Villars gondola upgraded

10th October 2006, by Chris Gill

Visitors to Villars, Switzerland, will benefit from faster access to the slopes when the newly-upgraded gondola opens this winter.

The Roc d’ Orsay gondola has always provided the main alternative to the cog railway on the other side of town and is, as a consequence, very popular. Originally installed in 1959 and renovated in 1984, the four-person cabins have been replaced with swanky new eight-seaters this year. This will reduce the ride time between the village and Roc d’Orsay (2000m) by seven minutes and increase the capacity to 2000 passengers per hour. The new gondola is expected to open on 16 December. From the top station, a choice of runs takes you to the main Bretaye sector, then onwards towards Gryon or Les Diablerets.

Villars is generally regarded as a good family ski area and, as last year, the resort is offering free area lift passes to all children under 9 years old. Other family incentives include a free welcome programme for beginners at the Palace Snow Kindergarten. The snow garden is well-stocked with rope tows, moving carpets and a carousel for the little learners.

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