Verbier ski and snowboard resort
Verbier is one of the top winter ski and snowboard resorts in Europe and is best known for high altitude, off piste skiing and wild nightlife. Expert skiers and snowboarders from all over the world flock to Verbier to experience the famous descents from Mt Gelé and Mt Fort.
Verbier’s reputation as a winter resort for experts only is misguided, as there are many possibilities for the learner to gain confidence on the nursery runs and wide blue pistes.
Verbier resort ski lift system
Verbier has an efficient modern lift system that rivals the top French resorts and intermediate skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of choice on the long and varied pistes. Verbier is part of the Four Valleys skiing and snowboarding area that covers the winter resorts of La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Tyon 2000.
From Verbier you can ski or snowboard down into La Tzoumaz from the top of the Savoleyres lift system and long intermediate pistes dominate this side of the resort. Travelling the length of the four valleys system in a day is demanding on even the keenest skier, snowboarder or telemarker, but some good terrain can be found further a field, most notably the itinerary route on Plan du Fou. A qualified ski instructor, snowboard teacher or mountain guide will let you make the most of the extensive region.
From Verbier you can ski or snowboard down into La Tzoumaz from the top of the Savoleyres lift system and long intermediate pistes dominate this side of the resort. Travelling the length of the four valleys system in a day is demanding on even the keenest skier, snowboarder or telemarker, but some good terrain can be found further a field, most notably the itinerary route on Plan du Fou. A qualified ski instructor, snowboard teacher or mountain guide will let you make the most of the extensive region.
Verbier, Switzerland
Situated at 1500m on a sunny south facing plateau above the small town of Le Chable, Verbier is a large winter sports resort dominated by catered chalets and low level apartments. Smart hotels also form a key part of the accommodation in Verbier including The Rosalp with its Michelin starred restaurant. Strict building regulations in Verbier have insured the architecture has remained sympathetic to the surroundings.
One of the main features in Verbier is the modern 1960’s church spire that extends high above the traditional Swiss chalets. Shops, bars and restaurants surround Verbier’s main square and continue up towards Medran where the main ski lifts are situated. For a quieter, value for money option, Le Chable in the valley below is an excellent choice. A gondola from le Chable takes skiers and boarders directly up into the Verbier ski and snowboard system.
One of the main features in Verbier is the modern 1960’s church spire that extends high above the traditional Swiss chalets. Shops, bars and restaurants surround Verbier’s main square and continue up towards Medran where the main ski lifts are situated. For a quieter, value for money option, Le Chable in the valley below is an excellent choice. A gondola from le Chable takes skiers and boarders directly up into the Verbier ski and snowboard system.
Verbier resort details
Beginners |
Good |
|---|---|
Intermediates |
Very good |
Advanced |
Excellent |
On piste |
Excellent |
Off piste |
Excellent |
Snowboarding |
Very good |
Extensive area |
Very good |
Restaurants |
Excellent |
Night life |
Excellent |
Snow record |
Very good |
Resort charm |
Very good |
Travelling times to Verbier (are approximate)
Geneva |
2 hours |
|---|---|
Le Châble |
0.5 hours |
Resort altitude |
1500 m |
Vertical drop |
1500 m - 3330 m |
Up lift capacity |
84 lifts |
Piste KM |
410 |
Mountain Restaurants and Apres Ski in Verbier
There is an abundance of lunchtime choices available for the skier and snowboarder in Verbier. A must visit is the Cabane Mont Fort on the descent between Gentianes and La Chaux. Another Verbier institution is Chez Danny directly below Les Ruinettes on a forest descent back to the town. It’s a charming old chalet with great views and a wonderful afternoon atmosphere. Au Mayen, on the main descent to Verbier is worth a visit, especially for a warm drink on a cold day. On the Savoleyres side, Marmotte specialises in Rosti and Croute and has a large, sunny terrace.
There is a large choice of places to eat and drink in Verbier after the ski lifts have shut. For a real treat try Roland Pierroz’ restaurant in the Hotel Rosalp. Their second restaurant La Pinte is less formal but also very good. The Fer a Cheval is an excellent choice of good pizza, steaks and an informal atmosphere. Also serving good Italian food is Al Capone. Le Caveau in the centre of town serves traditional food including raclette and fondue. Millennium, also in the town centre, is a fantastic place to eat. For a relaxing and fun alternative, try the offshore near Medran. It’s always busy and serves a mix of European and international food in a wind surfing themed environment.
As far as partying goes, Verbier has everything from quiet bars to famous nightclubs. The Pub Mont Fort is a legend amongst bars and is busy from early afternoon until late at night. The Farinet in Verbier centre often has live music after the lifts close and later on downstairs, The Casbah is a popular nightclub venue. Also worth a visit is The Fer a Cheval and T Bar. For sophisticated drinks visit Kings Bar and Crock No Name before heading off to the famous, wild and fantastically expensive Farm Club.
There is a large choice of places to eat and drink in Verbier after the ski lifts have shut. For a real treat try Roland Pierroz’ restaurant in the Hotel Rosalp. Their second restaurant La Pinte is less formal but also very good. The Fer a Cheval is an excellent choice of good pizza, steaks and an informal atmosphere. Also serving good Italian food is Al Capone. Le Caveau in the centre of town serves traditional food including raclette and fondue. Millennium, also in the town centre, is a fantastic place to eat. For a relaxing and fun alternative, try the offshore near Medran. It’s always busy and serves a mix of European and international food in a wind surfing themed environment.
As far as partying goes, Verbier has everything from quiet bars to famous nightclubs. The Pub Mont Fort is a legend amongst bars and is busy from early afternoon until late at night. The Farinet in Verbier centre often has live music after the lifts close and later on downstairs, The Casbah is a popular nightclub venue. Also worth a visit is The Fer a Cheval and T Bar. For sophisticated drinks visit Kings Bar and Crock No Name before heading off to the famous, wild and fantastically expensive Farm Club.
