From Villars-sur-Ollon, take the local train to Col du Bretaye. The carpet of snow glitters so brilliantly that it almost obscures your vision. Hiking, especially with snowshoes, is an absolute must here. You can easily rent them at the top of the mountain; the ski/snowshoe rental is right next to the station, so you can't miss them.

Don't be cocky: put on your snowshoes! The Swiss were born with hiking in their blood, so don't take their advice at face value. What they do in two hours easily takes us Dutch 2,5 hours. And what they find easy, we find easy. In this case, always go the extra mile.

Follow the pink signs and set off. Although this is a ski area already well-established for skiing, the hiking trails are considerably quieter. You'll reap the rewards: peaceful walks with stunning views. Occasionally, you'll cross a piste; for less experienced hikers, this can be a bit of a sweaty-handed experience, but with snowshoes and poles, it's perfectly manageable.

Take a break along the way with hot chocolate and a piece of cake, and you'll be refreshed for the rest of your journey. Of course, you can also just strap on your skis and enjoy a beautiful stretch of downhill runs.

It is about an hour's drive away outdoor highlight Glacier 3000The gondolas will whisk you upwards, and at 3.000 meters, you can truly let loose as an outdoor enthusiast. Strap on your skis? Check. Go hiking? Check (just make sure you bring your own ski boots this time). Go dog sledding, snowboarding, or cross the suspension bridge (in grand terms: the Peak Walk by Tussot). The sky's the limit.