Villars ski resort is a reserved yet animated location situated between Martigny and the Château de Chillon end of Lake Geneva. Stunning views of Mont Blanc are visible across the lake from the resort’s position on the sunny, tree-lined plateau situated above the Rhone Valley. Villars attracts visitors of all ages and disciplines looking for a no-fuss, well catered ski experience in a typical Swiss resort environment.

Comfort and convenience sum up the resort of Villars, which has a sufficient après-ski, a range of non-ski alternatives and surprisingly cheap lodgings for this region. The predominantly Swiss clientele adds to the authenticity of the resort, which caters well for singles, couples, families and groups looking to enjoy a simple yet rewarding getaway.

Villars has 4,800 beds, with 800 of those in hotels; the rest are rental apartments and traditional chalets on and off the mountain. The resort is well equipped in terms of après-ski and shopping, with fine restaurants serving everything from traditional raclette dishes to Mexican food. There are musical events throughout the season, and bars and discos offering theme nights in a lively yet unobtrusive atmosphere. Villars is extremely child-friendly and has been awarded the ‘Families Welcome’ accolade for its efforts.

The resort has 100kms of ski runs over 67 slopes, with around 50 per cent of the terrain suitable for beginners. Forty-two per cent of runs are suitable for intermediate level skiers, while advanced skiers get eight per cent of slopes. A lot of natural off-piste terrain is perfect for snowboarders and there are two snow parks with all the trimmings.

There’s a further 57kms of cross-country terrain to challenge all levels at the resort. Thirty-five lifts service the area. A 12-kilometre run makes up the longest downhill slope at the resort, with the highest lift reaching 2,100m. The resort offers excellent ski and snowboard tuition at some well established schools.

The resorts of Les Diablerets and Leysin, in the immediate area, share many of Villars’ visitors, with the former offering great snow coverage at the start and end of the season. For something different, take a daytrip to the nearby Castle of Chillon, Gruyères Castle, or the magnificent Roman amphitheatre in Martigny. The town of Martigny is an hour’s drive from the resort and well worth a visit.

The season at Villars runs from December to April, with the better conditions as the season progresses. Cheap family and package deals are always on offer at the resort. From Geneva International Airport, catch a train to nearby Brex before connecting with the resort by bus.