Villard de Lans

Villard de Lans ski area

The Villard-Corrençon skiing area is the largest (125km of pistes) and highest of all the Alpine areas of the Vercors (1,050m–2,050m). It offers a varied range of pistes for all abilities, ranging from slopes for beginners to the iconic Carole Montillet black piste. You can ski in open panoramas that extend as far as the eye can see, in craggy environments or in the fir and pine forests. A lot of the skiing is between the trees which makes it ideal in bad weather.

What's nice is that there is almost an equal number of slopes and km of slopes between green, blue, red and black slopes which means there literally is something for every ability!

The villages of Villard de Lans and Corrençon are also overlooked by the highest peaks in the mountain range: a paradise for downhill skiing! A skiing area with a 1,000m difference in altitude.

The topography of the Vercors is also ideal for cross-country skiing: on the plateau, the ski slopes follow the natural terrain, alternating forest landscapes with panoramic views. In fact, the ski resort boasts one of the largest downhill and Nordic skiing areas in Europe.

From family ski activities on wide slopes to more challenging skiing on the 1,000m of undulating slopes through snowy valleys and forest trails to the hilly fields and the powdery slopes of the 'Grand couloir' with its ungroomed runs plus the legendary Carole Montillet, there is something for everyone. The landscapes are spectacular and have been developed in keeping with an exceptional natural environment.

Villard de Lans skiing info

Beginners
There is a fun luge park in Villard de Lans at the 'Colline des Bains' on the edge of the village, ideal for families after some time on the slopes. Close to the same site, a skiing piste has been set aside for all young beginners with ESF lessons. The site has been designed especially for young children aged 3 to 4 (working towards their Ourson level). You can see the Colline des Bains from residence Le Splended, access is within walking distance (5 mins) or via a shuttle.

The ski area is slightly out of the village, further up the mountain, so to get to the slopes, you need to take a shuttle from the residence and then a chairlift. You'll find a beginners' area at the top of the Glovettes lift. Here you have a few short greens off a chairlift and a couple of draglifts. The Clots will take you back to the bottom of Glovettes lift where you can take the lift and start again! Once feeling more confident, there are a variety of short and long blues to test yourself on that lead off from the beginners' area. There is a blue taking you to the bottom of the Glovettes lift as well. You have a couple of longer blues from 1,920m and 2,029m that are easily accessible. A couple of lifts and runs takes you to the heart of the ski area, heading towards the Correncon side but still within easy access of Villard de Lans. Here you have quite a few blue runs, one of which links into a very long green run that will take you back to the start of the slopes in Villard de Lans, where you arrive on the shuttle bus. You are never far from home!

There is also a beginners' area in 'Villard Cote 2000' (3km away). From Le Balcon de Villard/Cote 2000 for learning to ski, the beginners’ area of 'Cote 2000' is for newcomers to skiing adults or children in a dedicated space with green and blue pistes. Accessible with the Villard Easy package pass. ESF kindergarten beginners are welcome at the Pré des Preys, which is reserved by ESF, at an altitude of 1,500m in a pleasant, safe and sunny setting - 4 ski lifts and 2 carpet lifts. Club Piou-Piou (3-4 years) with a heated chalet for snacks.

Intermediates
Intermediates are well catered for. As well as the above mentioned blue runs, there are a number of red runs that sit in between Villard de Lans and Correncon. One of our favourites was Canyon, which as it sounds is a relatively wide run that slips between an imposing rock face on one side, and trees on the other, with views over the Vercors plateau. Most are off of the Cretes chairlift. 

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Experts can lose themselves in the 'Espace FreeRide' just about 'Cote 2000' in Villard de Lans. As mentioned above, there are a number of reds to have fun on. For the more daring, there are various black runs including on the Correncon side. Choucas (Correncon) goes on the far outer edge of the mountain (as far across as you can go) and the Rhodo (Correncon) is a very lengthy black. Back in Villard de Lans you can find the C.Montillet black run off of the Pres des Preys gondola and the Chamois and E.Allais off of the Cote 2000 gondola. Sat in between the two resorts, you will find the Lievre Blanc and Ecalier. There is also an 'Espace FreeRide' in Correncon.

The freeriding space is made up of 3 old slopes that have been made safe (l’Epervier, Yellow, le Loup), some of which are marked to allow accessible and safe discovery of freeriding. There is a freestyle airbag in nearby Correncon.

The Freestyle area in 'Villard Cote 2000' is at an elevation of 1,520m at 'Les Près des Prey'. 1 freestyle discovery area open to all for a playful approach to the discipline.

Home runs
Follow Retour Village: marked green trail from the piste du Bourgon (blue) or des Clots (green) (opening subject to snow conditions). These come down from the top of the Glovettes and Pre des Preys lifts to the start of the slopes, where the shuttle bus arrives.

Mountain fun zones

On the lower pistes of Corrençon, at the 'Clos de la Balme', try the freestyle airbag, where you jump off a dedicated mound and land on a huge inflatable mattress. Activity open to all, offered during the February holidays (depending on the weather and snow). After nightfall on Wednesdays, before the torchlit descent by instructors. Managed access and minimum skiing ability required, assessed on the day by the organiser. Helmet required.

At the bottom of Villard Cote 2000, you can try the 'zone expérience', a dedicated area for fun activities: tubing, tubby jump, orienteering course and in the air, a 220m zipline with turns. The area is well equipped with a treadmill to facilitate access to the different activities. Minimum height is 1m10.

Nordic skiing

The Haut Vercors Nordic site, located on the edge of the largest Natural Reserve in France, is a cross country skiing paradise of 122km - everyone can find their comfort zone depending on their technique and level of expertise. Lovers of the great outdoors can push the limits of the site even further to the virgin spaces of the 'Hauts Plateaux du Vercors' natural reserve for a skiing adventure and nature that is all part of the experience.  The exceptional 'Espace Nordique du Haut Vercors' alpine and nordic skiing pistes are accessible on skis or using a free shuttle service. This vast area is often compared to northern Canada because of the beauty of its landscapes. It has Nordic France approval. 

It is accessible from 3 points of entry: 'Bois Barbu' in Villard de Lans, 'Les Hauts Plateaux' in Corrençon and 'Herbouilly' in St Martin en Vercors.

Artificial snow at each entry point means that from the first snowfall, ESF instructors can offer you an opportunity to discover snow or make progress in cross-country skiing and biathlon (an Olympic winter sport combining cross-country skiing and shooting) in the best possible conditions.

Nordic site Haut Vercors/Porte de Corrençon:

'Porte de Bois Barbu':
2 x green (5 & 10km)
4 x blue (2.2, 3.8, 5, 7km)
2 x red (5, 12km)
2 x black (1.2, 11.5km)

'Porte de Correncon':
1 x green (2km)
1 x blue (7.5km)
3 x red (3, 4, 7km)
1 x black (7km)

'Porte d’Herbouilly':
3 x green (1.5, 1.9, 3.3km)
2 x blue (4.5, 7.8km)
2 x red (6.3, 8.8km)
2 x black (9.1, 9.2km)

Dog-sled driving lessons, snowshoe trails, trails and shooting ranges for beginners and Biathlon competitions, the Nordic site is now open for many activities providing you with many new experiences!

Villard de Lans ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Villard de Lans ski hire and/or Villard de Lans lift pass with Peak Retreats. Please call us for prices. We work with Sport 2000 who have a shop both in the village of Villard de Lans and at the foot of the slopes.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Beginner pass (to buy locally):

Easy Domaine pass for beginners (Villard-Cote 2000):
Telecabine (gondola): Pre des Preys
Teleskis (drag): Bamby & Refuge 3
Telesiege (chairlift): Refuge & Jardin ESF (lessons)

Sector beginners pass green and blue tracks:
Access: by cable car Pré des Preys or Télésiège Glovettes
Pre des Preys cable car + Teleski Bamby + Teleski Refuge 3 + Chairlift Refuge + Kindergarten ESF (Course)

Villard de Lans group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book in Villard de Lans, with Peak Retreats.

Villard de Lans private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Villard de Lans for private lessons - 0033 476 95 10 94

Villard de Lans non-skiing childcare (not pre-bookable, book direct)

Villard de Lans has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please see more information on the Famille Plus label.

Garderie - Multi Accueil a la Maison des Oursons
Located in the village of Villard de Lans, the Maison des Oursons offers a welcome for our younger tourists (from 3 months to their 4th birthday). A team of professionals will take care of your young children and offer activities for their age. From Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm except holidays. 

Heath books needed.

How to book:
Please contact them direct for prices and to book. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times.

Garderie
0033 476 50 96 74

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Villard de Lans

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website

Snow Park with activities
The Colline des Bains (unique in the Alps), on the edge of the village, was the original venue for skiing at Villard-de-Lans. But now you can practice tobogganing, bobsledding, group 'snake' sledging and snow tubing. With 2 beginner's slopes for children and 5 sledging slopes (with conveyor belt lift), it offers varied activities with a well-deserved snack inside or on the south-facing terrace at the Maison de la Colline. While the children are enjoying themselves on the slopes, parents and grandparents can take the panoramic trail from the snow front to the peak of the Colline for a guaranteed 360° view of the village and its mountain landscapes! 

6 pistes and as many types of sledge to try out! For beginners and more experienced, there are six slopes and a range of original and innovative sledges: classic, with the steering wheel, side-by-side twin, face-down, sledges attached to each other... Change sledges to try another one (subject to availability)! Two ski lifts in the form of carpets for getting to the top of the slopes without effort. Every Wednesday during school holidays, come and enjoy the illuminated Luge Park in night sessions from 6 to 8pm. A free beginners’ skiing area for tiny skiers is also available there. ESF and its qualified instructors provide skiing lessons for young children during the holidays (children aged 3 to 4, working towards an Ourson).

Snowshoeing
50km of marked trails give the opportunity for all to discover snowshoeing in total freedom and safety. Map available at the Nordic centres. Trails from 0.8km to 26.8km take from 10 mins to 8 hours.

Airboard
The airboard is a fun inflatable sledge, manageable and usable by all. You can try it at Colline des Bains in Villard-de-Lans. Daily dependant on snow conditions.

Nordic walking
Originally from Scandinavia, pole walking offers a gentle workout for breathing and circulation and harmoniously exercises the whole body. Discover it alone or in a group.

Sledge dogs
Let these lovely Nordic dogs carry you in comfortable traditional sledges. With your family, partner or friends, an activity that will leave lasting memories. Maiden rides only. Booking required. Kennel tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm.

Torchlit descent
During the French school holidays, every Thursday in Villard de Lans and Wednesday in Corrençon, torchlit descent by ESF instructors followed by free mulled wine and a fireworks display.

Top activities to experience in Villard de Lans

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website

Igloo night
Whether as a family or with friends, take advantage of your vacation for a new experience: a mountain evening with dinner at the Auberge du Clariant and spend the night in an igloo! Every Saturday and Sunday.

Pony ride
Pony rides for children from 3 years. All year round, daily.

Market
All year round on Wednesdays. In the heart of the village of Villard de Lans, the marketplace is the perfect opportunity to discover regional products, experience village life as the locals do or simply stroll through the village streets.

Hot air ballooning
With the wind on your face, savour the magnificent scenery from above. Patrick Poussardin offers hot-air balloon lessons for beginners leaving from Villard/Corrençon to explore Vercors with a bird’s-eye view.
Open all-year-round, daily. Subject to favourable weather. Cancelled in case of bad weather.

Paragliding - VILLARD PARAPENTE
In the heart of the Vercros, in the Villard de Lans/Côte 2000 ski area, fulfil your dreams. Take off with Cédric, a state-qualified instructor, get a real bird's eye view of the Vercors plateau and its snow-capped mountains (Cornafion, Grande Moucherolle, the Gerbier ridge, etc.). 

Tandem paragliding flights from the top of the Cote 2000 cable car, landing at the bottom of the Villard slopes (an altitude drop of 600m). Flights possible on skis or on foot. We recommend you dress warmly (ski clothes).

Zone Experience
Discover several fun courses (tubing, tubby jump) with a 130m slope carpet, an orienteering course and, in the air, a 220m zipline with bends (1m10 minimum and closed shoes).

Leisure centre - swimming and ice rink
In the centre of Villard de Lans, the leisure centre includes the aquatic centre and its famous wave pool, the André Ravix ice rink, which plays host to ice hockey games from the local Les Ours (the bears) team, as well as the fitness and relaxation centre. All year round, whatever the weather, you will be able to enjoy this unique experience.
Swimming pool
Aquatic centre (Wave swimming pool, paddling pools, outside swimming pool (in summer), balloon party, aquaerobics) - no waves after 5pm.
Ice rink
With its 1800m² of ice, the ice rink can provide a welcome breath of cool air in summer as well as being an ideal addition to your winter sports activities.
As well as traditional public sessions throughout the year with the possibility of skating lessons, "Ice Party" sessions, loved by teenagers, have been added in the evenings. Light shows, smoke machines, DJ, entertainment and lots of prizes... a real "techno-disco" night guaranteed! Free for children below the age of 5. The use of a helmet is compulsory for children, and is advisable for beginners, as is the use of gloves. Helmet rental at the door.

Le Rex cinema
Newly revamped, Le Rex is a 360 seat cinema with 3D projection, screening international events, live shows...Screenings every day at 3pm, 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Open all year round.

Bowling
Villard de Lans 10-pin bowling alley is a great way to spend an evening (or afternoon!). Under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult. 

Boules
Played all year round on the indoor bowls pitch, depending on availability. Petanque pitch and competitions organised. Open all year round.

The Via Vercors paths
Gentle mountain path! It connects the various villages of the Quatre Montagnes plateau, all year long. Discover these accessible routes, adapted for various disciplines and available all year round!  A total of six sections are available, connecting Villard-de-Lans, Corrençon-en-Vercors, Lans en Vercors, Autrans, Méaudre, Saint-Nizier du Moucherotte and Engins.

You can even do a short additional loop from the Pont de l’Amour to the La Fauge waterfall! Refreshing in summer and icy in winter, it’s well worth the detour.

3 routes:

• Between Correncon en Vercors and Villard de Lans on foot - 8.5km
  Don’t miss the old luge track from the 1968 Olympic Games along the way.
• Through the gorges of Villard de Lans and Meaudre by electric bike - 10km
  Discover this portion of the Via Vercors, which will lead you through forest paths, wooden pontoons on stilts and its footbridges to make your way across the Méaudret river. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Vercors Lait Cooperative, famous for producing the famous Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage cheese. Option to continue to Autrans, though this will add another 9 km
• Take the former tram line between Villard de Lans and Lans en Vercors - 8km
   Almost completely flat Via Vercors trail. In the past, this path was used by the tram from Grenoble heading towards Villard, hence its very straight layout.

Casino
Every day throughout the year. The casino includes 50 slot machines, stud poker, blackjack, bar, restaurant. The casino is open until midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends. Entry prohibited to minors - ID required.

Frozen waterfall climbing
Climb frozen waterfalls with ice axes and crampons. For climbers of all ages. Courses available.

Horse riding
For beginners and more advanced riders, the Haras du Vercors stables are open throughout the year, in a welcoming new centre with an indoor arena. You could opt for discovery rides, lessons, courses and horseback tours in the snow.

Fatbike
Cycle in the winter! A fat bike is a mountain bike with wide tyres, which is suitable for tracks with or without snow. Guided outings, including at night. A new kind of winter sport. Give it a try!

Potholing
Discover the inner beauty of the Vercors (geology and karst), and become an explorer… A unique and rare adventure open to all above the age of 6. Beginners and the more experienced.

Tennis
Two indoor tennis courts, five outdoor courts, the possibility to play badminton. Note: variable opening depending on the weather.

Trampoline
Bam Freesports offers a trampoline, a large foam pool and a parkour space. Alone or with your friends, come for a laugh and loads of enjoyment. Jumping is fun!  Ages 8 and above - Booking recommended.

Wellbeing/beauty
The Spa of the Grand Hôtel de Paris*** in the centre of Villard, in a private property covering three hectares, come experience an unforgettable time where the watchwords are relaxation and well-being. The spa has a pool with massage nozzles and a counter-current swimming machine, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and Turkish baths. Get yourself pampered with the modelage or body treatments using Sothys products, have your eyelashes extended and/or coloured, get depilatory treatment etc. (professional beauty advice and gift vouchers available). 

The spa at the Hôtel des Clarines*** in the heart of Corrençon, in a contemporary and cosy mountain setting that uses natural materials, this warm and peaceful spa is also open to those who are not guests at the hotel. It offers care treatments and a relaxation area with a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. Its professional beauticians are trained in a variety of techniques and can provide modelage, body care and facial treatments. The Cinq Mondes and Deva beauty rituals will suspend time and fill your senses. 

Orienteering
There are 15 permanent orienteering circuits to discover in the villages all year round and were created following the organisation of the World Championships in 1996.

In winter, we recommend that you don snowshoes to go in search of the snowy markers. Go to the Tourist Office where the maps are on sale, equip yourself with a compass and go off the beaten track in search of the markers. There’s nothing to win, only the pleasure of exercising your brain and legs, as a team or as a challenge! Maps available at the Tourist Offices for individual use.

Villard de Lans news

What's new for the 24/25 season:

• Unique in France is this new activity in Villard-de-Lans guaranteed to thrill children of all ages. Ludipony invites families to spend time on the farm looking after miniature ponies – feeding, grooming and playing with them. Brushes, brooms, buckets, tractors, wheelbarrows, hay, water and watering cans all provided to ensure that the ponies are in tip top shape. During Christmas and February French school holidays,
• La Grande Odyssée returns to Isère is thrilled to welcome back La Grande Odyssée for the second year in a row. The annual international dog sledding race takes place over 10 days in January and three stages of the 250+ km race are staged in Isère in Les 7 Laux, Col de Porte and Villard-de-Lans.

Villard de Lans après-ski, restaurants & bars

There are about 15 bars and restaurants in Villard de Lans. There is also pub/club called 'Discotheque Le Koda' open all year around and the 'Hiboubox'.

Why not try:

• 'Le Mekong' – Asian cuisine
• 'Chez mamie' - in the heart of the village opposite the tourist office, eat in cosy gondola cabins in front of the restaurant or inside where you'll find friendly staff and a mountain menu with subtle French Caribbean influences.
• 'Le Ranch' - open every day all year round, with beautiful stone and exposed beam decoration and huge windows, when we ate there for the lunchtime service it was buzzing with families, skiers and locals. 
• 'Le Spot' - this is the newest place to hang out in Villard de Lans, on the main street and with big windows, this friendly relaxed café/bar shows the football, serves local craft beers, has board games to loan and is a great place to while away a late afternoon (it opens at 3pm). They even serve perfect sharing plates and snacks. 

'My Little Terroir' is a small restaurant, brunch, an English and Italian grocery store - and much more. Exclusive Sardinia Bioproducts. The restaurant is open nonstop during weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Fresh products (fresh fish, chopped steak), local products, eggs Bio "The farm egg " or sausages Bio of " Farm Hummingbirds " with homemade fries or mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, homemade desserts, Carrot cake, cheesecake, Banoffee Pie, Chocolate Pie and dessert of the day ... but also, find Italy in your plate: antipasti, cheeses, Italian meats over a good glass of wine, homemade ravioli (on request).

My LittleTerroir is also a small shop where you can find a product directly from producers Vercors Park, Italy and England to take on a picnic or to offer! 

You’ll find a selection from creperies, pizzerias, snack bars, Gourmet/Gastronomic restaurants, typical French Savoyarde restaurants, bars/cafes that line the bottom of the slopes etc.

Amenities

Many shops open all year round in Villard de Lans! 60 shops are even open on Sundays!

Various shops to buy regional products, bakeries (including an organic bakery), patisserie, fishmongers, cremerie, fruit/vegetable store, tea/coffee shop, charcuterie, épicerie, sports shops, pharmacy, vets, dentist, physiotherapists, doctors, opticians, osteopaths, tabac, clothing stores and, if you read French, there is a beautiful book shop. You really are spoilt for choice!

There is a 24/24h petrol station in Villard de Lans.

There are also general supermarkets – Superette Spar, Intermarche, Casino, Superette Proxi.

Vercors Lait Cooperative dairy are producers of Bleu du Vercors Sassenage AOP. This cheese is made according to a tasty recipe that is over six centuries old, which was revived in the 1990s by some ten producers. In addition to the iconic Vercors cheese, you will also find a host of other cheeses from the Dauphiné region: Col vert, Brique du Vercors, Saint-Marcellin, Saint-Félicien etc. Open every day in Villard de Lans

Getting to Villard de Lans, France

By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Villard de Lans is roughly 22 miles away (35km) in Grenoble (approx. 45 mins). You could also get the train to Valence, which is also served by the fast TGV from Paris. This is a similar distance from Villard de Lans as Grenoble is but Grenoble has more regular public buses to Villard.

4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 65 miles (105km), approx. 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 70 miles (114km), approx. 1hr 30
Geneva Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 115 miles (186km), approx. 2hrs 30
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 41 miles (66km), approx. 1hr

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

Bus transfers:
There is a regular public bus service from Grenoble bus station to Villard de Lans, which takes an hour. Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

Resort shuttles:
Villard de Lans - shuttles run between the centre of the village to the 'Cote 2000'/'Les Glovettes' alpine slopes and the 'Bois Barbu' cross-country skiing area. Corrençon en Vercors - several links every day between Corrençon and Villard and internally with the new shuttles, which can take you to the different hamlets within the village. Villard de Lans- Corrençon is approx. 5km.

Villard de Lans opening dates

See resort opening information