The ’80s
Although the ski industry was thriving, ski equipment did not undergo any major changes during the 80s. The great innovation of the decade was the success “snowboarding” gained in the Alps. Gradually, snowboarding would replace monoskiing on the slopes.
A favorable economic wind is once again stimulating the tourism boom. A frantic race begins between the ski resorts and the first snow cannons make their appearance.
In Villars, there is an unprecedented development in para-hospitality, as well as a notable modernization of tourist infrastructure and ski lifts. The construction of the two chairlifts “La Rasse-Charmet” and “Charmet-Chaux de Conches” significantly improves the connection with the Gryon area. These two facilities also provide direct access to the Meilleret-Diablerets ski area.
In the 1980s, the Swiss Ski School Villars continues to develop and becomes more professional. To assist the manager, the school now employs two secretaries who provide information to customers at the Bretaye and Villars offices. A qualified kindergarten teacher also works in the nursery. Michel Daetwyler leaves his post on a glorious note: The Swiss Ski School Villars is crowned Swiss Ski School Champion in 85. The following winter, Gustave Chable takes over the management of a structure with around forty instructors. This number doubles during peak periods.
During these years, the Swiss Ski School’s biggest development was the beginning of snowboarding. Some of the older instructors see it as a passing trend, while many young teachers are enthusiastic about this new form of skiing. It didn’t take long for them to learn each other’s trade, and in 1992 Alex Z’Berg became the first at the Swiss Ski School Villars to earn a snowboard licence.
The brand-new day-care on the Palace site is booming, and the Swiss Ski School Villars is expanding its offering, notably with the first “Swiss Ski Handicap” in 1980, a national concept of ski competitions open to all. Competition and freestyle workshops are also available. Paragliding makes its appearance in the Swiss Ski School’s catalogue, alongside snowboarding, ski-bob and monoskiing.
