Spring weekend in Villars & Ollon: our top 10 accessible activities

In spring, Villars changes pace. Between April and May, the mountain gently leaves winter behind, the meadows turn green again, and the village regains its calm. It is a special time: the ski area and mountain restaurants close, and high-altitude trails are sometimes still covered in snow. Little by little, the snow gives way to green alpine pastures and crocuses, signalling the arrival of spring.

This is the ideal moment to discover another side of the destination: more authentic, more local, and often more hidden. Bookable experiences, walks through vineyards, gravel and road cycling routes, indoor activities and nearby excursions all make it possible to create a rich and varied stay, even in the low seas

Discover our top 10 must-do activities in Villars this spring.

Booking spring activities in Villars

• The Brigand Brothers – A village treasure hunt (Available every day)

Villars becomes an open-air playground. This treasure hunt invites you to explore the village in a different way, following clues and riddles through Villars. An ideal activity for families or groups of friends, turning a simple walk into a real adventure.

2. Rando’péro – Walks and conviviality

• Available Monday to Saturday

Here, hiking takes on a new dimension. Rando’péro combines landscape discovery with gourmet stops in a friendly atmosphere. It is a gentle way to enjoy spring, blending easy walking with local products.

3. Paper cutting workshop with Delia – Tradition and creativity

• Available Wednesday and Saturday

In this workshop, you will discover a typically Swiss craft: traditional paper cutting. Between precision, patience and creativity, it is an immersion into an artisanal world that reveals another side of Villars.

4. The Winemaker’s Basket – Taste of the terroir

• Available every day

Filled with local products, the Winemaker’s Basket is an invitation to savour spring in the heart of nature. In the vineyards of the Domaine de Pierre et Michel Anex in Ollon, along the route, facing the still snow-covered mountains, this experience offers a unique and delicious way to discover Chablais wines.

5. Exploring Villars by bike in spring

Spring is the perfect time to gently get back on your bike. While the Col de la Croix and higher-altitude routes are not yet accessible, several trails around Villars and Ollon are ready to help you stretch your legs, whether on a road bike, gravel bike, mountain bike or e-bike.

• The Villars Swiss Bike School welcomes children from the age of 3 as early as April, with lessons adapted to their level.
• Ideal spring routes:
  • Gravel: Between plain and mountains, a 31 km loop starting from Villars or Gryon, and the Tour du Chablais gravel route, a 43 km loop starting from Bex or Ollon.
  • Road cycling: The “Bosses du Chablais”, a 40 km ride starting from Bex via Ollon.
  • Mountain biking: The Maxi Avalanche, starting from the mid-station in Villars (Place du Rendez-Vous), or the Boyarde route from Villars via Les Ecovets, taking the lower section down towards Ollon.

6. Hiking between vineyards and forests

The most accessible hiking trails are those at lower altitude. With mild temperatures and snow-capped peaks in the background, they create the perfect setting for pleasant spring walks.

• The Sentier de Provence – Ollon – 4 km
  An easy walk between vineyards and umbrella pines, in a nearly Mediterranean atmosphere.
• The Salt Trail – Salins – Panex – Bex – 11.5 km
  A route blending nature and history, centered around the traditional salt production heritage.
• The Vineyards Trail – Ollon – Bex – 12 km
  An immersion into the Chablais vineyards at the moment when the vines begin to awaken.

7. Strolling in Villars - Discovering Local Shops

The peaceful atmosphere of the village naturally invites visitors to take their time and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Boutiques such as Lorenz Bach and Ausoni, as well as sports shops including Sport’s House, Dätwyler Sports, McBoard and Villars Sports Shop, sit alongside popular food stores such as Laiterie Centrale, Boucherie Erard and Boulangerie-Chocolaterie Heiz.

On Saturdays, the Place du Marché comes alive with local stalls, while on Mondays in Chesières, the market at Erard showcases high-quality regional produce.

At Grafinca, visitors will find beautiful home décor inspiration, while Pétale Rouge invites you to brighten your home or delight someone with a bouquet. Pharmacie Fleury, meanwhile, offers the latest fragrances. At Studio Patrick, step in and have your portrait taken! Wedding and event photography, high-quality photo prints, and a curated selection of cigars make this address a truly original stop. Together, these addresses contribute to the authentic village life, where simply wandering through the streets becomes a pleasure in itself.

8. Reach the summit of the Alpes Vaudoises

At Glacier 3000, skiing continues until 30 April, often offering excellent spring conditions. Pedestrians are not left out: cross the spectacular Peak Walk by Tissot, admire breathtaking Alpine panoramas, or enjoy a unique dog-sled experience close to the summits.

9. Venture into the depths of the Earth

Step into the heart of the Bex Salt Mines and let yourself be guided through the fascinating history of Alpine salt. An immersive visit awaits, revealing the secrets of what was once the region’s precious white gold.

10. Stay active or unwind with indoor activities

Discover a selection of indoor sports activities in Villars to stay fit throughout the year. Sports enthusiasts can work out at Fitness 360, enjoy indoor or outdoor tennis, play squash, or try bouldering, with facilities suitable for all levels.

For a more relaxing break, the spa and wellness areas, as well as the Bains de Villars (depending on opening dates), offer the perfect setting to unwind: swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and wellness facilities provide the ideal way to recover after exercise or simply enjoy a peaceful moment overlooking the Alps.