If sheer drops are your ski nirvana, the new ‘Black Wall’ at Glacier 3000 will make you pop!
Officially inaugurated this week, the new slope – with a maximum gradient of 46 degrees (104%) – joins the ranks of the steepest groomed slopes in the world and is definitely experts only!
The challenging three-kilometre drop links the summit (3,000m) to the valley station (1,546m) at Col du Pillon… you get to it through the new 265m tunnel that’s been cut through the mountain.
The run’s located at Pierres Pointes – a ski area between 1963 and 1999 which was well-loved by locals.
It’s also a big nod to forward planning, as global warming makes the future of skiing on the Tzanfleuron Glacier unsure.
Glacier 3000 already has the Combe d’Audon (7km run), an eight km red run, and…the new Black Wall (6km).
I didn’t take on this new nerve-buster, but I did ski the rest of the glacier runs, which window-wiped the stresses of the day away.
The Tissot Peak Walk was also worth a look. The suspension bridge hangs between two mountain peaks, and rewards the 100 step shlep to the top with a birds eye view of the mountains.
Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets are connected, and there’s 104 km of slopes, ranging from 1200 metres to 2113 metres, along with snow parks and cross-country tracks.
And if you want to ski into the darkness, there’s new night lights on the cross-country tracks in Les Diablerets … so you can keep sliding.
Getting here is easy, with regular flights to Geneva – catch an early one and you could be skiing at Villars by afternoon, as it’s close by.
The charm of taking the mountain train up to the usually sunny slopes also adds to the adventure.
Ideal for early skiers, and ‘keen to improvers’, the resort is good for building confidence, with 84 kms of slopes progressing steadily from cruisy blues to wide, view-blessed reds and tree-lined tracks a plenty.
You can also indulge your inner VIP by booking a stay at a palace!
Built in 1913, the Villars Palace is newly refurbished and its friendly team ensure a five-star stay, with fine dining, heated outdoor pool and a luxury spa.
It’s a royal treatment all the way, and every opportunity to relax in this comfy, classy accommodation, which – best of all – has great views of the mountains.
FACT BOX
Getting There
For flight info’ see Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
The airline offers more than 160 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London Gatwick (seasonal) to Zurich or Geneva.
One-way fares start from £76 to Zurich and from £54 to Geneva.
Your first set of ski, or snowboard equipment and boots, is carried free of charge in addition to your standard free baggage allowance subject to availability (excluding hand-luggage-only fares).
Getting Around
The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on consecutive days across its system’s rail, bus and boat network.
It also covers scenic routes and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities, and includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which allows you free entrance to 500 museums and exhibitions.
Prices start from £186 for a three-day second-class ticket.
Ski Hire in Villars: Daetwyler Sports
Cross-country ski hire in Les Diablerets: Jacky Sports
See More: Visit MySwitzerland.com
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.