconcept (tel: (079) 240 70 82; www.handiconcept.com). There is on-site ski hire operation and a range of alternative hire shops in the village.