European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 25, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                S w i in and paraglider get the ultimate View of Villars Switzerland. A amps photos by Dave Casey this paraglider above runs downhill rather than using skis to get a Start. The Road right leads from the Valley up to the ski resort. Resort offers skiing lifestyle for everyman by Chuck Roberts. A staff writer Villars is like the Denny s of he ski world. It s a place where a family of four can get a satisfying Day of skiing for an affordable  does t have the Chic clientele or the enormous Ness of Switzerland s nearby crans Montana which is just Fine with skiers like Hope Marshall. She was so attracted to the Laid Back atmosphere of Villars after her first visit that the Sussex England native bought an apartment there with her. Friends. The prices weather Friendly people Short lift lines and tons of Good intermediate skiing have kept Marshall coming Back the past seven years. Quot in general i think it s for everybody Quot Marshall said. Located about 30 minutes from Monteux Villars offers 120 Kilometres about 75 Miles of marked ski runs accessible by 45 ski lifts. Lift tickets Cost 38 francs about $25 for adults and 23 francs about $15 for children. That s the Best Deal available in a country known for High Price tags said Janet Chiplin a native of Cardiff Wales who researched All the major ski resorts in Switzerland before choosing Villars. It was the perfect Choice Chiplin said after finishing her morning ski class. Quot excellent ski class Quot Chiplin said. Quot i a improved More on this Holiday than any  but. Villars in t just for beginners. The skiing is challenging enough to satisfy More advanced skiers like Daniele Rheault an employee at one of the resort s restaurants who skis about one hour every Day. Rheault came to visit a Friend who lived in Villars about five years ago. The Friend left but Rheault is still there. After five years of skiing at Villars the Canadian native said she still enjoys herself on the slopes. Quot it s Beautiful to look at Quot Rheault said. Quot it s quiet and the people Don t go too fast Quot a with an abundance of beginner and intermediate slopes Villars looks like it was built for the average skier who does no to like it too Steep or too bumpy. And Snow conditions Don t have to be perfect for Good skiing. Although much of the lower half of the ski resort has As much grass As Snow there is still plenty of Good skiing. Available on the upper half. And for a few dollars More you can buy a lift ticket that gives you Access to 500 Kilometres 310 Miles of trails and 150 lifts. But for those who just want to go Upland have a look around they can take the train that leaves from downtown for some great views. Skiers will want to take the Roc d orsay Cable car because it s the fastest Way to the top and offers ample parking space. There Are plenty of chairlifts and gondolas at Villars but like Many ski resorts in Europe there Are just As Many to bar and Pommel lifts that require you to ski Back up the Mountain. Skiing up and Down the Mountain can take More out of your legs at the end of the Day. Chiplin. Said she was always too tired to Check out the night life Quot after a Day on the  those with some Energy left at the end of the Day Villars offers an Active night life said Esther Bellinger who works at the tourist information office. Bellinger recommends Charlie s bar the Bridge pub and Al Ringo and new Sam for disco. New Sam is huge and modern and Al Ringo is smaller and always packed with. Locals. Travellers tips a a Best time to go the resort is extremely Busy in december and most of february. January is Good and from March to easter is even better because of Spring skiing conditions and sparse crowds. A hotels hotel prices Range from about 50 francs about $33 per person to 270 francs $180 per person. The phone number for the tourist office is 025-353232 fax is 025-352794. A Chuck Roberts the skiing As Well As the Calm Beauty of Villars attracts Many. 4 Alik i at a so condos Are springing up in Villars. February 25, 1993 stripes Magazine 15