Verbier is a blockbuster Alpine ski resort. Whether it is the fabulous mountain restaurants, breathtaking views, stupendous skiing or diverse après-ski and nightlife, you will feel like a superstar in your own big screen movie. The luxury ski chalets in Verbier are now rivalling Courchevel in the opulence stakes – it truly is a resort of excellence and excess. The short airport transfer time of 2 hours from Geneva, or less than an hour from Sion, are also an added attraction.
Dominated by the peaks of the Mont Gelé and Mont Fort, the 4 Vallées ski region spans over 400km of skiing, not to mention the endless off-piste and terrific black runs that are waiting to excite and test those up to the challenge. Linked to the other 4 Vallées resorts of La Tzoumaz, Veysonnaz and Nendaz, this is Switzerland’s largest ski area. What’s more, snow is guaranteed thanks to the area’s high altitude, helping to create a stunning winter wonderland environment.
With activities such as ski touring, heli-skiing, and off-piste skiing on world-renowned marked routes, the ski area lacks for nothing. But the joys of snow sports aren’t just for skiers and boarders – walking, snowshoe, and cross-country skiing trails also allow you to lose yourself in nature and on your own terms. For extra fun, take your family or friends on the longest sledge run in French-speaking Switzerland, in La Tzoumaz.
Where you ski in Verbier will depend entirely on your ability and experience. 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 surrounding snow covered landscapes. 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, at an altitude of 2050m, which can be quieter and offers some fantastic red runs.
On the opposite side of the valley is the Bruson ski area. Accessed by 2 ski lifts from the centre of Verbier, this is another excellent area for intermediate skiers. With fewer crowds and a northeast facing aspect, the snow quality here is excellent and is definitely the go to place for off-piste skiers on a powder day. For intermediates, the Savoleyres area is excellent and provides 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 huge descent that will push even the most skilled to their limits. Verbier is one of the world’s best off-piste ski resorts, with famous areas such as the Tortin, Mont Gélé, Chassoure plus many ungroomed former black pistes, best discovered with one of the many local mountain guides. Verbier is definitely a ski resort that needs to be visited at least once. The only problem is that after your first visit, you will be coming to come back season after season.