Host to both the Verbier Festival, a prestigious classical music festival, and the Yeti Xtreme, which serves as the final of the Freeride World Tour, Verbier is both a cultural and sporting centre. It has established itself alongside its near-neighbour Zermatt as the must-visit resort in Swiss Valais. Around and on the heights of the historic village, at an altitude of around 1500m, Verbier boasts a myriad of beautiful and sometimes imposing chalets and offers some of the most renowned accommodation and après-ski facilities. Sporty, yes, but also chic and upmarket: that’s the Verbier of today.
Ski Area and Non-Skiing Activities
In summer and winter alike, Verbier is an exceptional mountain adventure resort in the Swiss Alps. In winter, its ski area, the third largest in Europe, links the resorts of Verbier, Bruson, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. The highest point in the ‘Four Valleys’ is Mont Fort, perched at an altitude of 3,300m, offering uninterrupted views of the highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this is the place for you… Take on the Mont Fort black run, hurtle down the 1,000m-high Attelas piste, stop off at the Inkontro for some Italian cuisine, opt for one of the many safe, signposted freeride itineraries, or have a guide accompany you to discover the Mont Fort ‘Backside.’ These are just some of the countless opportunities offered by the Quatre Vallées.
There’s plenty for beginners, adrenalin seekers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Yoga or the highest zip line in the Alps; rock climbing or dog sledding; parachute jumping or massages and spas. The range is as wide as the season is long, with skiing on the slopes in Verbier from November to the end of April. From June onwards, it’s time for the summer season, which is not to be outdone. The network of ski lifts is transformed into a renowned Bikepark. As for the surrounding mountains, they are ideal for all kinds of outdoor sports: hiking, via ferrata, paragliding, mountaineering and more. Why not explore the magnificent Bisse de Levron, the refreshing Lac des Vaux or watch a sumptuous sunrise from the summit of Mont Fort?
Shopping in Verbier
Verbier’s sporting spirit extends to its shopping offer, which includes all the major brands in the world of skiing: Bogner, Moncler, Fusalp, The North Face, Peak Performance, Patagonia and Burton are among the brands represented in dedicated shops. However, the village also boasts many ready-to-wear stores and several architecture and interior design workshops.
Accommodation, Restaurants and Nightlife
Sport and well-being go hand in hand, adventure and relaxation are never mutually exclusive, and Verbier has understood this perfectly. There are plenty of spas and massages on offer here, including in-home treatments. Hotel de Verbier, ‘W’, Chalet Expérimental and Chalet d’Adrien are some of the finest establishments in the resort, which also boasts a number of gourmet restaurants. Home of the king of cheeses, Valais is the ideal place to try the many mountain specialities, from a champagne fondue at the Mont-Fort Igloo at 3300m to a truffle tartiflette on the menu at the Frenchie Verbier. If you fancy a more festive time, there are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs and establishments in Verbier dedicated to a fun après-ski.
Verbier Main events
- Verbier Festival
- Trail Verbier Saint-Bernard by UTMB
- L’Infernale
- Yeti Xtreme Verbier
- Verbier Ultime Session