Planning on visiting the Swiss town of Villars-sur-Ollon this winter? Looking for some inspiration on what you can do, besides obviously skiing? Check out this list of the 8 best things to do in Villars-sur-Ollon in winter! There’s something for everyone and anytime 🙂
How to get to Villars
Villars is located in the Swiss canton of Vaud. The ski resort is in the French speaking part of Switzerland. If you are flying in from abroad, the closest airport is Geneva. To reach your final destination you’ll either need to rent a car, get a cab or catch the train to “Villars-sur-Ollon”. By car it will take you approx. 2 hours from Geneva or 3.5 hours from Zurich Airport.
Best things to do in Villars-sur-Ollon
1. Ski
This one’s obviously got to be the first on the list! Villars-Gryon-Diablerets is a popular and well-known ski center with lots to offer. You will find 104 km of slopes, suitable for all kinds of skill levels. There’s also a snow park, cross country skiing slopes and possibilities for off-piste skiing!
Ski rental: If you need to rent ski equipment, there are several options both in Villars and Gryon. You can check out the link here, or just go into any winter sports store.
Price: 66 CHF for a full day, 60 CHF for half a day (adult fares). For more details check out the official website.
Duration: However much you like! Half a day, to several days…
2. Snowshoeing
If skiing is not for you, or you simply want to experience something else – you should definitely try snowshoeing! There are several different routes that you can take, which will take you through beautiful snowy scenery. My favorite loop is the one that takes you around the Lac de Chavonnes. You can check out all the routes here.
Snowshoe rental: If you need to rent snow shoes, there are several options both in Villars and Gryon. You can check out the link here, or just go into any winter sports store.
Price: Approx. 20 CHF if you need to rent the snowshoes + approx. 10 CHF for the train up to Bretaye.
Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours
3. Fondue at Refuge de Solalex
If you’re visiting Switzerland in winter, you HAVE to eat fondue at least once! Fondue is a traditional Swiss winter dish, where you dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. One of the best places in Villars to have fondue is the Refuge de Solalex. First of all, there is a wide selection of different fondues. Secondly, the atmosphere is super cozy, as the restaurant is nestled right in the woods. But thirdly, and most importantly, the way up there is super unique! If there is snow, you will have to park your car at a parking right along the main street. From there, a restaurant owned sleigh will come and pick you up and drive you up the hill. You’ll get to drive up in a sleigh through a beautiful snowy forest, where there are no other people around. It’s definitely a must do experience!
Price: A fondue costs approx. 25 CHF, excl. drinks. Check out the menu here.
Duration: One evening
4. Bains des Villars
If your kind of fun involves chilling at a thermal bath and going in and out of saunas, then the Bains des Villars are the place for you! The bath offers an incredible outdoor pool overlooking the Swiss alps, which makes it one of the nicest that I have personally experienced in Switzerland! Besides the outside pool (which I believe is the main attraction), you can also make use of two different hammams (steam baths), and two different saunas. There’s also a regular pool in the complex, which might be a good option for you if you have kids. If you need more infos (address, opening hours, …), check out the link here!
Price: One daily admission is 28 CHF / person (adults)
Duration: 2-3 hours
5. Ice skating
While most people come to Villars sur Ollon for their ski holidays, you never quite know how the weather will turn out. If you’re looking for a bad weather alternative, which is still active, ice skating might be a good choice! There is a full-sized ice rink, and you can rent anything you could possibly need (aka skates, skating helpers for kids, etc…). You’ll find more details here.
Skates rental: Ice skates can be rented right by the ice rink for 5 CHF per pair.
Price: The admission costs 10 CHF / person.
Duration: 1-2 hours
6. Visit the P’tit Marché de Noël
If you’re visiting in December or early January you should definitely not miss the P’tit Marché de Noël at the main square in Villars. Right by the Villars train station there is a little square that is filled with little Christmas huts. There you can find local produce, some typical Swiss souvenirs, and of course food and drinks. If you want to go super traditional, you have to try the vin chaud (mulled wine). It’s a Swiss Christmas market favorite 🙂
Price: Entry is free, drinks will be approx. 10 CHF.
Duration: 1-2 hours
7. Drinks at the Villars Palace
If you’re feeling fancy, why not check out the Villars Palace? The Villars Palace was renovated and newly reopend in late 2021. During Christmas time, the hotel offers many fancy dinners, lunches and afternoon teas. However, just a visit to the lobby bar for a drink of coffee is also definitely worth it! The Villars Palace is a classic hotel with endless elegance, and it’s usually stunningly decorated!
Price: Drinks range from 10-25 CHF. Check out the menu here.
Duration: 1-2 hours
8. Sledding
I love sledding in Villars! There is an official 1.6km sledding slope that gives you about 20-30 minute ride time. The best way to reach the start of the slope is by taking the train going to Bretaye, and getting off at “Col de Soud”. From there you will find signs guiding you to the start, which is about 5 minutes by foot. The route ends by the station “Roches Grises”, which is right by the Hotel Chalet RoyAlp.
This activity is especially fun if you can do it with family or friends, since you can race each other. I’d also recommend to do the route more than once, because you’ll really be able to optimize your riding and gain more speed the second time round, when you are more familiar with the route 😉
Sledge rental: If you need to rent snow shoes, there are several options both in Villars and Gryon. You can check out the link here, or just go into any winter sports store.
Price: Renting a sledge is approx. 10 CHF / day + approx. 10 CHF for the train ride.
Duration: 2-3 hours
With these activities you’re sure to have an unforgettable holiday in the mountain village of Villars-sur-Ollon! If you have any more questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment! I’d love to chat 🙂 Make sure to also check out my other posts about Switzerland!