Property in Villars
The Villars-Bretaye sector is the heart of the resort and is directly accessible from the village. Villars Center is home to many chalet-style apartments, with a variety of both modern and classic properties. This area provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and ski lifts, although prices are typically higher due to its central location.
Domaine de la Residence is a private, exclusive area above the resort, offering high-end chalets and luxury apartments. Properties here often have premium prices but come with spectacular views and a sense of seclusion.
Gryon is a charming area, with a larger selection of chalets. It combines older, character-filled properties with newly built luxury chalets. The area is also known for spacious plots where you’re most likely to find a chalet with additional wellness and swimming pools for sale.
La Barboleuse, situated between Villars and Gryon, offers a mix of chalets and apartments, many of which enjoy south-facing aspects and mountain views.
Alpe des Chaux, located at a higher altitude, is known for semi-detached chalets and apartments, providing easy access to ski lifts and offering more traditional alpine architecture.
Arveyes, a small hamlet near Villars, features traditional, spacious apartments and generally more affordable options compared to the central areas. It is also conveniently located near a train station, offering easy access to the rest of the region.
Traditional 2-bedroom apartments can start at around CHF 530,000, while luxury duplex apartments in prestigious developments can reach up to CHF 4,000,000. For chalets, mid-range properties are priced from CHF 1,760,000 to CHF 1,900,000, with high-end chalets costing around CHF 3,950,000. (2024)
The most exclusive properties, particularly those in ski-in, and ski-out locations, can exceed CHF 5,000,000. Foreign buyers should be aware that some properties may have restrictions on ownership, with listings clearly indicating properties available to international buyers.
Recent infrastructure improvements have also made Villars an even more attractive place to invest. These improvements include a new 125-person cable car to access the Diablerets Glacier, the replacement of the Roc d’Orsay télécabine with a high-speed lift, and the increase in snow cannons to ensure snow coverage throughout the ski season.
Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the mountain railway system and improve accessibility to the resort with a new bridge and tunnel project, further enhancing the appeal of the area.
Winter in Villars
Winter in Villars is a true alpine paradise, offering a wide range of activities set against stunning mountain views.
The Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets ski area provides access to 225 km of skiable terrain, with 72 runs of varying difficulty.
Villars is excellent for beginners, with gentle slopes and two main beginner areas. Intermediate skiers can enjoy a great mix of blue and red runs, while advanced skiers will find challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities. Freestyle enthusiasts will also find two snowparks catering to all levels, complete with jumps and rails for a thrilling experience.
The main ski sectors include Villars/Bretaye and Gryon, both connected to neighbouring resorts. The region also offers access to Glacier 3000, providing high-altitude skiing for those looking for year-round snow.
For those looking to explore beyond the slopes, Villars offers plenty of other winter activities. Cross-country skiers can enjoy 50 km of marked trails, while snowshoers can wander along scenic paths designed by the local tourist office.
Winter hiking trails offer panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks, and the 7.2 km sledge run provides one of Switzerland's longest sledging experiences. Ice skating at the indoor rink is a fun and family-friendly activity, and nearby Gryon offers the unique experience of skijöring, where skiers are pulled by horses through the snow.
The resort's efficient lift system, including the cog railway linking Villars to Bretaye, ensures easy access to the slopes. Mountain restaurants, accessible via mountain transport, offer delicious alpine cuisine and stunning views, perfect for a mid-ski break or après-ski.
For relaxation, visitors can unwind at Les Bains de Villars, a wellness centre with a range of treatments and spa facilities to soothe tired muscles.
At the end of the ski season, the Electro Festival marks the close of winter with electronic music, live performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Thanks to its high-altitude location, the snow is reliable, making it an ideal winter destination.
Summer in Villars
Summer in Villars is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, breathtaking scenery, and pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Villars offers over 300 kilometres of walking and hiking trails. These routes offer stunning views of mountain ranges, lakes, and waterfalls. Popular trails include those around Bretaye, Solalex, Les Diablerets, and Glacier 3000, each providing spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, with 130 kilometres of trails suited to all levels.
Villars is also home to a beautiful 18-hole golf course, which offers south-facing views and a scenic backdrop of Mont Blanc.
For those looking to cool off, the town features a new outdoor swimming pool at Les Bains de Villars, while Lac des Chavonnes, a short 30-minute walk from Bretaye, offers an idyllic spot for a refreshing swim in the heart of nature.
Beyond these activities, visitors can explore the nearby Lavaux terraces with wine-tasting tours or take the Trains des Vignes for a scenic journey. The region's proximity to Lake Geneva opens up a range of water sports, and cultural sites, including the famous Château de Chillon.
