Verbier may have a name as a freeride paradise; it’s renowned for its steep pistes and easily accessible off-piste, but don’t let that fool you. Verbier offers great skiing for everyone, from the intermediate skier who wants to progress onto steeper runs, to expert freeriders. Here’s our guide to Verbier for every type of skier:
Total Beginners
Did you know Verbier has its own dedicated beginner slopes? Les Esserts is located in town, just off the main ski area and is easily accessible by bus. If you’ve never skied before it’s the perfect place to clip in for the first time and learn the ropes. Slope gradients range from totally flat to gently sloping and your lift options are either a magic carpet (kind of like a big conveyor belt that you stand on to be transported up the slope) or, once you’ve mastered your snowplough turns, a drag lift that takes you to a slightly longer, steeper slope.
Intermediate Skiers
If you’re eager to get up into the mountains, Verbier offers two areas that are perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Both Lac des Vaux and La Chaux are home to two chairlifts and a number of wide, mellow pistes, which aren’t too long or hard on the legs! Both areas can also be accessed by lift from the top of the Medran, so if you want to miss out some of the steeper pistes on the way there or back, you can. However, the best thing about these two areas is that they provide a true mountain experience without getting too hairy: mellow skiing, great views and some of the best restaurants in resort. La Chaux is home to Le Dahu, which is renowned for its pizzas, while in Lac des Vaux you’ll find the Cuckoo’s Nest, which is known for, wait for it… frogs’ legs!
Families
Once your kids are off the beginner slopes, Verbier has so much to offer for families. As well as being home to gentle pistes, La Chaux also houses a snowcross course and a snowpark, which will provide little skiers and snowboarders with hours of fun. A row of small green jumps and wide boxes are perfect for kids and big kids alike to play on! The quieter and slightly more laid back runs in Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz also offer great family skiing. The ski from the top of Savoleyres to the La Tzoumaz gondola is a little bit longer for that extra challenge and kids will love skiing through the forest.
Advanced
If you’re comfortable on your skis, why not try doing the Four Valleys tour? It’s got lots of varied terrain and is excellent for confident skiers who want to explore the areas outside Verbeir. Start off by warming up your legs on the infamous bumps of Tortin, which lead you down to Siviez. From Siviez you can then ski via Veysonnaz all the way over to Thyon and back. If you have time you can even pop down to Nendaz for a few runs. Skiing the entire Four Valleys easily takes a whole day, and make sure you’re prepared for lots of drag lifts! But the pistes are pristine and quiet, and the views are spectacular. Once you get over to Veysonnaz you can see right across the Rhone Valley, which is always a sight to behold.
Powder Hunter
If you’re looking to challenge yourself and find some fresh powder, Verbier is the ideal place. The Four Valleys is home to world-famous lift-accessed peaks such as Mont Fort and Mont Gele, as well as eight itineraries, which are ungroomed, off-piste runs that are patrolled for safety. When it’s not snowed for a while they can get pretty bumpy, but on a fresh powder day, if you get there early enough you’ll be sure to find fresh tracks. If you’re skiing off-piste, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and never go down an itinerary if it’s closed. If you’re serious about powder hunting, we recommend you book a lesson with an instructor who is qualified to take you; they’ll keep you safe and find the best places to ski for your ability level. (https://europeansnowsport.com/private-ski-lessons/)
European Snowsport is proud to provide ski lessons to Ski Armadillo guests. We specialise in private lessons for adults and private or group lessons for kids. We’re able to cater to all levels of skier and snowboarder, whether you want to learn the basics, work on your carving technique or find the best powder on the mountain. Get in touch if you’d like to book some lessons with us! (Contact European Snowsport/)