In Pictures: Swiss Ski Weekend
Sitting at your desk dreaming of the slopes? Switzerland is closer than you'd think. Fly from London City Airport and you'll be in Geneva or Zurich within three hours of check-in. From there, hit the slopes, indulge in an all-cheese diet or, better still, discover Narnia. I did.
Trip Diary
I've found Narnia. In fact, I've travelled through Narnia on a sledge under the night sky, while the thick snow twinkles brighter than a thousand Swarovski crystals under the lights of a speeding Skidoo...
Fly to Geneva from London City Airport
Trip Diary
...Said Narnia was just outside of Villars in Switzerland. Our destination: Refuge de Solalex, a traditional alpine hut stranded several miles from the main town, with transport in and out only by Skidoo, and about four feet of snow on its roof.
Trip Diary
Inside, there was raclette cheese melting by an open fire, kitsch cuckoo clocks on the walls and a large long-haired cat slinking about in search of cheese drippings. Not only did I find Narnia, I found heaven at the end of it. So good was the raclette, tomato fondue, cured meats and potatoes, that I ate more than my annual cheese allowance in one night. And believe me, it's a generous allowance.
Trip Diary
Despite the first night over-indulgence, the weekend held plenty of opportunities for more cheese consumption. Villars is a ski-in, ski-out destination, and there are plenty of spots to top up your cholesterol between runs. In just three days I managed two cheese-based rostis, two fondues, one carbonara, cheese dumplings and, of course, the raclette feast.
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If you want a weekend focused on skiing, rather than cheese (each to their own) there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Villars. With 125km of ski runs that peak at 2,100m, even the most accomplished skiers will struggle to cover it all in one trip.
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If you’re a beginner, check yourself into the excellent ski school, or if you’re really short on time, get an instructor for the day. Starting from around 300 Swiss Francs (just over £200) for a private lesson, if you team up with a few friends you’ll get that up-close-and-personal attention that will take you from snowplough to freestyle ski star in no time. By the end of my day with the wonderful Andreas, I had (almost) mastered parallel turns, and more importantly, I’d mastered climbing back up after a fall.
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And so to après ski. There’s nothing more satisfying after a hard day’s skiing (/falling down and pulling yourself back up) than a glass of wine (and let’s face it, a slice of cheese). L’Arriveé bar is happily situated at the top of town, so you can ski straight to the door after a day on the slopes and have a drink in hand within minutes. There are several excellent local red wines on offer: get there early to get a seat in amongst the lively trainee ski instructors.
The Details
Villars is at the heart of the Vaud Alps, at an altitude of 1,300 metres. On a clear day you’ll be able to see from Lake Geneva right across to Mont-Blanc. At 115km from Geneva, weekend skiers can be off the plane and on the slopes in no time.
The Details
The public transport links are excellent: and the views breath-taking, as long as you have a head for heights.
Fly to Geneva from London City Airport with Swiss Air for a stress-free flying experience.
The Details
Where To Stay
The four star Eurotel Victoria is easily accessible, just five minutes from the town's bus and rail station.
This was the view from my room.
The Details
What To Eat
Cheese. Of course. Or if cheese isn't your thing, I had the best steak of my life at La Rôtisserie des Alpes. Order the pavé de boeuf.
With thanks to London City Airport and Switzerland Tourism .
