Leysin Ski Resort Switzerland
Leysin ski resort is a popular snow holiday location in canton Vaud, Switzerland. Leysin combines with Les Mosses - La Lécherette to form an extensive ski region accessible by train from nearby Montreux via Aigle.
The ski resort has a more than respectable skiable vertical of 855m & over 100km of piste trails to explore, stretched across over 12km of mountains. The on-piste terrain is perfect for beginners & intermediates with only a small amount rated for advanced. The Leysin ski sector is connected to the Les Mosses - La Lécherette sector by a free shuttle bus.
Being situated in an incredible mountain landscape dominated by the precipitous 2,331m peak of Tour d'Aï, advanced & expert off-piste powder hunters should spend their time exploring the amazing routes off the 2,048m La Berneuse peak and the resort's highest lifted point (2,200m) from the top of the Chaux de Mont chairlift. Once the snow is tracked, unless wanting to sample some backcountry descents, it is probably best to head to head off and explore the gnarly freeride terrain at nearby Glacier 3000, or take the train to the opposite side of the Rhone valley & seek out the pleasures of Portes du Soleil at Champery!
Before we visit & add information to this overview, check out the ski trail map for Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette below.
Lift passes in the region are well-priced, and anyone with a Magic Pass can ski here for free! (Well not actually free, but once one has purchased a Magic Pass it kinda feels like it.)
Pros & Cons for Leysin Ski Resort
Pros
- Fantastic off-piste terrain in the La Berneuse sector of the resort.
- Extensive on-piste terrain for improving beginners & lower intermediates.
- Wonderful sidecountry terrain available from the Chaux de Mont.
- Good value lift pass price (considering one is in Switzerland).
- Accessible by train to Leysin from Geneva airport.
- Wide variety of accommodation available in Leysin village.
Cons
- Limited on-piste trails for advanced & expert skiers/snowboarders.
- Relatively low altitude ski area.
- Aging lift infrastructure.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- Widely dispersed village of Leysin caters to a high number of visitors relative to the size of the ski resort.
- Leysin village is close to Geneva.
- Ski-in ski-out accommodation available.
Where is Leysin Switzerland?
The Leysin ski resort is located above the village of the same name, less than 30min by train from the Rhone valley town of Aigle. The gateway airport is Geneva (GVA), 122km (1½hr) west of the resort by road via a circuitous route around Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) and through Montreux.
The recommended mode of travel to the ski resort is by train. From the Geneva airport, direct trains to Aigle (direction Brig) leave every hour through the day and take 1⅓hr. If staying in Montreux prior to skiing, Aigle is only a 10min train ride from the city. From Aigle, regional trains depart regularly from the ‘outside platforms’ to trundle up the main street to Leysin - a truly bizarre sight! Depending on where one is staying in Leysin, either of three railway stations can be utilised to access the town - Leysin Village, and the higher elevation Versmont or Leysin Feydey. All are close to the centre of the village but check which is the most convenient to your accommodation.
Search & book train tickets to Aigle & Leysin.
Leysin Accommodation
The village of Leysin is spread across 3km of mountainside below the ski resort. A multitude of 3-star hotels are prevalent in the village, many close to ski lift bases.
Search & book all Leysin ski accommodation.
If simply considering Leysin as a day trip destination by train, the next best alternative to staying in Leysin itself would be to base oneself in Montreux. Glam it up & check out the prices in one of the Grand Hotels!
Search & book Montreux accommodation.
Ski Rentals & Lessons
Ski rentals are available with our partners in Leysin village. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Leysin Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
[AdListings Filter="Leysin Guiding"]
Review
The Powderhounds will review Leysin in the coming season! We viewed it from across the valley at Villars-Gryon-Diablerets and were impressed with the amount of adventurous looking off-piste terrain in the resort. We will add more info following our visit. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
In the meantime, see how different European ski resorts that we have reviewed compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.
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