Verbier Ski Resort

The Verbier ski resort is in a stunning Swiss village and has a serious ski obsession. It’s a Mecca for those wanting to ski and party hard, with a reputation of having some of the best terrain in Europe and a buzzing après-scene to match. With 410km of piste, a resort height of 3330m and plenty of off-piste opportunities, Verbier truly is the King of resorts.

Beyond the extreme, Verbier has just as much to offer off the slopes; from paragliding to pampering, snow-shoeing to shopping… the opportunities are endless This sleepy Swiss village transforms itself during the winter months into a multi-coloured Mecca of indulgence and fun. People may be attracted by the rumours, but they return for the skiing, with 412km of expertly groomed pistes in the 4 Vallees region, as well as the legendary backcountry powder.

The accessibility is what makes Verbier so popular, and you won’t be short of professional and experienced guides to help you explore every peak. The village itself is beautiful, but what makes it particularly special is the panoramic views from resort level, where you can see for miles down the valley.

If its luxury you’re after, Verbier’s reputation probably precedes itself. And once you arrive, it doesn’t disappoint. Retail therapy comes in the form of well-known brands and there are dozens of high quality restaurants to choose from. Bottles of champagne flow at the Farm Club, Farinet Lounge and Le Rouge, it’s no wonder the resort is the playground to Richard Branson and Prince William! It’s been said that Verbier is a drinking resort with a ski problem and it’s true the après scene is pretty lively. But you won’t be out of place if you came to enjoy a glass of excellent wine over an intimate dinner for two. Over-indulged? Unwind at one of the relaxing spas in town, or truly get some fresh air with an afternoon of parapenting or sledging down the 10km track in Savoleyres.

There’s a Verbier for everyone to enjoy, elevating the resort to world-class status. Families can enjoy the local swimming pool or outdoor trampolines, whilst groups of friends can socialise and relax after a long day on the slopes in one of the many choices of restaurants. So come and join us this winter on a ski holiday in the resort where nothing seems too much

Renowned skiing in unbeatable mountains

Verbier is part of the 4 Vallee ski area, linked by one pass, offering over 410km of ski runs. The village itself sits at 1500m, with the highest point of Mont Fort reaching 3330m (well worth a visit to see the stunning views across the Swiss valleys). Thanks to the altitude, the resort has an excellent snow record, and its southwest facing direction offers sunny skiing usually from December through to the end of April.

The skiing is world famous, with a reputation for having some of the best off-piste skiing you can find. Not only does it have some of the most challenging skiing the mountains have to offer, but there is a range of areas to suit beginners and intermediates alike, making it a great choice for those who want to perfect their technique as well as those who are still perfecting the snow plough! Beginners can learn the basics at Les Esserts, an ideal, gentle slope for learners and families, serviced by a draglift and ‘magic carpet’. There’s also a piste-side restaurant if you need to take a break after one too many falls. Le Rouge has a slightly steeper slope to help you master turns, and this area joins with the rest of the mountain so you can head up once you feel more confident on your skis and board. Heading up the Medran lift, Lac De Vaux and Le Chaux are great starting points for testing your new skills, whilst the area of Savoleyres is filled with wide, shallow slopes for practicing all day.

The sun hits this side of the mountain in the afternoon, softening up the snow and making for an enjoyable journey home. For the more experienced skier, Verbier really is a mountain playground, there’s always somewhere new to explore. The varied terrain across the whole of the four valleys allows you to ski groomed pistes, through the trees and off-piste all in one day. A great challenge is to head over to Thyon for the day, on the other side of Tortin…but make sure you get the last lift back to Verbier!

On the opposite side of the valley, Bruson is popular with intermediate skiers. A new lift from Le Chable allows visitors to Verbier an easy ride up the mountain, so its popularity looks to increase, especially on fresh powder days! There are plenty of ski itinerary routes for those in search of a challenge, including the popular Tortin descent, Mont Gele and Mont Fort (a must even if you choose to get the lift back down after witnessing the incredible views!). Advanced skiers will never tire of the opportunities available in Verbier.

As one of the world’s best off-piste resorts, more and more experience skiers are visiting the resort. What makes Verbier so great is the accessibility of the back-country, but it’s always worth using the services of a mountain guide (and taking suitable equipment) so you can really make the most of the mountains.  The Verbier Xtreme freeride competition takes place on the formidable Bec des Rosses and, if that inspires you, there are some fantastic heli-skiing opportunities too.

Apres-Ski

After a long day on the slopes, nothing quite beats that refreshing cold beer with friends, or a warm glass of Vin Chaud. Verbier is just as famous for its buzzing après scene as for its great skiing. Although it won’t be hard to find the fun, you may need some help deciding where to go. On your final run down the mountain, 1936 tends to call out for a pitstop before the end of the day. Sofas inside and sun loungers outside get packed towards the end of the afternoon, but be careful to leave whilst you are still able to ski to the bottom! Just around the corner from the Medran ski lift is Pub Mont Fort, comfortable and popular with all ages, with a great happy hour and good food.

Fer a Cheval has a brilliant reputation with locals and visitors alike, and is popular at any time of day. Between 5-7pm, thirsty skiers spill out into the street whilst the regulars chat to the friendly staff at the bar. Witnessing the indulgent après scene at Le Rouge is a must during a holiday to Verbier. Laid-back lounge beats welcome stylish groups and sophisticated couples for glasses of pricey wine on the terrace. The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Farinet, which manages to offer both the liveliest party alongside a more low-key scene. On one side of the building, Farinet après overflows with seasonnaires and holiday-makers, dancing on benches and drinking jugs of beer. The retractable glass roof provides much needed blasts of fresh air. Through the glass doors, Farinet Lounge serves a plethora of cocktails from skilled barmen to those who prefer a more classy setting! Ask your chalet host to reserve you a table, as it can get busy. The revelry continues to a handful of light night venues, including T-Bar and The Loft, both of which often host live music or DJ sets.

The world famous Farm Club is well worth a visit to experience the chic interior and even chicer clubbers. Over the years it has built up a reputation as the most stylish spot in town, and a night in the Farm doesn’t disappoint. Coup D’Etat is a weekend-only lounge club that combines a great drinks selection with a contemporary atmosphere and house tracks. After hours, the truly energetic gather inside Casbah in Place Central to dance until the early hours, leaving just enough time to recharge before another day on the slopes.

Mountain Restaurants

Even the keenest of skiers enjoys stopping for coffee breaks and long lunches, and Verbier has a huge selection of fabulous mountain restaurants, so you’re never far from a quick bite or a leisurely re-fuel. Your chalet host will be more than happy to reserve you a table at any one of the mountain restaurants so you don’t have to waste any valuable ski time;

Cabane du Mont Fort is one of our favourites, with its large sundeck and hearty lunch choices, including one of the best Tartiflette around. For even more sun, and an uninterrupted view of the itinerary ski route down Mont Gele, La Vache is popular for sit down lunches and terrace drinks. Chez Dany is well known as an evening spot, thanks to its popularity with families who can sledge down post-dinner in the dark. But it’s also a wonderful lunchtime location, providing a wide range of dishes for skiers, snow-shoers and hikers. If you want to meet up with non-skiing members of your party, there are a couple of options in perfect spots.

Ski down to Carrefour and friends can join you by bus for fabulous views down to the village and traditional Swiss dishes. Non-skiers can also enjoy the mountains without the ski boots by taking the lifts over to Le Dahu in Le Chaux. Here, there is a choice of canteen-style dining on outdoor beanbags, or head upstairs for a fine menu of salads and warm dishes. If you are spending the day in Savoleyres, head to Sonalon, perched high on the piste, with a great reputation with locals. Namaste is another good choice, cosy interiors and light lunches make it a firm favourite for those on the way back down to Verbier. There are a number of restaurants based at the top of the biggest lifts, including Olympique and Les Ruinettes, serving a range of meals, from sandwiches and salads to pasta and soups.

Towards the end of the day, stop for a drink at Ice Cube, the Carlsberg Restaurant or at 1936, the last stop before reaching the bottom of the slope. These are all popular for a quick bite and can get quite lively in the late afternoon, especially when the sun is shining!

Village Restaurants

Although nothing beats a fine dining experience back at your chalet after a full day on the slopes, Verbier has some of the finest mountain restaurants in Europe. Your chalet staff will have one night off during the week, allowing you the opportunity to sample some of the excellent cuisine in one of the local restaurants.

If you’re down the mountain at lunchtime and you fancy a classic burger or even some pancakes, Offshore is a relaxed, fun atmosphere to grab a bite. Popular with kids on a break from ski school, the American diner-style interior makes it one of the most laid-back restaurants in town. For a sweet treat, the Milk Bar is the place to go for cakes and gloriously indulgent hot chocolates. Come evening, and there’s more choices than you could ever sample in one weeks holiday, including traditional Swiss fondue at Le Caveau, gourmet dishes in Chalet D’Adrien and some of the best sushi we’ve ever tasted at Nomad in Place Central.

Families flock to Al Capone for the perfect pizzas and lively atmosphere, or you can head to Chez Martin, where you will always manage to find a table, thanks to their large dining area, and even larger menu! For a quiet meal with that special someone, try the romantic atmosphere in L’Ecurie, or enjoy international dishes at Le Millenium and El Toro Negro, the steakhouse underneath. A must-try is the Potence at Au Vieux Verbier, slices of meat served from a hot gallow, with a selection of different sauces.

Fer a Cheval is one of a few restaurants that is great at any time of day, whether it’s a quick bite at lunchtime, a post-piste beer or a long dinner. They serve arguably the best pizzas in town, along with a range of other delicious dishes served by their friendly staff. Ask your host for the best recommendations during your stay and they will be more than happy to reserve your table.

Verbier is recognised as one of the world’s premier alpine resorts, a mecca for ski enthusiasts wanting to push themselves to the limit. With over 410km of varied terrain, and a lot more to discover ‘off-piste’, Verbier really is the King of Alpine Resorts. Beyond the extreme, Verbier has just as much to offer off the slopes; from paragliding to pampering, snow-shoeing to shopping… the opportunities are endless

Dog Sledding
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the beautiful Husky and here’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with these stunning animals. From 45 minute scenic tours, where your personal ‘musher’ will guide you through the most scenic routes that Verbier has to offer, to full-day excursions that cover 20km of terrain, where you’ll learn how to interact with the dogs and enjoy a stunning mountain lunch, this non-ski activity is a must for any dog lover.

Paragliding
Looking for an extra dose of adrenaline? If so paragliding, known locally as “parapenting”, is an experience like no other. Take to the sky and soar over the snow-capped mountain peaks before gliding to the bottom of the valley, whilst in the safe hands of your tandem paraglider instructor. No experience or level fitness required…. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Helicopter Tours
Want to go even higher? Well, the sky really is the limit when it comes to panoramic helicopter flights in Verbier. From explorer tours to enhanced offerings, such as lunch/dinner on the top of the mountain, experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and enjoy breath-taking views over the 4 Vallees. For one of the most unique luxury experiences, a heli-glacier-picnic with family, friends or colleagues is a truly unforgettable day.

Tobogganing
For a unique experience, why not try tobogganing whilst in Verbier? Head to the top of Savoleyres and enjoy a vertical decent of 848m, all the way back down to La Tzoumaz. At 10km, this is the longest run in Switzerland and not for the faint-hearted! Toboggans can be rented from numerous ski hire shops in and around Verbier.

Snow-shoeing
Raquette à Neige is an extremely popular pastime and a great form of exercise that can be enjoyed by all ages. Either set out on your own or join a group led by an experienced local guide who will show you the best hidden parts that Verbier has to offer. Within no time at all you’ll be off the beaten track soaking up the true wilderness of the Alps. Most sports shops in Verbier hire snowshoes and poles, just remember to pick up a trail map from the Tourist Office.

Shopping
From designer labels to practical ski wear, Verbier’s shopping opportunities are as varied as the skiing itself. Sports enthusiasts should head to Mountain Air for all the latest and greatest sports attire. Top retail brands can be found around Place Centrale, with Swiss & Mountain inspired interior shops also dotted around the town centre. In between all this retail therapy, don’t forget to enjoy the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants that line the streets, in the shadows of the Mountains.

And Relax….
Whether your time off the slopes is spent shopping or snow shoeing, we will happily arrange a professional, relaxing massage in the comfort of your own chalet, to relieve tension and aches or simply to relax and revive. Alternatively, we can also book a treatment at one of the fantastic local spas available, with the W Hotel Spa being a firm favourite with our guests.

Verbier Snow and Lift Report

Worried about safe travel? Want to avoid long airport queues? Thinking about your carbon footprint? Our Travel Guide considers these questions while exploring all travel options available. 

By Air 

Flying may look a little different this winter, but it will arguably still be the easiest way to travel. We recommend flying into Geneva, with many scheduled and chartered airlines frequently flying into the ‘Gateway to the Swiss Alps’. Getting to Verbier from Geneva Airport is simple, with a transfer time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Other options include the smaller regional airport of Sion. Transfer times from Sion to Verbier are only 45 minutes by car. Due to Verbier’s location, close to the French and Italian borders, other airport gateways include Zurich, Bern and Milan 

Airport Transfers

The quickest way to get to resort is with a transfer bus. We work with a reliable, local service to provide you with a stress-free journey to and from resort. For group bookings, a private transfer is cheaper than you think, and you can often make a saving compared to the price of individual return transfers. Please contact us for prices and to book. 

By Rail 

Think it’s faster to fly? You might be surprised. Why not sit back, relax and marvel at the scenery as Verbier’s grand Swiss mountains get closer and closer. Or travel on an overnight sleeper train, waking up to the stunning Alps, and getting the first of two extra days on the slopes. Verbier is very well connected to one of Europe’s largest capitals, Geneva, by train. 

Located at the foot of the valley, Le Châble is the nearest train station to Verbier – a lift will take you all the way from the train station to the centre of Verbier in just 10 minutes. This modern underground train station has a direct train line, the Saint-Bernard Express, running to and from Martigny, from where connecting trains will take you to Geneva, Lausanne and even across the French border into the Chamonix Valley. In the winter, from December to April, there is also a direct train service between Le Châble and Geneva that operates on Saturdays and Sundays, twice per day.

Beat the crowds, ski on quiet slopes during transfer day while everyone else is sitting in an airport. Our Concierge team, alongside our friends at SnowCarbon, are available to guide you through your train journey, the most eco-friendly way to travel to the alps.

Self-Drive

Travel safely with no luggage limits, avoiding airport ques, and with the freedom to visit neighbouring resorts, self-drive is a no-brainer for groups or families. With the door to door travel time on par with flying*, we do promote safe driving with leisure stops along the way.

With this in mind, we are recommending the Les Collectionneurs hotel chain. Explore over 500 Les Collectionneurs establishments across Europe. Either, choose to stay in a character hotel or enjoy ground-breaking cuisine in one of their beautiful restaurants tasting French cuisine at lunch and Swiss cheese for dinner. Book directly here 

Please speak with our Concierge team who can guide you with stops along the way and about our partnership offer, a premier upgrade when travelling via the Eurotunnel.

Please note, you will need to buy a Swiss Vignette (40 CHF) to drive on the Swiss autoroute when you cross the border. 

Something to consider