Winter magic in Villars-Gryon

UGH! The morning weather check view out of the window makes my heart beat faster. In front of me I see the perfect winter scenery. As if freshly printed in a catalogue, so to speak. Only this one is real. The Dents to Midi are within reach and shine majestically in the first rays of sunshine. Villars itself looks as if freshly dusted with powdered sugar. No, not just any day of glory, but THE most brilliant winter day of the 2013/2014 season (I’ll just say that now).

The anticipation of the upcoming slope happiness is also mixed with a bit of schadenfreude. It was worth it to extend the weekend by one day. After seeing almost 20 meters in Les Diablerets on Sunday in snow flurries and persistent fog, we are doubly rewarded today.

No time is wasted on breakfast. We march straight to the Villars – Roc d’Orsay gondola. Thanks to Monday, we don’t have to queue for a minute despite the bombastic weather forecast. We are ready to go in no time. At the top of the summit, we take a short time to marvel at the view before the first turns in the fresh snow. In the end, we only saw white at the lecture.

The freshly snow-covered slope from the Roc d’Orsay down to Bretaye is in the very best shape. On days like these, skiing can definitely be addictive. We pass Bretaye and head towards Lac des Chavonnes (the route we have already covered with snowshoes). The Petit Chamossaire chairlift then takes you up high again. From this summit there is a fantastic view of the Rhône Valley and all the splendour of the Vaud Alps.

But the really amazing thing is that we are still practically alone on the slopes. We can definitely refute the prejudice of always overcrowded ski slopes and long queues at the lifts here. For us, the motto is: Free ride ahead!

From the Petit Chamossaire, there is a long descent down to La Rasse. Here you will find the connecting lift to the neighbouring Gryon ski area, which is included in the ski pass (52 CHF plus 5 CHF keycard fee for the day pass Villars-Gryon). What I particularly like about the Villars-Gryon ski resort is the variety of slopes. Among the lifts, there are only a few chairlifts with wind protection hoods and extravagances such as seat heaters are nowhere to be found. But there are also nostalgic button lifts and one or two T-bar lifts. On the other hand, they prefer to invest in the variations of the slopes on offer, as well as great fun parks for children (including “mini-rails” and movable kickers), wooden obstacles for freestyle fans and a ski cross slope. By the way, Fanny Smith, who has just competed at the Olympic Games, also trains here from time to time.

But before we take the lift over to Gryon, we first go to the Chaux Ronde with a beautiful view of Bretaye and then to the Grand Chamossaire. Of course, the perfect conditions would have to be savoured.

At noon we stop at the restaurant L’Etable in Sodoleuvre, Gryon. To reach the “stable”, it is best to descend from Les Chaux (starting point Gryon) in the direction of la Rasse (connecting lift to Villars). The restaurant is located in a former stable wing, which has been wonderfully renovated with great attention to detail. At the rear, separated only by a pane of glass, the building still takes on the original function of a stable. The menu includes regional specialties. Laurène from Carnet d’Escapades has been looking forward to the Papet Vaudois (a traditional Vaudois dish) since Saturday. I myself order a delicious salad. To crown this perfect winter day, we naturally treat ourselves to a dessert. As you can see, the culinary offerings next to the slopes are also top class. If you’re ever in Villars-Gryon, don’t miss this great restaurant.

If you’re really itching to get on the slopes after all these winter ravings, go ahead!

Note: My stay in the Vaud Alps was supported by Villars-Gryon Tourisme. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.