Villars-sur-Ollon
Otherwise known as the 'Pearl' of the Swiss Alps, Villars is one of Switzerland's oldest and most favoured resorts. South facing, the village sits on a high plateau overlooking the Rhône Valley with spectacular views of the rugged peaks of the French and Swiss Alps. Villars is amply equipped for year round entertainment with
220 km of marked ski runs and 77 lifts, 550 km of marked walks in summer, outdoor and indoor tennis, swimming pools, ice rink, squash, golf, horse riding, walks and fine restaurants. The resort has a lot to offer the avid shopper with its stylish boutiques. It is also very well known for its schools and international colleges, such as the famous Aiglon College.
The Villars plateau consists a cluster of
unspoilt villages: Chesières, Arveyes, La Barboleuse and Gryon. It is a family
resort and one of the few to offer year round activities for all members of the
family, whether you are a skier or not. Thanks to strict local building
regulations the villages maintains their old world charm whilst offering all the
advantages and infrastructure of a modern resort.
Over the last forty-five years the community has attracted people from around the world: celebrities and international businessmen, but most importantly it is a family resort where everybody can enjoy themselves and relax without
any of the inconveniences of modern city life. Many ski
resorts in Switzerland are famous for their wealth and film stars; Villars is
equally upmarket and is respected for its discretion. However it would be
a mistake to think that it is only an expensive place; whilst the majority
of properties are truly exclusive, there are many, both new and resale, which
are excellent value for money.
Thanks to Switzerland’s
superlative motorway system Villars is close to Geneva (90 mins), Montreux (25
mins), Lausanne (40 mins), Berne (60 mins), Basle (120 mins) and Zürich (180
mins). Further a field by road you can reach Milan in 4 hrs, Nice in 6 hrs,
Paris in 4 hrs and London via Reims/Dijon in 10 hrs through the Euro Tunnel
Villars is also easily accessible by public transport 80 minutes by train
to Aigle and then bus to the centre of the resort or to Bex changing to the
mountain train service.
© de Lara 2001
Villars panoramas...click
here
Skiing in Villars...click
here
Pictures courtesy of Villars Tourist Board
Where to
stay in Villars...click here