Villars Resort Reviews
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Visitor reviews for Villars Ski Resort
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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January 25, 2013
David H from Switzerland
Returning home this Sunday and already looking forward to returning back to Villars in Mid February. Pistes in excellent condition and no waiting for lifts. Looking forward to further snow during early February to top up the pistes. Nice new eating place at base of gondola called Tom's, nice food and good service.
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Villars Ratings
Based on 27 votes. Vote
Access: 4.0
(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Villars.
Public Transport: 4.7
(1) There are no buses or taxis to Villars, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
Scenery: 4.8
(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.
Accommodation: 4.2
(1) No places to stay in/near Villars, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
Cheap Rooms: 3.2
(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.
Luxury Hotels: 4.5
(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Villars.
Ski in/Ski out: 3.8
(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.
Childcare: 4.3
(1) There are no child care facilities at Villars, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
Snowsure: 3.7
(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Villars is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.
Snowmaking: 4.0
(1) Villars relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
Snow Grooming: 4.3
(1) There are no snow groomers at Villars, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Villars are groomed daily.
Shelter: 4.0
(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Villars is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
Nearby options: 4.0
(1) If snow conditions are poor at Villars, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.
Regional rating: 3.9
(1) Villars usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
Lift Staff: 4.5
(1) The staff at Villars are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Villars are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.
Crowds/Queues: 3.8
(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
Ski Schools: 4.6
(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.
Hire and Repairs: 4.8
(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
Variety of pistes: 4.2
(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Villars has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.
Beginners: 4.6
(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
Intermediates: 4.4
(1) No intermediate terrain at Villars, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.
Advanced: 3.7
(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
Snow Park: 3.4
(1) Not even a kicker at Villars, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.
Off-piste: 3.7
(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
Cross-country: 4.3
(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Villars, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.
Luge/Toboggan: 4.0
(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Villars has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
Mountain Dining: 4.2
(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
Eating: 4.2
(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
Apres-Ski: 3.6
(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.
Other Sports: 4.6
(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
Entertainment: 4.2
(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.
Winter Walks: 4.4
(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
Ski Pass Value: 3.9
(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.
Value (National): 3.7
(1) Overall, Villars is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
Value (Global): 3.6
(1) Overall, Villars is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.
Based on 27 votes. Vote
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January 11, 2013
Hersh from United Kingdom
Just back. Heavy snowfall last night/this morning.
Pistes are excellent - good base and loads of powder, very well prepared. Very quiet. What a beautiful place. -
January 02, 2013
Ian hodges from United Kingdom
I can honeslty say Villars is the best ski resort I've ever been to in Switzerland!
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December 25, 2012
David Hodges from United Kingdom
Great to hear snow is good again this year. Having just returned from Val Gardena, looking forward to Villars in January & February now, it has great charm. Would prefer the major development to be around replacing a few of the longer T-bars than shopping stuff though. Even so, Villars is a superb 'all year round' resort.
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December 24, 2012
Paul Meyer from United Kingdom
It'ssssss Chrimbo and we've arrived in Villars for 2 weeks of fun and festivities and I must say the snow is great and the weather superb. Having eaten in one of Cookies many establishments I must say Villars is certainly climbing the culinary ladder and is more a kin to West London than Southern Switzerland.
Some major improvement happening here with talk of a new town centre development for "shopping chic".Talking of major improvements I bumped into our new improved Fun Police complete with "updated uniform".
Chrimbo dinner with Captain Murphy awaits so cuckoo for now and Cherry Mish Mash.
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December 09, 2012
Paul Meyet from United Kingdom
"Everything comes to those who wait" and although a little later than normal we seem to have been treated to a good covering of snow in Viillars. I have already been in contact with our Ski test pilot Captain Murphy who assures me the slopes are perfect and the Ollons flowing. So look out Villars we're on the
way and ready for a Christmas on the "piste" with lashings of festive fun and don't panic Pammy weve got our mistletoe for our favourite "fun police women"
Da Meyers x -
November 25, 2012
Paul Meyer from United Kingdom
Countdown 2013 the snow's keeping us in suspense this year but we're hoping for a great Christmas and winter season in Villars. I hear
Mr Murphey's on form and obviously the Ollon will be flowing so look out Pammy we're coming to get ya!
The Meyers x -
April 15, 2012
Paul Meyer from United Kingdom
We're back and Villars is just winding down for the season finish. We have this year seen some great conditions here with near perfect snow and weather combinations on a regular basis. We have just visited Soll which, I must say, although has a large and varied ski area still does not hold the same charm and ambience as Villars, needless to say I think the Soll box has been ticked. With the skis packed up and no doubt the Villars fun polices broomstick parked for another season all that is left are the Ollon dregs and some great memories of Murpheys evening exploits in town.
Apart from the purchase of a very expensive mountain bike from our local village retailer I think our work is done for another year here in Villars so to Murphey and the gang "Cuckoo" and we will see you at Christmas.
The Meyers x -
March 27, 2012
David Hodges from United Kingdom
Spent ALL of February in Villars; great time with excellent snow. Early Feb was very cold as in all of ski resorts in Europe this year but mid February onwards, very hot but good base of snow meant no problems with condition, in fact excellent great snow and sun combined. Already looking forward to next year !!!
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January 27, 2012
Paul Meyer from United Kingdom
We're back again. Just popped in for the weekend, snow and weather fantastic. Good idea to watch the icy roads as we have just slightly redesigned the car on route. Still good news is last year's snowfall seems to have put some of you off visiting. Those who seems to think Zermatt was good last year, well I can assure you it wasn't following a trip to the well renown Rifflealp Resort which saw us doing more gardening than skiing. Having a week in Soll next week so I will let you know what it's like but one thing is for sure it's going to be very boring without our local Olly Reid of the Alps, Murphy and a large bottle of Louis.
Finest Ollon.
car -
January 25, 2012
Cyril H from Switzerland
I am here in Villars now and can assure people that the snow is excellent and all runs open.
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January 21, 2012
Steve Rumble from United Kingdom
Just back from ten days of perfect pistes and weather. Petite Cham. Lift is superb and new safety measures at Alpe des Chaux are great. Best skiing conditions for many years and very quiet.
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January 05, 2012
David H from United Kingdom
Going back to Villars for all of February 2012, looking at early season snow and current conditions. I'm 100% certain the snow/pistes will be perfect and this combined with south facing dimension should make for some wonderful skiing conditions. With over 200cm of snow and the current forecasts I think this is as snowsure as you will get.
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January 02, 2012
Paul f from United Kingdom
There are a lot of comments on here about the lack of snow last year being unfortunate. That may be so, but it is hardly surprising given that this is a low altitude resort. It isn't snow sure, never has been. One comment states there was no snow anywhere in the Alps last year. This is simply not true. Zermatt, Saas Fee, Chamonix, even Livigno...snow sure places had perfectly good snow, simple as that.
Villars is a nice town that also has decent skiing when conditions allow. If you are serious about skiing and want to go somewhere where you are guaranteed good conditions, this is not the place for you. Personally, I would never book a hol somewhere like Villars more than a week or two in advance. It's simply a gamble.
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December 19, 2011
Alex Hutchinson from Switzerland
New 6 man chairlift is Petit Chamossaire - opens up great off-piste runs and takes pressure off other lifts.
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December 12, 2011
Steve Rumble from United Kingdom
Here comes the white stuff, right on time for the opening next week. It can't be as bad as last year. It's such a great place and so much effort has been put in by the locals to improve facilities. They deserve a good season. I hope they don't upgrade the bonjour chairlift connection to Meilleret, the old one is really quaint.
Also looking forward to further installments from Paul Meyer.......... -
December 12, 2011
andrew d from Australia
Just been in Villars. Lots of snow fell last week (finally). More than 30cm on the mid slopes. More due this week.
Going back for Christmas and really looking forward to it. One of the nicest resorts in the Alps and still relatively undiscovered (thank god). -
November 25, 2011
David Hodges from United Kingdom
Really looking forward to the new season, I'm sure the snow will arrive soon and fingers crossed for a great season. The new lift at Petite Chamossaire will be a much welcome addition, would be good to also upgrade a few lifts/T bars on the runs over to Les Diabrelets but I'm sure this will come in the next year or so plus we have the benefit of very very little queues problem.
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November 05, 2011
Paul Meyer from United Kingdom
2012 season is nearly upon us in Villars. Fantastic news of a new lift at the Petit Cham which will cheer up seasoned visitors. Last year's snow was mediocre to say the least but no different to any other resorts across the Alps where we visited as well(Soll and France included). Can't wait to sample some of the excellent après including that vintage Ollon brew and some fantastic cuisine at our fav restaurant Cookie which compares to some of London's finest. Oh and not to forget my favourite fun police woman who we did bump into last year parking her broomstick at the new Cookie Cafe Bertaye. Murphy were comin to get ya x
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May 27, 2011
RAFAEL MIRANDA from Brazil
I spent a week in January at Villars and there was very little snow. I am a snowboarder and it was very hard to go down the slopes on some days. The resort and the village is very nice and we had a blast. I will come back sometime and hopefully with more snow.
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May 25, 2011
Josh Ackrill from United Kingdom
I spent the entire 05/06 winter season in Villars and loved it, as a result I make the effort to visit on a yearly basis - tearing it up in Murphy's, Charlies and El Gringo's! The skiing is great, you hear people moaning about queues.....push in! ;) - On a serious note - this s a great resort, that has been updated hugely over the past 5 years, there are new chairlifts, a new telacabine - Cookies has opened up at Bretaye and it is all only 1hr 30 from Geneva - an all round winner! See you soon Villars as well as The Meyer's, The Murphy's and The Leech's.
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February 27, 2011
fred bloggs from Afghanistan
The last report on this site that said that it hadn't snowed for over a month was incorrect.
[Editor's note: text reduced to maintain relevance]
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February 16, 2011
Steve from Guernsey
Half term next week and no snow in Villars/Gryon. Weather forecast does not look promising either. Snow cannons sitting idle. A real shame for the people who depend on a good ski season for a living.
The guys in Pure Mountain sport are a nice bunch and have some good specialist kit. Good place to go if you are into Telemarking. -
February 11, 2011
Leon from United Kingdom
Villars is a great place and normally receives fairly good snow. Unfortunately, this is not the case this season. Time is getting on now and we haven't seen any snowfall for well over a month. The resort is in a bad spring like state and although we have the new snow canon installations, they have been working overtime up until a week or so ago. They have now run out of water in the reservoir so are unable to produce any new snow. It's a tragic season so far and loosing hope of it getting any better with temperatures regularly reaching 15 degrees by day. Cheers global warming!
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January 27, 2011
Kevin from Switzerland
Stayed in Gryon (Villars) this year. Great snow over Christmas. Love this place! Great new restaurant 'Cookies' run by Aussies and also found this little shop at La Barboleuse 'Pure mountain sport'. Super nice guys and they speak very good English and they have a good selection of kit.
Heard that the snow is not too great at the moment but will be back for Feb so lets pray. -
November 26, 2010
Julian from United Kingdom
We're staying in Villars for a week. Over 18 inches of snow in the past 36 hours. Temperatures around -10 during the day. Looks amazing. It's a wonderful village with some lovely restaurants and shops.
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November 23, 2010
Sally Dingle from United Kingdom
85 km of snow cannon installed during the summer months - the link across to La Chaux and skiing right back to Villars (Roc d'Orsay) guaranteed throughout the season, which is good news given the late Easter in 2011. We have had an apartment in Rochegrise (Villars) for ten years and are still enchanted with the place - a real town, not a ski-station, full of character, decent skiing, great restaurants (try Lac de Chavonnes in the ski-season, but get there in good time, it gets full up very quickly) and friendly people. Not over-run with louts and speed-merchants. No problem at the Rochegrise station by the way, even after the Hotal Royalp development.
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November 09, 2010
James Williams from United Kingdom
People going to Villars in February over half-term week shouldn't complain about queues or inexperienced skiers; that all goes with the territory of half-term skiing. I avoid Feb altogether and suggest that those who complain about the crowds do so too; send your kids skiing on a school trip!
XX
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October 15, 2010
chris manfield from United Kingdom
I was in Villars over the summer and the news is that they are putting in a load more snow cannons from Bretaye down to town - so will be able to ski down all through the season. Also, they have cannoned La Rasse (run down by Golf Club) as well as putting new cannons in at Gryon.
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May 31, 2010
Tyson from Australia
Showing off about how much wine you drink, how fast you go and who you hang out with does not make a good review or a good character reference!
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