Best Ski Resorts

Neil English says this is a good time to plan your winter sports holiday.

The Mail on Sunday - 18th September 2005

Villars While this is possibly the most underrated resort by British tour operators, independent British skiers are buying property here on a rate equivalent to Chamonix, which is the best known resort in the world.

A charming Edwardian cog-railway or two telecabines transport you to the main ski slopes  with superb beginner area and intermediate cruising in the Vaud canton of Switzerland, known as the Riviera Alps owing to its stunning beauty.
 

The lift link to neighbouring Les Diablerets adds a good variety of slopes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the area. A short  bus ride to the Diablerets glacier cable car, which climbs to 10,000 ft, is worth it for the views alone.
 

On the way back do not miss out on a sundeck at Les Mazots, where chef André produces traditional roësti dishes. In town there are many pizzerias but the main dining event is Restaurant Le Soleil whose patron chef, Medou, is renowned for his pan-fried  foie gras.
 

Indoor swimming, ten-pin bowling, ice-skating, many bars and the Gringo disco provide ample entertainment for all customers