Verbier in Winter
Verbier and the Four Valleys is the largest ski area in Switzerland. The area comprises Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. There are 93 ski lifts and 410 km of linked ski pistes for all levels of expertise. The black/itinerary runs of Tortin, Mont Fort and Gentianes are world renowned and test the most experienced skiers.
Verbier has some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps. Mont Fort is the highest point of the ski area (3,330 m) and offers a spectacular panorama over the Matterhorn, the Combins and the Mont Blanc ranges. Verbier has a good snow record as well as snow-making facilities and an excellent lift system. It takes only 11 minutes to get to the top station from Medran, the resort’s starting point.
New for 2025/6 season is a new facility from Carrefour designed to transfer the ski-to-door connection between the Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz sectors from Verbier, with fast ascents of 10-seater cabins and 6-seater chair lifts.
There are delightful mountain restaurants to please every palate and wallet. Le Dahu, Chez Dany, Au Vieux Verbier, La Marlenaz, le Namaste, L’Ecurie restaurant, La Marmotte, Le Caveau.
The famous skiing and snowboarding competition Verbier Xtreme (part of the Freeride World Tour) takes place annually at the end of March and is always a very popular event, with music, barbecues and drinks marquees on the edges of the piste for spectators. Add to this the Speed Ski World Cup, the Verbier High 5, the Amateur v World Champion Skiers and the Patrouille des Glaciers (a ski mountaineering race from Zermatt to Verbier) there is always plenty going on.
There are over 25 ski schools catering for children and adults. Many of them are British-run with English speaking teachers.
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the mountains. Verbier also caters for non-skiers; with yoga and pilates classes, a swimming pool and cinema. You can hike, snow-shoe, take a husky dog ride, skate, paraglide, sledge, as well as enjoy the extensive shopping with some leading brands and boutiques.
The Apres-Ski in Verbier is among the most lively, and varied in Europe, with the Monoski Klub, Le Farinet, Le Rouge and the Farm Club. The partying sometimes kicks off early with dancing on the tables at 5pm at the Rouge and the Farinet.
Verbier in Summer
There is something for everyone. If you are into adventurous pursuits, you can enjoy mountain or rock climbing; white water rafting; canyoning; paragliding or mountain biking. Or you can hire mountain bikes and e-bikes at Medran, and cross-country scooters from Ruinettes, hike through wild alpine flower meadows or swim in the mountain lakes. There is also a challenging 18 hole golf course with stunning views. With 950 km of hiking paths as well as 500 km of mountain bike trails, it is a huge outdoor playground. Horse riding is also available. The huge open air spa at Lavey les Bains is well worth a visit, as are the Monastery at the St Bernard pass, and the art gallery in Martigny Fondation Pierre Gianadda.
The sports centre has several tennis courts and a wonderful indoor pool is in the process of being re-furbished and a large outdoor pool with large grassy sunbathing area, ideal for young children and teenagers alike. Every Sunday there is a market in the main street, selling Swiss crafts, fresh food and wine.
The world famous Verbier Music Festival takes place in mid-July and the town fills up with guests from all over the world to attend 10 days of concerts with some of the biggest names in classical music today. There is the annual international show jumping competition in mid-August, which lasts for 10 days with both amateur and professional riders coming from all over Europe to compete.