Discover our ideas for an action-packed winter without skis!

Not a fan of skiing? No worries! Even without ski areas, the Alpes Vaudoises are full of activities and events for everyone, and you don’t need skis on your feet to enjoy them. Are you more into adventure, relaxation, or cultural heritage? There’s something for everyone, no matter your destination!

Glacier 3000, the must-do experience in all seasons

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Dreaming of experiencing high altitude? How about an adventure at 3,000 meters above sea level? In Les Diablerets, the massif that majestically overlooks the village is easily accessible thanks to the Glacier 3000 facilities. Beyond the alpine ski slopes that traverse the glacier, you can enjoy numerous activities: in addition to the famous and spectacular suspended Peak Walk by Tissot (the only one in the world connecting two summits), you can explore the glacier on foot via the Glacier Walk trail. This walk takes you to the other side of the glacier in about an hour through the snow, where you can reach the Refuge de l’Espace and its vertiginous terrace, suspended above the void and the Derborence valley. For non-skiing sliding enthusiasts, a Fun Park with sledges is also available near the summit station. For all food lovers, the Peak Brunch is served every morning for a delicious experience, with breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks. Finally, the most daring can try a leap into the void with an unforgettable paragliding flight!

Relax in warm water

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Would you like to enjoy this magical and special time to take care of yourself and unwind? Our thermal baths are there to welcome you, even at the end of the day after a full program, or on Sunday evening, instead of spending hours stuck in traffic. In the mountains, the Bains de Villars invite you to enjoy a moment of relaxation in an exceptional setting, facing the panorama of snow-covered peaks. Down in the valley, the Bains de Lavey, nestled among cliffs and fir forests, offer a peaceful escape, bringing serenity and well-being in thermal water naturally heated between 33°C and 36°C.

Explore villages in a playful way

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Do you enjoy strolling from one narrow street to another, immersed in the authentic atmosphere of villages? Wherever you are in the Alpes Vaudoises, each destination offers local events and educational trails, such as in Les Diablerets or Villars. Trail booklets are available at the Tourist Offices and guide you throughout the walk, helping you learn more about the region and discover the hidden treasures of the surrounding landscapes. Shorter trails, such as the Bird Trail in Gryon or the Eagle-Wolf Trail in Aigle, are also suitable for younger visitors, while wilder routes, like the walks around the Deer Park in Leysin, extend deeper into the forest and allow you to observe some of the magnificent deer that inhabit the massif.

Exploring the depths of the Earth

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The Salt Mines of Bex form a vast maze of tunnels, shafts, stairways, and chambers stretching over more than 50 km. Hidden beneath the foothills of the Alpes Vaudoises, underground galleries burrow deep into the heart of the rock. The temperature is cool yet stable throughout the year, and the walls are steeped in history: the discovery of this “white gold” deposit dates back to the 15th century. Visiting this fascinating underground world allows you to discover the most spectacular and characteristic elements of the various salt extraction techniques used in the Alpine region since 1684. This true immersion in the area’s heritage also provides insight into why salt mining holds such a special place here. And why not enjoy a complete experience by combining the visit to the Salt Mines with a tour of the Mine Brewery? Between salt, malt, and hops, a delicious meal brings this adventure to a flavorful close.

Walking for a full immersion

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Do you enjoy letting your legs carry you or strapping on snowshoes? The region is full of winter hiking and snowshoe trails. Several routes are available with varying levels of difficulty and lengths for all paces. It’s the best way to appreciate the calm of the pastures in pristine surroundings. Whether you are in Bex, Les Diablerets, Gryon, Leysin, Col des Mosses or Villars, the Alpes Vaudoises welcome you with open arms.

Enjoy the thrills of sliding without skis

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Who said that forgetting skiing meant missing out on the joys of gliding? In the Alpes Vaudoises, there are other ways to enjoy these sensations: sledding or tubing! If you prefer to sit, you can hop on a sled in Frience, above Gryon, and slide down the gentle slopes of the family-friendly, accessible area with free access. For the more daring, sledding in Les Diablerets offers some surprises and tight turns along the track, which returns to the village over a distance of just over 7 km! In Villars, the Col de Soud sled run offers a fun alternative to skiing for the whole family. Finally, those with nerves of steel can tackle the icy slopes of Leysin’s Tobogganing Park, taking on the challenges they present: loops, icy turns, and steep descents!

Setting off on an adventure with animals

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Do you love animals, especially dogs and horses? The Alpes Vaudoises offer a range of unique experiences to enjoy in the heart of winter landscapes. At Glacier 3000, a musher from Sanetsch Paw Patrol invites you to sit back in her sled, pulled by an enthusiastic team of sled dogs, for an unforgettable journey across the spectacular glacier scenery at an altitude of 3,000 metres. For those who prefer to stay at lower altitude, the sled dogs of SOS Chiens Polaires at the Col des Mosses take you on rides from December to the end of March, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Far North. In Villars and Gryon, the huskies of Husky-Rando accompany you on a cani-hike, a winter walk powered by the dog’s energy. Food lovers will enjoy the Husky Polar Gourmet Adventure, which combines an outdoor activity with a fondue served just for you, facing an exceptional panorama.

Horse lovers are not forgotten. Try ski jöring in Gryon or at the Col des Mosses, a discipline that combines gliding with a close bond between rider and horse. For a more leisurely experience, the horseback rides offered by the Manège de Leysin provide another way to discover snowy landscapes, at the horses’ gentle pace.

Enjoy a wide range of sports activities

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Accessible to everyone and offering a wide variety of activities, the sports centres and sports park have plenty to keep you busy throughout the day. From fitness facilities to indoor swimming pools, as well as climbing walls (such as those in Les Diablerets, Leysin, Col des Mosses and Villars), you will be spoilt for choice in a pristine alpine setting. Perfect for the end of the day, the ice rinks allow you to extend the fun of gliding – this time on skates – and during disco evenings organised in Les Diablerets, Leysin and Villars, the ice turns into a real dance floor. And above all, don’t miss the après-ski at the Gryon ice rink for a festive winter atmosphere.

Expanding your knowledge

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The Alpes Vaudoises are also a region rich in traditions and authentic craftsmanship, deeply rooted in local heritage. In Leysin, the museum located on the second floor of the restaurant La Fromagerie reveals daily life in an 18th-century chalet, housed in one of the resort’s oldest buildings. Designed and run by passionate locals, the museum carefully recreates a traditional mazot from that time and invites visitors to discover more than a thousand objects that once belonged to the people of Leysin, displayed across several themed rooms.

Further up the Ormonts Valley, nestled in the hamlet of Vers-l’Eglise, the Ormonts Museum hosts long-term temporary exhibitions and, until October 2026, presents an immersive journey into the mechanisms of snow. The exhibition AVALanche, marking 40 years since the most destructive avalanches struck the valley, explores this vast topic – from the shape of snowflakes to the phenomena that trigger these powerful natural events.

In Aigle, the Château d’Aigle, built at the end of the 12th century, houses the Museum of Vine, Wine and Labels. Open year-round, it offers a journey through the wine-growing history of the Chablais region and Switzerland, while immersing visitors in the atmosphere of a medieval town.

Here, you don’t need to put on skis to fully enjoy the mountains. Between spectacular panoramas, wellness experiences, cultural discoveries, and culinary delights, the Vaud Alps offer a wide range of activities accessible to everyone. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, nature, or authenticity, each destination reveals a different side of the mountains to be enjoyed in every season and at your own pace.