The Area

The village of Barboleuse is situated between Villars and Gryon. This is a traditional, un-spoilt area of Swizerland located on a sunny shelf in the Alpes Vaudoise which enjoys a full southerly aspect with plenty of sun all day long and superb views of the Dents du Midi range and Mont Blanc. Temperatures throughout Switzerland vary from 50-34°F.

You won't find concrete high rises, bleak 'purpose built' resort accomodation or the catered chalet package holiday crowd. What you will find are authentic chalets ecclectically arranged on the hillsides, friendly affordable restaurants and a warm, mountain style welcome. If you are looking for a lively night out then there are a couple of trendy bars and clubs in the village.

The ski areas are reached either by one of the two cable cars (Barboulouse or Roc d'Orsay) or via a rack and pinion mountain train up to the Col de Bretaye, both afford spectacular views in both Winter and Summer.

The mountain funicular train from Villars station to Bretaye (20 mins). This is an easy way to start the day for skiers, non-skiers and children alike - everyone can get on and there is no falling off the lift or getting scared. At the top Bretaye is situated on a sunny terrace with the meeting place for all 3 ski / snowboard schools, 2 nursery lifts so beginners can learn to ski at high altitude (1800 metres) and two restaurants. It is ideal for groups of mixed abilities so skiers and non-skiers can meet for lunch.

An excursion to the glacier at Les Diablerets is an outing that everyone can enjoy. Non-skiers can take the bus while skiers can ski over the top of Meilleret 1949m and down to Les Diablerets. 200 metre walk across the village then either a shuttle bus to the Col du Pillon cable-car base station or take a cable-car and drag lift up the other side of Les Diablerets and ski down to Reusch the Col du Pillon cable-car. At the top the new panoramic restaurant offers spectacular views. On a good day you should be able to see the Eiger, the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Glacier skiing is easy and unchallenging whilst the Combe d'Audon run down the back provides some of the best skiing in the area.