Villars-Gryon-Diablerets
Villars-Gryon-Diablerets is a mountain tourism region in the Swiss canton of Vaud, in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises. Located near Lake Geneva, about an hour from Lausanne and two hours from Geneva, it is a high-mountain area rather than a lake or lowland region. The linked resorts of Villars-sur-Ollon, Gryon and Les Diablerets sit on sunny natural plateaus between about 1,200 and 3,000 metres, with the Glacier 3000 summit as the highest point of the canton. The region is dominated by nature, with extensive hiking and cycling networks, alpine pastures and vineyards on the lower slopes, and a lively, cosmopolitan village atmosphere shaped by long-established international schools. Villars-sur-Ollon forms the central hub of the destination, offering a wide range of sports, leisure and wellness facilities throughout the year.
Summer activities
In summer the linked resorts of Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets open their lifts to a wide network of panoramic hiking trails, mountain-bike and gravel routes, and downhill bike parks such as the Leysin Bike Park and the flowtrail at Gryon. The region is a cycling stronghold, home to the UCI World Cycling Centre at Aigle, with hundreds of kilometres of road, gravel and e-bike itineraries across the alpine passes. Families enjoy lakes and natural swimming spots, adventure parks, via ferrata and paragliding, while Glacier 3000 offers summer tobogganing on the Alpine Coaster and walks on the eternal snow.
Winter activities
In winter the Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets ski area links the three resorts into a domain of more than 100 kilometres of groomed pistes between 1,200 and 3,000 metres, with snow gardens for beginners, several snowparks and the high-altitude runs of Glacier 3000, including the legendary Red Run and the demanding Combe d'Audon. The Olympic piste at Les Diablerets hosts international competitions and weekly night skiing. Beyond alpine skiing, the region offers cross-country skiing, winter hiking, tobogganing, dog-sledding and ski touring, with ski schools and handiski options for all abilities.
Culture and entertainment
The region blends alpine tradition with a cosmopolitan, international atmosphere, shaped by long-established international schools in Villars and Leysin. Villages preserve carved wooden chalets, historic churches and alpine heritage, while events such as the Bex & Arts contemporary sculpture triennial, the Ailyos open-air art exhibition and traditional pastoral festivals animate the summer. Museums and cultural venues, including the wine museum at Château d'Aigle and the Musée des Ormonts, complement a lively calendar of concerts, markets and local festivals.
