Located in the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland, the beautiful Canton of Vaud is the ideal place to enjoy the perfect winter holiday.
Connecting Lake Geneva to the Alpine summits and the high Jura plateaus, the region of Vaud stretches over a varied territory with stunning sceneries.
There are many recreational activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, hiking and snowshoeing to share beautiful moments in the great outdoors. The region abounds with routes that are suitable for families.
Most resorts are equipped to offer children their first experience with winter sports in a fun way. The recreation area of Frience with its wide slopes, sledge zone and ski-lift is unique in Switzerland. In the Pays-d’Enhaut, the Barbapapa area will appeal to young sledding fans, while the Jardin-d’Oex Neige and its leisure park will delight aspiring skiers.
The sled trails of Les Diablerets and Les Avants and the frozen lakes of the Vallée de Joux and other ice rinks promise memorable fun, and magnificent downhill runs.
At the Col des Mosses or in Les Diablerets, dog-drawn sled tours are a great way to discover the snow-covered landscapes. In Gryon, families can even practice Skijöring, an activity combining skiing and horse-drawn carriage.
Winter nights in the region of Vaud are long with plenty of entertainment, including the outdoors. These activities are enhanced with tasty local produce.
Saint-Cergue, a village nestling in the Jura mountains, L’Orient in Vallée de Joux and La Forclaz near Les Diablerets, in the heart of the Alps, offer lit ski slopes for night-time skiing.
The resort of Les Diablerets operates one of the longest toboggan runs in the country even during the night. The Tobogganing Park in Leysin guarantees an adrenaline rush while zipping down its bobsleigh-inspired slopes on an air chamber.
Snowshoe hiking in the Montreux-Riviera region is a magical experience as the mountain falls silent at night. An aperitif of local products and a magnificent sunset await at the foot of a mountain called Rochers-de-Naye. In les Pléiades, the Lantern path ends with a delicious fondue or a dish of rösti.
As soon as it’s Advent, Christmas markets take over the public spaces, where one can browse the stalls in search of a gift or a local culinary specialty, go and greet Santa, or see him fly in the evening sky with his sleigh.
The Canton of Vaud will leave visitors spoilt for choice when it comes to spas, from hotels – luxury or for families – to the spas in Lavey-les-Bains, Yverdon-les-Bains, Villars and Vallée de Joux. Swimming pools and spas are renowned for their therapeutic qualities, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, treatments and massages.
The region’s gastronomy boasts a number of Michelin-starred chefs, but it’s also famous for its refreshment bars and mountain restaurants.
Vallée de Joux is one of the cradles of high-end Swiss watchmaking, while the museums are renowned for their high-quality offer.
Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland in its French-speaking region between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the region is served by Geneva international airport, which is a 40-minute train ride away from Lausanne.
