Geschichte und Kultur

The first traces of activity go back to the 12th and 13th centuries. An intense demographic upsurge motivated the monks from the Abbey of Saint-Maurice to help the peasants who had set out to systematically conquer the mountain pastures. It was precisely at that time that man had considerably expanded the high alpine grass lands. Every mountain pasture conquered and cleared in this manner turned into a real treasure that the peasants passionately defended against the encroachments of their neighbours. Legend has it that the peasants of Ollon appeared as fierce in the defence of their mountain pastures in the courts of justice as on site against the invasive trees. In 1750, the mountain "dixains" (Villars, Chesières, Huémoz) requested to form a separate town, this idea was opposed by the Bernese lords. In 1889, the municipality demanded the archives of the "dixains" in order to add them to those of Ollon: the town became henceforth one indivisible entity.

The years of skiing...

Long ago, the mountain dwellers considered the snow, to be sad, cold, dismal and hostile. Today, skiing has changed that vision of the mountains and the snow has become a synonym for beauty, light and joy.

How far back do we have to look to find the beginning of skiing in Switzerland? It is known that in 1873, a physician from Davos, Dr. Spengler, received a pair of Lapp skis from one of his Norwegian relatives. The first attempt was a disaster and there was no next time. Other precursors made attempts but were quickly discouraged by the difficulties encountered, until the publishing in Berlin of a book by the explorer, Nansen, who recounted the crossing of Greenland on skis and provided much information on the techniques of the sport. Immediately, in various parts of Switzerland, enterprising young people set about making skis based on the indications given by Nansen and rushed to the slopes.

Villars had to wait for the building of the train to Bretaye in 1913, before skiing could really be developed. The slopes of the Bretaye region were quickly perceived as excellent for the exploitation of this activity. In 1936, the first ski lift was built at the combe on Chaux Ronde. This was a first in Switzerland, a ski lift on which the skiers were obliged to fasten themselves with a large leather belt in order to go back up the mountain. On 13 December 1936, the Orient Express specially stopped in Aigle for the monster slalom baptised "Kingdom of the great joys of skiing in winter" organised at Bretaye. The same year a ski lift was built in the form of a sledge that could accommodate 12 people for transporting the tourists to the peak of the Grand Chamossaire. These sledges were in use until 1953.

In 1932, there was no means to transport skiers up to Bretaye. The lessons were given behind the Palace on the former golf course. Classes were made up of more than 50 people. A half-day group lesson cost CHF 5.00, and a private lesson cost CHF 7.00. Sometimes by the time the last skier managed to put on his skis, the lesson was over!

In 1938, Villars was classified as one of prime resorts of Europe. Given its lead, many Swiss ski clubs came to practice in our resort. Villars became number one among winter sport resorts... unfortunately nine months later, war broke out and had as its immediate consequence: empty rooms in the grand hotels of the region.

Fortunately, brighter years followed this difficult period. Villars saw the blossoming of champions like Olivia Ausoni, Jean-Daniel Dätwyler, Cantova... and became what it is today, a family resort appreciated and enjoyed by children and adults alike.