Villars ski resort offers picturesque skiing, family facilities and options for non-skiers. Villars is well serviced with links to Gryon and the more challenging skiing and snowboarding opportunities in neighbouring Les Diablerets.

There have been inhabitants in the area since the first peasants started farming here in the 12th century, but it was not until the first train line was installed from Bretaye in 1913 that the area started to take to skiing, with one of the first ski lifts being built in 1936.

Always a popular resort for the Swiss, Villars has grown to accommodate international visitors, attracted by its blend of traditional Swiss mountain village and modern ski resort.

Resort elevation: 1,300m (4,265ft).

Top elevation: 3,000m (9,843ft).

Base elevation: 1,300m (4,265ft).

Number of lifts: 36 in Villars; 77 in linked area.

Number of runs: 67.

Average annual snowfall: Unavailable.

Situated on a natural balcony with southern exposure, Villars is in Les Alpes Vaudoises region of Switzerland and incorporates views stretching from Mt Blanc, to Les Diablerets glacier, all the way down to the eastern end of Lake Geneva. Its nearest low-lying town is the small wine-producing town of Aigle, but it is easily accessible from the cities of Lausanne and Geneva.

The Villars-Gryon-Diablerets resorts are generally open from late December until Easter Sunday (Villars often closes a little earlier due to its lower elevation). Glacier 3000 is open from the beginning of December until May.

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 can take advantage of its links to Les Diablerets, Gryon and Les 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 relatively easy black run, 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 always available in higher resorts.

Villars' lift system is modern, with considerable recent investment ensuring it is almost exclusively served by chairlifts. There are two terrain parks, 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 and Ecole Suisse de Ski et de Snowboard, snowboard specialist Riderschool Villars and a ski/adventure school for disabled travellers, Association Handiconcept. There is on-site ski hire and a range of alternative hire shops in the surrounding area.

Villars' sports centre (in the northeast of the village) offers indoor tennis courts, volleyball, badminton, football, unihockey, squash and a fitness room on its main site. The centre's smaller site has an ice rink and two indoor swimming pools (in the south of the village).

For a slower-paced approach to the slopes, the tourist office provides maps for seven snowshoe routes, or you can just stroll along the 27km (17 miles) of winter walking trails.

A 30-minute train ride down the mountain takes you to the picturesque Château d'Aigle, now converted into the Musée Vaudois de la Vigne et du Vin (Vine and Wine Museum).

A recommended day trip is a visit to Gruyère, with its strangely familiar castle (used in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Caillers chocolate factory (offering tours and tasting), H R Giger Museum (creator of the extraterrestrial beings in the ALIEN film) and Gruyère cheese museum.

The variety of ski and snowboard schools is a strong selling point for families. La Trottinette nursery, route du Col de la Croix, provides care for children up to six years old.

In neighbouring Les Diablerets, Mountain Evasion offers a selection of fun activities including sledging, snow scooting and the hair-raising night-time toboggan run.

Switzerland's premium water park, Aquaparc, route de la Plage, Le Bouveret, marketed as ‘the Caribbean on Lake Geneva', is 30 minutes away by train.

The village has a range of shops selling groceries, regional foods and wine. There are also several boutiques with fashion items, watches and antiques, though at fairly high prices. Of particular note for children is the delightful toy shop, Les Paradis des Jouets, rue Centrale, while for parents the Magasin Relay, Ancienne Gare, is the place to buy international newspapers.

Le Blues Bar, place de la Gare, plays live blues and serves fondue and other traditional dishes. Charlie's Bar, route des Hôtels, shows the Sky Sports channel, has live music and offers free entry to El Gringo nightclub. Also recommended are Murphy's Bar, rue Centrale, and Le Mini Pub, just off route des Hôtels.

Villars has always catered well to visitors and this extends to its cuisine, ranging from French to Tex Mex. There are a number of good pizzerias, but the local Swiss food, based around regional cheeses, is strongly recommended.

L'Alpe Fleurie restaurant, rue Centrale, has outside space facing the mountains and serves local specialities including fondue and Chinese fondue. Au Feu de Bois, rue Centrale, dishes up French and Italian cuisine including grilled meat straight from the fire in a stone-walled rustic restaurant.

The lifts in Villars are easily accessible by foot. These lifts connect with two other resorts - Gryon and Les Diablerets. From Les Diablerets there is access to Glacier 3000.

Gryon is also directly accessible by car or train. Les Diablerets is accessible by car or train, but you have to drive down the mountain first.

For adventurous visitors, Villars offers superb paragliding, available through Dimension 3 (www.dimension-3.ch) and Smith Paragliding (www.smith.li).

Luxury

Grand Hôtel du Parc
This 5-star hotel (with spa and swimming pool) is easily the most impressive in the area and is situated right next to the slopes.

route du Col de la Croix
Tel: (024) 496 2828.
Website: www.parcvillars.ch

Moderate

Hôtel du Golf
A family-run hotel with three restaurants, sauna, solarium and activities for children.

rue Centrale
Tel: (024) 496 3838.
Website: www.hoteldugolf.ch

Budget

La Maison
Bed and breakfast at this chalet in the centre of town offers good value for money.

route des Hôtels
Tel: (024) 495 2343.

Nearest airport: Geneva (GVA).

Distance to resort: 110km (68 miles).

Driving time: 2 hours.

Nearest railway station: Villars (2 hours by train from Geneva via Aigle).

Intermediates, Snowboarders, Families, Beginners