A WINTER WONDERLAND

Mountain resorts aren't just for skiers. With its scenery, spas and good food, Swiss getaway Villars-surollon is magical even if you never hit the slopes

- 

A two-hour train ride from Geneva, the ski resort of Villars isn’t as well-known abroad as pricey Verbier and Zermatt. But for those in the know that is, the Swiss it’s a brilliant place to head for a winter break.

If you do ski, there’s plenty to entice. Together with the linked ski areas of Gryon and Les Diablerets, Villars has more than 100km of slopes for all levels, even absolute beginners. But if you don’t ski, you can still have a brilliant winter wonderland-style holiday here. Whether you sip cocktails with friends in cosy bars or soak up scenic views of the snow-dusted Vaud Alps, you'll find something fun to do...

TAKE A WOODLAND WANDER

Even though this is a snow holiday, that doesn't mean it has to involve adrenaline. Strap on rented snowshoes and follow the marked path towards Lac des Chavonnes for a more gentle experience through the landscape. It isn't long before the bustle of the ski slopes fades away. Nothing's more atmospheric than walking down a tree-lined trail, last night's snow falling soundlessly from branches onto the white ground.