Enjoy spectacular sceneries and a string of breath-taking activities in this winter wonderland
Located in the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland, the beautiful Canton of Vaud is the ideal place to enjoy a winter holiday, with its beautiful cities providing the opportunity to explore the region’s cultural, historical, and gastronomic heritage.
Connecting Lake Geneva to the Alpine summits and the high Jura plateaus, the region of Vaud stretches over a varied territory with stunning sceneries.
PERFECT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
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 of Vaud abounds with routes that are suitable for families, whatever the age of your children.
Most resorts are equipped to offer the little ones their first experience with winter sports in a fun way. The recreation area of Frience promises unforgettable moments thanks to its wide slopes, its sledge zone and its ski-lift that 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 with your family. In Gryon, they can even practice Skijöring, which is an activity combining skiing and horse-drawn carriage.
FUN OUTINGS AFTER SUNSET
Winter nights in the region of Vaud are long with plenty of entertainment, including the outdoors. These activities are often enhanced with tasty local produce so that you can take nourishment before.
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 Switzerland even during the night. The Tobogganing Park in Leysin guarantees an adrenaline rush and laughter 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, the streets are enhanced with glittering garlands and other multi-coloured decorations for children and adults’ delight. Christmas markets also take over the public space during this time, 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.
PAMPERING FOR THE BODY, MIND AND THE SOUL
The Canton of Vaud will leave you 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 renowned for their therapeutic qualities, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, treatments and massages – all there to pamper visitors.
The region’s gastronomy boasts an impressive number of Michelin starred chefs, but it’s also famous for its traditional refreshment bars and mountain restaurants. Wine tasting in one of the vineyards is simply a must.
Vallée de Joux is one of the cradles of high-end Swiss watchmaking, while the museums are renowned for their vast and high-quality offer. The Vaud Museum of Fine Arts (MCB-A), the Alimentarium, the Olympic Museum, Chaplin’s World, the National Museum of Prangins, the Castle of Chillon, Espace horloger and the Roman Museum of Avenches have an eye-opening cultural offer up for grabs.
About the region of Vaud (Lake Geneva region), Switzerland
Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland in its French-speaking region between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the region of Vaud is a dream vacation destination. The region is served by Geneva international airport, which is a short 40-minute train ride away from Lausanne. The region boasts a strong infrastructure including luxurious and affordable accommodation and a well-connected transportation system. The region features beautiful towns such as Lausanne, the Olympic Capital and Montreux Riviera, all steeped in centuries of history and culture. It has influenced and inspired many artists over the years from Lord Byron, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Vaud region is best known for its art of living, local and internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, world class gastronomy, traditions, and culture.
