Les Diablerets

This small resort (3,806 feet) lies at the base of the 10,525-foot peak of the same name—which sheds the dramatic namesake 9,840-foot glacier. The village was named after a folklore tale of devils that played skittles among the desolate glacier peaks. A compact handful of hotels, shops, and steep-roof chalets are strung along a winding road. The valley brightens only when sun finds its way over crags and crests, which may be why skiing is guaranteed year-round and the Swiss team trains here in summer. To get here from Villars during those warm months, car travelers can cut along spectacular heights on a tiny 13% grade road over the Col de la Croix (5,832 feet). Keep an eye out for packs of mountain bikers pushing their way across the pass.