Skiing in Villars-sur-Ollon

Nestled above the Rhone Valley in the Vaud Alps, Villars-sur-Ollon is one of Switzerland’s classic ski destinations. With more than 120km of pistes, panoramic views across the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc, and a charming alpine village atmosphere, Villars blends tradition with excellent skiing. The resort is linked to Gryon and Les Diablerets, giving skiers plenty of terrain to explore, and with the option to extend your pass to Glacier 3000, you can experience high-altitude skiing at over 3,000m.

Villars is well connected to Lake Geneva towns like Montreux, Lausanne, and Geneva, making it an easy choice for weekend trips or longer stays. The combination of accessibility, varied slopes, and authentic Swiss charm is why Villars has been attracting skiers since the early days of Alpine tourism.

Why Ski in Villars

  • History & charm – Villars is one of the original Swiss ski resorts, with elegant hotels, traditional chalets, and a timeless alpine feel.

  • Perfect for beginners – The Bretaye area is a dedicated learning zone with gentle slopes and lifts that make starting out simple and fun.

  • Great for intermediates – Villars is famous for its cruisy blue and red runs, ideal for confidence building and relaxed skiing.

  • Linked ski area – Explore neighbouring Gryon and Les Diablerets, or take the bus connection to Glacier 3000 for a day of high-altitude adventure.

  • Sunshine & scenery – With south-facing slopes, Villars often enjoys long sunny days, perfect for lunching on mountain terraces.

Villars Ski School Options

There are several ski schools in Villars, but SnowPros Ski School Villars is unique as the only dedicated English-speaking school in the resort. All our instructors are fluent or native English speakers, offering private ski and snowboard lessons for individuals, families, and groups.

We specialise in:

  • Private ski lessons in Villars – one-to-one instruction for fast-track improvement.

  • Group ski lessons in Villars – tailored sessions for friends or families who want to learn together.

  • Snowboard & telemark lessons – flexible coaching for all snow sports.

Skiing for All Levels

Beginners Ski Lessons in Villars-sur-Ollon

Villars is one of the best places in Switzerland to learn to ski. Beginners start in the Bretaye learning zone, accessed by train from the village. Once the basics are in place, wide green and blue runs provide the perfect terrain to build confidence.

Intermediate Skiers

With long blue and red pistes winding through the forests, Villars is a paradise for intermediate skiers. Gryon offers slightly steeper runs, while the connection to Les Diablerets opens up a wider ski area to explore. For the adventurous, a trip to Glacier 3000 adds another dimension with its glacier skiing and spectacular views.

Eating & Après-Ski in Villars

  • Breakfast – Start your day at Les Saveurs des Alpes, a cosy café opposite Roc d’Orsay.

  • Lunch – Our favourite spot is Hotel du Lac in Bretaye, where the food is excellent and the service warm and friendly.

  • Après-ski – For drinks, try L’Arrivée Bar on the slopes, Le Blues Bar near the station, or Charlie’s Bar in town.

Where to Stay in Villars-sur-Ollon

Villars has a wide range of hotels and apartments. If you want the ultimate convenience, Hotel du Lac in Bretaye is ski-in/ski-out, meaning you can wake up right on the slopes. For those who prefer village life, Villars centre has plenty of charming options close to the lifts.

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Getting to Villars

  • 35 minutes from Montreux

  • 55 minutes from Lausanne

  • 1 hour 30 minutes from Geneva

From the A9 motorway, exit at junction 17 onto Route 11 and follow the signs to Villars. Free parking is available at the Roc d’Orsay télécabine, right next to our Villars ski school meeting point.