Chalet Ormont-Dessus

Five of us spent a lovely week in this cosy, unostentatious, family chalet, situated about 5 minutes by car (15 minutes walking) to the centre of the village. Chalet was clean, sunny and warm. Nice to have an open fire and also the use of a large garage so we could keep the skiis on the roof of car. Chalet would be a comfortable fit for 6 adults and is a reasonable price for high season, in that location. There was very little snow during our stay but about three runs were open on the glacier and three in Villars so a car is advised, as the owner says. Quickest way to Villars is over the Col de la Croix. (Officially closed in winter but check with someone in the know. A 4x 4 is advisable.) Communication good and very prompt. We walked around Lake Retaud then on up to the Restaurant Marneche at top of gondola lift from Les Diablerets. Had good hamburgers for 10 Chf each on panoramic terrace. Had delicious pizzas in restaurant close to Coop. Without exception we encountered, polite, professional, helpful people. Everything is fantastically well organised in Switzerland and fantastically expensive too! Visit to Lavey les Bains outdoor thermal baths is a must.

Recycling is a big thing in Switzerland so sorting rubbish is important. (Tip: yellow 17 L rubbish only bags can be purchased individually from the tourist information office for 1Chf). Tourist office extremely helpful re: different lift passes and places to go as was Holiday ski with all our equipment. (Tip: if you can't make it back to chalet in time, public loos in village are situated down the outside stairs at Maison de Commune!

We rented a 4 x 4 through Thrifty (Hertz) in arrival terminal at Geneva airport (Swiss side, to save hassle). Good car, straight forward transaction and easy shuttle to the underground parking for rental cars. Easy journey to Les Diablerets on motorway then mountain road from Aigle. Equally, easy to get there by rail from airport via Aigle. Great six days. Would definitely go to the Chalet Royal again.