VERBIER
Unlike many Alpine resorts, Verbier was established before skiing and commercialism took hold. With a traditional village feel and a family-friendly atmosphere, its ambience is poles apart from the purpose-built resorts. Widely regarded as Switzerland's top ski resort, it may attract the rich and famous, but Verbier is a working village and as such a year-round destination offering a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. South-facing and located on a mountainside, it's also a sun trap, avoiding the shade and lower temperatures experienced in valley resorts. The information below offers just a taste of what there is to see and do here.
Family-friendly
There are extensive crèche facilities, on and off the slopes, as well as ski-school for kids. We can provide details of babysitters, nannies, day-care and rental of cots. There are childcare options you can view here and several ski schools and crèches.
Bars
Our favourites include Bar 1936 and Fer a Cheval on the slopes, Tbar and Apres Ski Bar for live music, Crock No Name Bar for cocktails, and Bar Jo's and Pub Mont Fort for beers. At Big Ben you can play pool or table football. Later on the trend-setters head for the Casbah club.
Summer in Verbier
Summer in Verbier offers almost infinite opportunities for adventure, culture and relaxation. During the short off-season periods you can enjoy a tourist-free range of outdoor activities and events, with many bars and restaurants open all year.
Experienced skiing
Verbier is renowned as a playground for intermediate and expert skiers, offering a huge number of well-maintained pistes. The 4 Valleys can be skied in a day and there's also the challenges of Tortin and Mont Fort, providing breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Grand Combin and the Matterhorn.
Other activities
Almost every outdoor activity you can imagine is available, including paragliding, golfing, swimming, fishing and horse riding. There are yoga and fitness studios, health & beauty salons, a spa at the W hotel, and two thermal spas within 40 minutes: Les Bains de Saillon and Les Bains de Lavey.
Festivals & events
Throughout the year there are numerous festivals and events. During the winter there are films, lectures and presentations. Summer events include markets, food and craft workshops, a music festival, a craft beer festival and several bike races.
Shopping & dining
Verbier has a wide selection of boutiques and shops, cafés and restaurants. It has a reputation for its nightlife and après-ski. There are bars and restaurants catering to all tastes and age groups throughout the village and on the slopes.
Winter in Verbier
With a reputation for reliable snow cover, a long season from late November until late April, and widely regarded as the off-piste capital of Switzerland, Verbier attracts those who enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities, including dog-sledding and tobogganing.
Beginner's skiing
Although Verbier is most suited to skiers with experience, there are slopes for beginners. Most bars and restaurants on the slopes are easily accessible regardless of ability, so there's no need to be left out if you're the fledgling skier in the party.
Off-piste
Verbier is ideal for experiencing the thrills of the back-country and off-piste deeps, steps and powders. A vertical drop of over 2500m is possible and you can enjoy untracked slopes for hours on end. There are guides and instructors who will take you away from the crowds for a truly special day's off-piste skiing.
Hiking & biking
With over 950km of marked hiking trails to explore you can lose yourself in nature and the glorious views at your own pace. In summer, mountain bikers flock to the area to take advantage of its 8 downhill trails, 23 enduro trails, 500km of cross-country trails and routes for e-bikes.
