Overlooking the Rhône Valley, Villars-sur-Ollon is a picturesque ski village and summer resort in the Swiss Vaud Alps. It offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and is connected to the Bretaye ski area by the Bex–Villars–Bretaye Railway.
In the winter months, you can hit the downhill skiing and snowboarding trails of the Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette ski area before dining at the famous Le Kuklos revolving restaurant. Glacier 3000 is another paradise for snow enthusiasts, with downhill slopes, cross-country skiing and dog sled rides available.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, ride the cable car that connects from Col du Pillon to Les Diablerets and hike across the Tsanfleuron Glacier or cross the 107-metre suspension bridge of the Peak Walk. Cyclists can soak up the views of Lake Geneva from the Bretaye-Ollon Bike Trail while golfers can enjoy a round at the historic Villars Golf Club.
Getting there
Villars-sur-Ollon is around 35 minutes’ drive from Montreux and around an hour from Lausanne. Geneva International Airport is 1.5 hours away. Regular trains connect to the Villars-sur-Ollon railway station and the village is small enough to explore on foot.