Escaping on a ski holiday is the best way to enjoy a white Christmas. In Villars, it’s not just the necessary dusting of snow but seasonal activities like ice skating, sledging and wandering around the traditional Marché de Noël that really kindles a festive feeling. The stalls which usually adorn the main plaza are piled high with local produce and charming stocking-fillers, including handmade souvenirs and confectionary. In recent years, there’s even been a yurt with a toasty fireplace in the town, whilst many local restaurants have put on special menus to celebrate the occasion.
As far as the skiing goes, Christmas tends to see some brilliant snowfall on the glacier, which is probably the place for the best quality pistes at this time of year. Closer to Villars and Gryon, the runs to the village are much lower and less snow sure, but the high altitudes of the Croix des Chaux and the resort’s other main peaks usually have a decent covering. On particularly cold days, the south-facing slopes of Issenau should have the best of the sunshine, whilst the tree routes around Meilleret and La Rasse are great to escape to in bad visibility.
Christmas Snow History
Top alt:3000m
Average snow depth
Christmas116cm
Bottom alt:1300m
Average snow depth
Christmas62cm
Resort alt:1300m
Christmas ski rating