Verbier boasts one of the most impressive locations in the Alps, with high-class skiing and lovely chalets.
This vivid town is almost always crowded with brave skiers and après-ski lovers.
As it is only one hour and a half drive away from Geneva, Verbier is a very popular weekend spot for many who gladly return to re-enjoy the town’s charms and alive atmosphere.
In this guide, we prepared everything you have always wanted to know about Verbier and to make sure you have a wonderful time while there.
You’ll read about:
- Where is Verbier ski resort?
- What is Verbier famous for?
- What to do in Verbier?
- What are the different ways to get to Verbier?
- Frequently asked questions about Verbier
1. Where is Verbier ski resort?
Verbier is located in the canton of the Valais, in the southwest of Switzerland. It is bordered by Italy to the south and France to the west.
It belongs to the municipality of Bagnes, lying on the south at about 1,500 meters, and overlooking the Grand Combin massif.
Verbier is also nestled in the center of the 4 Valleys, being a part of the vast ski area. It dominates the entire area as a premium destination for royals and celebrities.
During the winter season, the number of residents can increase to 35,000 – most of them being Scandinavian and British.
The entire resort is intersected by the peaks covered with deep snow which makes this place perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
2. What is Verbier famous for?
Verbier is recognized as the most famous ski resort for advanced and off-piste skiing.
Moreover, it was named Switzerland’s best ski resort in the 2018 World Ski Awards.
The skiing in Verbier won’t pass without impressive views and steep and vast slopes that are bound to rush the adrenaline.
Verbier is popular from two different aspects:
- by extreme and notorious itineraries
- by its après ski scene, both available on and off the mountain
The 3 main points for après ski are Le Rouge, Pub Mont Fort, and Farinet. Just a few hours at Farinet, and you will sleep like a baby – more than exhausted after a great party.
Verbier is famous for its rich nightlife, spreading a vibrant atmosphere through many events and activities during the winter season. As you can see, non-skiers are destined to have a great time in Verbier as well.
3. What to do in Verbier?
Over the years, Verbier has enlarged and become one of the most popular winter destinations in Switzerland. It offers an endless list of activities for all ages and in each season.
Below are some ideas for things to do in Verbier in both winter and summer.
Keep reading and find out what are the most interesting activities that wait for you to try them out!
Things to do in Verbier in winter
From relaxation to extreme excitement, from outdoor fun to indoor activities for skipping the bad weather, everyone will find amusement in this alpine resort.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Verbier in winter:
- Skiing
- Climbing Mont-Fort
- Snowshoeing
- Attend the famous après-ski
- Have a go at Heli Tours Heli-Skiing
1. Skiing in Verbier
Verbier has a large ski domain as its elevation varies from 1,500 up to 3,300 meters (Mont-Fort).
Being a part of the Four Valleys, Verbier provides access to hundreds of kilometers of runs.
Just imagine, you can ski through six linked resorts, covering over 400 km of runs! Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon together create the largest ski area in the country.
The entire ski area offers 39 red pistes, 35 blue pistes, 14 black pistes, a snowpark, and plenty of cross-country ski and winter hiking trails.
Since there are many options to go off the piste, advanced skiers will have a blast in this beautiful and adventurous ski resort.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that beginners are left out in experiencing the highest thrill.
The resort has up to ten ski schools, where you’ll get the opportunity to be taught by the best instructors who have been skiing for a decade or more.
Xtreme Verbier
Every year, Xtreme Verbier hosts the final of the Freeride World Tour as its main event.
The best free-riders from the entire world gather to compete on the iconic “Bec des Rosses” that rises to 3,222 meters.
This magnificent show is taking action in the north face with tons of narrow corridors and extreme slopes.
The event can also be tracked live on different platforms – the website and social media of the Freeride World Tour.
2. Climbing Mont-Fort
Climbing Mont-Fort isn’t an easy task, but it will be rewarding for those who are in the mood of going to the extra mile.
You will have to change four cable cars along your way. As the trip progresses, it gets tenser, until you finally traverse the Glacier de Tortin on the last 400-meter cable-car ride from Col des Gentianes.
The journey will look like stairways to heaven – you will feel like you have just conquered the world!
On the east side you will capture Matterhorn, the glacier, and to Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi on the west side, and the Rhône Valley on the north side.
This is a great challenge for the expert athletes, they will get the chance to try out some of the most impressive black runs.
3. Snowshoeing
Besides skiing, snowshoeing is another popular activity that you must experience during your winter in Verbier.
It has a long history that started thousands of years ago as a mode of transportation and reached fame as a frequent activity in present.
It is important that you adjust it to your pace, you will decide is it going to be easy or hard. One thing is for sure – when you reach some great viewpoints, you will have to stop and feast your eyes on the breathtaking scenery.
Along the way, you will find a lot of marked trails, but if you want to extend your route, you can go into exploration off the beaten tracks.
For snowshoeing excursion, you can contact the Adrenaline ski school and expect a big adventure.
4. Attend the famous après-ski
Après-ski in Verbier might be the best party scene in the Swiss Alps.
Be careful with your money though, you can easily get carried away with the fancy bars, clubs, live gigs, and sun decks.
If you crave vibrant events, try the Farinet. You will see the entire crowd dancing outdoor with live music in the background, and instinctively get an impulse to become a part of it.
To be right in the core of après beauty, visit Bar 1936. You will easily reach it by taking Les Ruinettes lift, and then ski down to the village.
It has a variety of live bands, a BBQ, and all that pleasure takes action at 1,740 meters altitude. You will be fully entertained, but try not to exaggerate with alcohol.
5. Have a go at Heli Tours Heli-Skiing
If you want a luxurious experience on snow, nothing can beat scanning Verbier up from a helicopter.
Flying high to spot peaks such as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Les Dents Blanches cannot be compared to anything else.
Heli-skiing rides are blessings for advanced off-piste skiers. Just a small number of countries allow it, so this opportunity must be seized.
Just imagine descending from 3,000 meters through some of the most fascinating mountain slopes and a glacial that the Alps has to offer.
Here are some daring suggestions for you to take:
- the Petit-Combin
- the Aiguilles du Tour
- the Rosablanche
- the Pigne d’Arolla
Don’t hesitate to find your private or open group heli-ski tours around Verbier, and see the resort from another perspective.
Things to do in Verbier in summer
Whilst Verbier is a perfect place for skiing, there are many other non-skiing activities to embellish your summer.
Here we will mention some of them:
- Visit La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes
- Mountain biking
- Tobogganing
- Paragliding
- Via Cordata
1. Visit La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes
Switzerland’s second-largest nature reserve stretches on Verbier’s boundaries. It was created in 1968 and it is one of the best places to explore on foot during the summer months.
Its surroundings consist of vast pastures, lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails.
On your stroll, there is a high chance to spot chamois passing elegantly along the rocks. You can also bump into ibexes and marmots as they are regular residents of this beautiful environment.
2. Mountain biking
Summer Verbier is the best time to explore the Four Valley’s network of cable cars and ski lifts that will take you to an abundance of excellent mountain biking tracks in the area.
In case you don’t have your own bike, there are a few places in Verbier where you can hire it.
A great point for jumping off is the Verbier Bike Park, with a vertical drop of around 700 meters which is linked with the Ruinettes gondola.
The trails differ in four levels of difficulty:
- red 40%
- black 30%
- blues 20%
- green 10%
The park’s pro rider can inform you about the biggest challenges and obstacles that await you there.
It is possible to buy a six-day pass for the lifts and use it for limitless trips among Verbier’s trails and among the beautiful Four Valleys.
3. Tobogganing
As skiing may separate families due to different ability levels, Verbier’s giant toboggan run will unite everyone. Plus, you won’t need any experience or skills to try it.
The Verbier run represents the longest toboggan run in Western Switzerland – it extends 10 kilometers and drops around 850 meters from the cable-car stop at Savoleyres down to Tzoumaz.
As the run twists down the slopes, the children will be able to ride independently as it is flat enough and well-groomed.
4. Paragliding
When it comes to what to do in Verbier in summer, there is probably nothing more exciting than to go paragliding above the Swiss Alps.
Be ready to take off from the summit of Les Ruinettes at 2,200 meters elevation.
You will be mesmerized by endless photo opportunities. Just looking at the paragliders starting their new adventure looks great let alone the panorama from above.
The views of the Bagnes valley and the surrounding glaciers from above will blow your mind away.
Most importantly, you will be perfectly safe under the supervision of highly experienced tandem pilots.
You can choose between a gentle ride and an exciting aerobatic flight, and be sure that this kind of experience will be carved in your memory forever.
5. Via Cordata
For a climbing adventure in summer, you can ascend the few hundred meters of Mont-Fort on foot.
The route is established with enduring anchorage points that extend up over the Tortin and Mont-Fort Glaciers, and up the rock face towards the peak.
It is 2 kilometers long and it varies in elevation of 500 meters.
Via Cordata includes both climbing and hiking, and it is organized with the best local guides whose presence is very important.
Nevertheless, Via Cordata was in advance planned to make you feel safe – as a professional mountaineer who can rely on his skills, but in a secure environment.
When you reach the top, you can enjoy some traditional fondue at the Igloo de Mont-Fort as a reward.
4. What are the different ways to get to Verbier?
Getting to Verbier is super easy as it is located just 160 kilometers from Geneva international airport (GVA), the second-largest airport in Switzerland.
Of course, flying isn’t the only possibility, you can drive, hire private transfer, or take trains and coaches.
To explain how the transfer network to Verbier functions, we will mention 5 main ways of getting to this dreamlike destination.
Here they are:
- Flying to Geneva and hiring airport transfer
- Take the train
- Take a coach or a long-distance bus
- Drive
- Hire a limousine service
1. Flying to Geneva and hiring airport transfer upon arrival
As we mentioned before, the easiest international transport is Geneva airport (GVA) from where you can take a bus, train, or private shuttle and get to Verbier in less than 2 hours.
Another quite close airport to Verbier is Sion airport, and possibly the best option for passengers who travel from London or Zurich.
If you are not a fan of public transportation, you can always arrange the airport transfer in advance. It is probably the best option if you don’t want to waste your time wandering around the airport while dragging your luggage.
2. Take the train
The most affordable way of getting to Verbier is probably by taking the train.
The train will take to the stop at Le Châble, which is only 10 minutes away from the center of Verbier. It is quite fascinating that from here you can connect to Paris, London, and other European cities.
Trains are very comfortable, have a lot of legroom, so you will have enough space to relax while soaking up the ever-changing scenery. When you feel bored, you can pass along the aisles or have a drink in the onboard café.
Unfortunately, traveling by train lasts longer. Still, keep in mind that they run frequently, so at least you won’t have to wait long at the airport.
3. Take a couch or a long-distance bus
This is another way of getting to Verbier, but it is probably the least favored option.
It may be the cheapest way to reach your destination, but that isn’t always the case. You will travel in a group so you may have the chance to meet someone new before starting your ski adventure.
Coaches and buses can get crowded, so count on less comfort and the trip may last longer. Either way, there is a high chance that you will be quite exhausted when hitting the slopes.
4. Driving to Verbier
Driving to Verbier can pass without serious challenges except at the Col des Montets, but if you are driving from Chamonix.
The final part of the journey from Le Chable to Verbier ascends a steep 700 meters vertical.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, check the road conditions in advance.
If the weather isn’t on your side and you lack confidence, use free parking and then take the gondola or Post Bus up to the village.
Don’t forget, the most important thing is to get safe and have a splendid vacation, so drive safe and choose wisely.
2. Hire a limousine service
Without a question, hiring a limousine service in Switzerland is the safest and the most reliable way of getting to Verbier.
You won’t have to worry about that final and vertical part of the road, your luggage, and traffic conditions.
The chauffeur will take care of everything. Plus, you will be driving in the highest comfort. By resting on cozy leather seats, you will regain your energy and be more than ready to hit the slopes.
Besides being the safest ride, a limousine is also the fastest way to reach Verbier ski resort. If your starting point is in Geneva airport, you will be at your accommodation in less than 2 hours.
Check out other occasions in which you can hire limousine service.
5. Frequently asked questions about Verbier ski resort
To encompass everything related to this magnificent ski resort in great detail, we will give the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Verbier.
According to tourists’ interests, here are some of them:
- What is the Verbier festival and when is it held?
- When does Verbier ski resort open?
- Is Verbier good for beginners?
- Is Verbier ski resort expensive?
- Where to stay in Verbier?
Keep reading and be 100% ready to experience Verbier’s ski delights!
What is the Verbier festival and when is it held?
Verbier Festival is an event that gathers the best classical music talents from all over the world.
It is being held every year in summer in the charming Verbier. For the very first time, it took place in 1994, and since then it expanded greatly to be acknowledged as one of the most respected international music festivals on the globe.
The festival has a lot of infatuated spectators from Switzerland, but also many international admirers who hurl to Verbier to be a part of it.
Verbier Festival has a highly revered academy, where the best classical music talents are being discovered and flourished.
Every year, over 100 unique performances are set out to the audience.
We must mention the impressive Verbier Festival Orchestra, formed of skillful and young musicians, aged between 18 and 28, and originated from more than 60 countries.
The Verbier Festival Orchestra is regarded as the highlight of the festival, as a beautiful sight to observe and marvel at.
Tourists and classical music fans will get a special opportunity to witness all the greatness of the Alps, mixed with their favorite genre.
When does Verbier ski resort open?
The vast Verbier & 4 Valleys lift network is open both winter and summer.
Speaking of Verbier ski open dates for the winter season 2021/2022, they go like this:
| Lift Area | Opening | Closing |
| Verbier Area | 4th December 2021 | 24th April 2022 |
When can you ski in Verbier?
As you can see (and if the weather allows it), you can usually ski in Verbier from December to April by utilizing the lift system.
Of course, the season can be prolonged, mostly with weekend openings in November. This extension strictly depends on snow conditions.
The same implies to the end dates – if there is not enough snow, a lesser amount of the ski area might be operating.
Check the Ski Lift Pass Prices for the latest updates, keep the track of Live Lift Status, and investigate Maps to ensure your way around the pistes. In addition, you can find a lot of useful info about the ski lift system and the activities you can experience during your stay.
Summer season dates in Verbier
In summer, the lift system is more limited than in winter, but it still keeps providing great mountain access to hikers and mountain bikers.
| Lift Area | Opening | Closing |
| Verbier Area | Early July 2022 | End October 2022 |
| Verbier Bike Park | In early June on weekends Every day from early July | Weekdays closed from late September Weekends closed from the end of October |
Note: Keep in mind that the dates can change due to bad weather and events. Check online the latest info about summer lift pass prices, the lift system, and everything else relevant to the summer in Verbier.
Is Verbier good for beginners?
Verbier is a host of the Freeride World Tour and it is regarded as the best place for extreme and skillful athletes.
Famous off-piste runs such as Tortin, Col des Mines and Mont Gele are on a bucket list of each bold skier.
So the question imposes – is it worth visiting Verbier if you are a beginner or intermediate skier? Without any doubt “Yes”!
There is an abundance of beginner areas to investigate within and around the resort and across the entire ski area.
Here is some useful info for the beginners heading to Verbier:
- A full ski pass may be unnecessary as the slopes for beginners are usually low down and easily reached without the use of a ski lift
- Hire a professional; it’s not enough to rely just on a skillful companion
- Think of the equipment you are going to need and visit a hire shop
- Bring all the necessary clothes for snow
- Use public transportation
- Go to the fun zones, they are usually adjusted to the beginners
- While exploring the ski area, check out the blue and green slopes away from the beginner areas
- After a successful day ok skis, enjoy the après-ski scene
Is Verbier ski resort expensive?
The prestigious Swiss ski resort is known worldwide as a playground for the rich and a place where celebrities go to be in the spotlight.
Frequent visits by royals, princesses, and those who boast a deep pocket witness that Verbier is a ski resort for big shots.
To elaborate this, we will mention who are permanent and dear guests in Verbier. On these Swiss slopes, you may see Prince Andrew, Princess Mary of Denmark, and Prince Frederik of Denmark.
Speaking of celebrities and famous couples, the Beckhams are regular guests, just like Jude Law, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jemma Khan, and Jamie Oliver.
Above mentioned Richard Branson’s Verbier Lodge is a part of the Forbes list as a place where you can have a vacation like a billionaire.
Verbier has the highest price of all alpine resorts and investors may spend up to 80% more than average for supreme possessions.
After partying in one of the nightclubs, your bill may be the same amount as a deposit on a small house!
Prada jackets embellish the window shops on the High Street, and the local art gallery has sold original Andy Warhols for around $677,725 (€598,262).
Even though Verbier is regarded as the most expensive resort, it ranks only seventh most expensive in Europe.
Here is how much would be a night in Verbier’s five-star hotels like W Verbier and Chalet d’Adrien. During the high season, W Verbier offers suites whose price starts at around $900 (€792) per night, while a suite at Chalet d’Adrien will cost you over $1,800 (€1,586).
During your pompous stay, you can indulge yourself with spas, concierge services, and private chefs. There is no better way to regain strength after hitting the slopes.
Where to stay in Verbier?
It is important to determine what type of holiday you want to have. This pre-knowledge will be crucial in deciding where to stay in Verbier.
You will be offered an impressive variety of accommodation, from the vibrant town of Verbier to the secluded villages such as La Tzoumaz.
So, before booking your accommodation, take into consideration the following things:
- distance to the ski pistes
- peace or crowd
- activities you want
- amenities
- budget
Tip: Make sure to take a deep look at the photos when picking the accommodation – is it spacy and comfy enough? It’s not all about the modern décor and extravagant interior.
Check the bathrooms, and if everything seems clean and tidy. Clean spaces will never let you down, they always mean the right choice.
When we talk about style, be sure that Verbier will be able to provide all sorts of designs.
Here we will give you some examples of where you can stay in Verbier and experience the greatest comfort and luxury.
Let’s check them out together:
- W Verbier
- The Lodge Verbier
- Chalet Chouqui
- Experimental Chalet Verbier
- Le Chalet de Flore
- Place Centrale & Medran Lift
- Le Chable: more affordable options
W Verbier
Positioned at an altitude of 1,531 meters with instant access to more than 400 kilometers of pistes and hiking trails, W Verbier is a perfect vacation destination.
The hotel’s design consists of urban and alpine elements. It offers 123 rooms and suites, each with a signature W bed, a fireplace, and a private balcony with magnificent views.
Inside the hotel are 6 restaurants and bars, the gastronomic W Kitchen, and the premium Eat-Hola Tapas Bar which represent the highlight of the hotel.
There you can relax in the spacious Away® Spa, equipped with everything for utter pleasure.
The hotel’s service is impeccable – expect to get whatever you request.
Verbier with this hotel gives the dreamlike experience on snow. You will be pampered in the highest luxury while having fun on some of the best pistes.
The Lodge Verbier
The Lodge is a beautiful nine-bedroom chalet in Verbier run by Sir Richard Branson.
It is located in a peaceful area, just 250 meters from the main ski lifts and close to one of the most favored pistes. It is the perfect location for skiers, and it can accommodate up to 18 people in 9 bedrooms and up to 6 children in particularly designed bunkrooms.
Besides the Duplex Room, each room can be arranged with double-king size or twin beds.
The Lodge boasts an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, a fully equipped gym, and a special area for parties.
The bar never closes! There is also a pool table that turns into a ping pong (or beer pong) table, and a disco ball to spice everything up!
In the chalet, you will even find a boot room – designed to warm your boots and make sure your feet receive the best treatment after a freezing day on slopes.
Chalet Chouqui
Chalet Chouqui embraces two interlinked highly luxurious chalets with over 900 m2 of inside floor space.
It brags one of the largest indoor swimming pools within the resort that stretches 15 meters! Other facilities include an outdoor hot tub, a bar, cinema room, hammam, and two sitting rooms with open fireplaces.
As one of the most luxurious chalets in Verbier, Chalet Chouqui is perfect for extravagant occasions. The staff is eager to provide the best service that includes each guest’s wish and its realization. You can even have a picnic on the pistes or a themed party at night, it’s up to your imagination.
Eight superb rooms can accommodate 16 guests in utter comfort and elegance. Spend your vacation here, and you won’t regret it.
Experimental Chalet Verbier
The Experimental Chalet is located in the center of Verbier. It is a very popular spot among extreme athletes and après-ski fans.
It was designed by the architect Fabrizio Casiraghi, who installed modern elements into its unique lacquered wood design.
Chalet Verbier offers 39 rooms and suites, some of them come with a terrace, Jacuzzi, or splendid views of the surrounding summits and Mont Combin.
Its cuisine offers traditional food, and a cocktail bar with signature drinks. It also has a nightclub where locals and celebrities gather and have a lot of fun.
After skiing, you can relax in the spa area with a sauna, solarium, a hammam, a hot tub, and 3 treatment cabins.
Online reviews have shown that this place is one of the favorites among tourists, especially couples.
Le Chalet de Flore
Positioned in the heart of Verbier, Le Chalet de Flore is a 4-star hotel, only 100 meters away from the Médran Cable Car.
Spacious rooms are decorated in luxurious Alpine style with wooden floors and balconies with beautiful views of the Valais Alps.
The Chalet has a sauna, and it provides free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen satellite TV with a DVD player.
Fresh pastries served in a tea house will be a true delight for breakfast.
There is a ski storage room and free parking spaces. If you use garage parking, expect an additional fee.
This place is very popular because the tourists always leave satisfied.
Place Centrale & Medran Lift
Right in the core of Verbier lies the Place Centrale, from where the Medran lift operates for reaching the main ski area.
This area is a perfect choice for those who want to be in the center of the action – close to ski schools, the best shopping, exciting bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Here you will come across a variety of styles when it comes to accommodation, ranging from three to five-star hotels.
It is a perfect area to stay in as it provides all convenience purposes.
Le Chable
Le Chable is a peaceful village situated at the foot of the valley. But everything can change with a gondola that provides direct access to the Medran ski lift. Thanks to these exquisite connections with the center of Verbier, you will have quick access to the thrilling ski slopes and nightlife of Verbier.
Most of Verbier’s center accommodation can be exorbitant, so if you prefer accommodation on a budget, the village of Le Chable is a great option.
There you will find a lot of amazing accommodation to satisfy your need without bursting the hole in your pocket.
Le Chable is an awesome choice as it is at the base of the Bruson ski area, too. We recommend you to try the impressive Üna Lodge or one of the many local Bed & breakfast options in the area.
If you are having a great time in Verbier’s iconic après ski, keep in mind that the last lift down the valley departs at 18:30, so try to be an early bird and start your day on time.
Conclusion:
To summarize, Verbier, Switzerland is known worldwide as the best ski resort for freeride and off-piste skiing. But it doesn’t exclude anyone – the amateurs will benefit greatly on its slopes, too.
Non-skiers will enjoy the scenery and many other things that the resort offers. Après-ski is one of a kind, you will certainly be amused.
As Verbier truly is one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts, there is no better way of getting around than hiring a limousine service and showering yourself with luxury and style.
