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Skiing from Lausanne
January 4, 2024Located 50 kilometres from the Alps, Lausanne can well serve as the starting point for all those who enjoy skiing. We prepared for you a list of possibilities to hit the snowy slopes from the town.
Les Paccots, above Vevey
It’s the resort that’s closest to Lausanne. The village of Les Paccots is located at an altitude of 3,481 feet (1,061 metres), in the pre-Alps of the canton of Fribourg. This family-friendly ski resort offers 11 ski lifts, amongst which Le Pralet that takes you up to 5,144 feet (1,568 metres). A total of 12.4 miles (20 kilometres) of slopes await you.
Many events are also regularly organised. Speeding down the slope by torchlight, setting off for a moonlight snowshoe hike or skating to frenzied rhythms are all possible in Les Paccots and will provide unforgettable experiences.
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Practical information:
It will take you 50 minutes to reach Les Paccots from Lausanne using public transport. Board the S9 train to Palézieux, then the S50 to Châtel-St-Denis. From the train station, bus no 492 will take you to the village. By car, it will take you 30 minutes. Head towards Montreux on the motorway. After Vevey, follow Bern/Fribourg and exit at Châtel-St-Denis, Les Paccots.
Leysin, in the Vaud Alps
First Alpine resort closest to Lausanne, Leysin’s slopes let you reach an altitude of 7,210 feet (2,200 metres). You’ll enjoy a magnificent view on the Rhone Valley from La Berneuse and its revolving panoramic restaurant. For thrill-seekers on skis or snowboard, the resort offers a permanent snowpark and ski-cross slope. In the village, you can race down steep slopes, seated on an inner tube, in the Toboganning Park.
Part of the same ski area as Leysin, Les Mosses remains a good alternative for beginners. This family resort has slopes for all levels at attractive prices!
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Practical information:
Leysin is easy to access by train from Lausanne. The journey takes an hour and a quarter, changing in Aigle.Allow an hour for the journey by car. Take the motorway to Aigle; Leysin is indicated after the exit.
Villars-Gyron-Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000
This exceptional ski area comprises three resorts: Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets. Be ready to ride over 112 km (69.6 miles) of slopes, with breathtaking views! You’ll also be able to enjoy Glacier 3000 and its slopes, which are the highest in the Vaud Alps… and walk across the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two summits! The Peak Walk – 170 metres long and 80 cm wide (185 yards long by 31 inches wide) gives you a great viewpoint on the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Jungfrau.
And why not try out one of the longest toboggan runs in Switzerland? In Les Diablerets, a 7.2-km (4.35-mile) run will let you fully enjoy a crazy ride!
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Practical information:
You’ll reach Les Diablerets from Lausanne by train in less than an hour and a half: there is a single change, in Aigle.
By car, it will take you 60 minutes. Head towards Aigle on the motorway. The resort is well signposted after the exit.
Champéry and the Portes du Soleil
The Valais resort of Champéry is a good way to access one of the largest ski areas in Europe: the Portes du Soleil. With 370 miles (600 km) of slopes, you can ski in both Switzerland and France on a single pass. Very good skiers will love tackling the Pas de Chavanette, AKA “The Swiss Wall”: a very steep slope (76% incline) with bumps measuring up to 6.5 feet (2 metres).
In a much more Zen and relaxing atmosphere, you can also take part in a yoga session facing the Mont Blanc, enjoy the pleasure of dog sledging or try your hand at curling… Many activities are on offer and there is something for everyone!
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Practical information:
The train takes an hour and a half from Lausanne. Board a first train to Aigle, then change for Champery and exit at the last station.
Allow 55 minutes by road. Take the motorway towards Martigny. Exit at St-Triphon and follow directions for Monthey, then Troistorrents and finally Champéry.
The Chalet-à-Gobet
When snow starts to fall, this is THE place to be in Lausanne: located only 30 minutes away from the city centre by public transport, Chalet-à-Gobet is the perfect spot for snowball fights and sledding!
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Practical information:
Opening depends on snow conditions and weather forecast.
For further information, call +41 21 315 49 28
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