VERBIER, SWITZERLAND
Ski Holidays in Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the most famous resort in the extensive 4 Valleys ski area for good reason, but for those wanting to ski this fantastic area on a budget should not overlook Nendaz just over the mountain. With over 400km of runs linked by almost 100 lifts, there is more than enough to keep the keenest skier entertained – especially when you throw in the incredible off-piste runs.
With fantastic facilities, amazing scenery and outstanding weather, Verbier continues to be one of the most popular resorts in Europe. The Swiss village is set in the gorgeous canton of Valais and there are plenty of outstanding attractions to enjoy within the area. Bordered by France to the west and Italy to the south, Verbier benefits from a truly picturesque landscape.
In the winter, Verbier truly comes alive with plenty of extraordinary runs to suit skiers of all kinds of abilities. Offering more than 400km of ski runs it is the perfect place for those wanting to improve their abilities.
Resort Statistics
Level | Rating | Runs |
---|---|---|
Beginners | 35 | |
Intermediates | 55 | |
Advanced | 10 | |
Snowboarders | ||
Total Runs | 100 |
- Off piste
- Families
- Non-skiers
- Groups
Resort Altitude | 1500m |
Highest Lift | 3330m |
Total Piste | 410km |
Longest Run | 16km |
Directions of Slopes | All |
Uphill Capacity | 41418 |
Total Lifts | 85 |
Gondolas/Cable cars | 15 |
Chairlifts | 24 |
Drag Lifts | 46 |
Snow Parks | 1 |
Verbier Ski Resort
Thanks to its friendly atmosphere and magnificent surroundings, Verbier is one of the top destinations for visitors searching for the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation. While there are plenty of exceptional facilities for travellers to enjoy, it is the easy accessibility and amazing hospitality that make this resort top of the list for skiers and snowboarders. For those looking for a laid-back holiday with plenty of things to do, Verbier remains a big hit.
The charming, traditional resort of Verbier offers a skier's paradise. Fantastic snow sure conditions due to its south western facing bowl, high altitude resort and immense ski area. If you have not experienced the vast ski area the 'Four Valleys', Verbier makes the perfect base. In terms of accommodation, the region offers plenty of options, ranging from cosy chalets to deluxe hotels. Therefore, whether you’re travelling on a budget, or planning a luxury getaway, there are several fantastic choices.
What’s more, snow is guaranteed thanks to the area’s high altitude, helping to create a stunning winter wonderland environment. Whether you’re challenging yourselves on the slopes or enjoying the views of the local area from your accommodation, you’re sure to have a magnificent time.
Skiing in Verbier
Where you ski in Verbier will depend entirely on your ability level. While it may be tempting to challenge yourself with some of the more difficult runs, there is no reason for you to push yourself too far and risk injury. With this in mind, Les Moulins is the perfect run for children, boasting a kids’ club that is perfect for the young ones. For older newcomers to the sport, the magnificent Les Esserts run is the best place to start, providing amazing views of the picturesque landscape.
The Mont Gélé is a hit with beginners and intermediates, although this area can get busy. If you want to improve than we recommend the Tortin (lies at 2050m) which can be quieter and offers some fantastic red runs. On the opposite side of the valley in the Bruson area is another excellent area for intermediate skiers, fewer crowds and due to its fantastic north east facing means all that lovely snow and powder is retained for longer.
For intermediates, the Savoleyres area is simply fantastic. Providing a selection of red and blue runs alongside the smaller resort of La Tzoumaz, it is the perfect location for visitors looking to gradually improve their skills.
Advanced skiers will be best tested on the Chassoure-Tortin run. The stunning Mont Gele summit is another excellent challenge, boasting a 3023m drop that pushes even the most skilled experts to their limits. Verbier offers one of the world’s best off piste. Take advantage of the many mountain guides in the resort to discover the amazing powder in Tortin, Mont Gélé, Chassoure plus many ungroomed former black pistes.
If you are looking to brush up your skills then the snow park at La Chaux (2260m) is the place for you and has all the rails, jumps and corners you need. Verbier is infamous for its freeriding and is host to the Verbier Xtreme free ride contest (the last stop in the Freeride World Tour). Also the renowned Verbier Ride freeskiing competition takes place in Verbier. All this freestyle activity and action is why Verbier is home to some of the world’s top skiers to enjoy the steep slopes and freestyle skiing all winter long.
Snow conditions in Verbier
Switzerland is renowned for great snowfall year after year with well groomed pistes, deep powder and hardcore off piste runs every winter. Contributing to the natural snowfall is the many snow guns and snow cannons blasting out artificial snow across the many pistes of Verbier. Thanks to its vast selection of on and off-piste routes, it is easy to see why thousands of skiers come back here year after year.
Apres ski and restaurants in Verbier
Verbier is known for coming to life in the evening with many great après bars located in majority of the hotels. The Farinet hotel bar is the place to be during après plus also the Pub Mont Fort. There is a great run of après bars as you jump off the Meridan lift, all the way down to the Place Centrale- here you will find 10-15 bars open from 3pm to late. Enjoy a jar or three before heading back to your chalet for a good hearty dinner to refuel for the next day pounding the powder! If you want to head out after dinner then we recommend checking out The Etoile Rouge, Twin Peaks and the Farm Club, all within walking distance of the Place Centrale.
Other activities in Verbier
There is a good range of walking and hiking trails for the adventurers out there and if you're after a good rest then you can visit a number of spas, such as the Away Spa in the centre of Verbier which has 800m2 of peacefulness.
As expected in a ski resort like Verbier, thrill-seekers are well looked after. You can go on helicopter tours, ice-climbing and even skydiving.
Here's a full list of what you can get up to:
- Cinema
- Cross-country skiing
- Geocaching
- Gym/Fitness centres
- Handiski/Sitski
- Heli-ski
- Helicopter tours
- Horse drawn sleigh rides
- Husky dog rides
- Ice-climbing
- Ice-karting/Ice-driving
- Ice-skating/Ice-hockey
- Paragliding/Parapenting
- Scenic Flights
- Shopping
- Ski-touring
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Sky diving/Parachuting
- Sledging/Tobogganing
- Snowshoeing
- Snow-parks
- Spas and Massage
- Speed riding/Speed flying
- Squash
- Swimming
- Telemarking
- Walking and Hiking
Transfer time in Verbier
The nearest international airport to Verbier is Geneva (GVA) which is around 167 km away from resort accessible via road which usually take just over 2 hours or rail which take about 3 hours depended on weather and rail times.
Verbier Reviews
Having done a ski season in Verbier and experiencing all that it has to offers, I would recommend it to any group. For families the village is quite small but has everything you would need in terms of shops, restaurants and a sports centre with a swimming pool and ice rink. For groups wanting some apres ski whether you go to a bar on the mountain to watch the sunset with a beer in hand or somewhere in the village with live music you will not be disappointed! As for the skiing, the runs are wide and long with so many different areas to ski. Off piste lovers will have a great time with the "yellow runs" (controlled off piste)!
Apres Ski: 5/5
Robert Paul
Iglu Staff
If I could build the perfect chalet this would be it. A beautifully landscaped pathway leads up to the wonderful and cosy family home from home. What a fantastic place to relax and unwind after a fun day on the slopes. This would be ideal for a family vacation.
Apres Ski: 4/5
Accommodation & Value: 5/5
Mr Nick Jackson
Iglu Staff