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Verbier Ski Resort
Established in 1937, posh party town Verbier covers a sunny plateau slap bang in the middle of Switzerland’s 4 valleys – which just happens to be one of Europe’s biggest and best ski areas.
The easy-on-the-eye architecture’s a pretty mix of wood and slate, but it’s what you’ll find within some of these walls that’ll blow your socks off…
Blending in with dozens of classic chalets and ski hotels, this place has some of the most luxurious lodgings on the planet. Some hotels come with designer suites and super-slick service, while others have been refurbed into mega chalets with private spas and cinemas. What tends to get the most airtime here is the bars, with local legends like the Farinet consistently winning (and definitely deserving) the gong for the best après ski in the world (Retracting roof – tick. Showers of Tattinger – tick. Famous DJ’s – tickety tick).
Such a heady mix of powdery pistes, high end lodgings and brilliant bars has made Verb hugely popular with the rich, royal and famous – Branson owns a chalet here, and visitors include Beatrice, Eugenie and the Beckhams. It’s described as a place to see and be seen, but the real reason you come here’s the skiing:
It’s spectacular - 35 lifts provide access to the local slopes, a fine mix of cruisey groomers, lovely tree-line runs and some of the scariest moguls around.
Anyone looking to ski more can upgrade to the full area ski pass – which tots up a whopping 410km of slopes in the country’s biggest ski area. This includes access to the iconic 3330m Mont Fort glacier, for one of the best off-piste descents on the planet, plus cracking views over the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc massifs. It also links Verbier to 5 smaller Swiss resorts: Bruson, Veysonnaz, Thyon, Nendaz and La Tzoumaz.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Switzerland, Alps.
Established: 1937
Open: December - April
Downhill: 213.8km
View our detailed Verbier snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Verbier snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Geneva (GVA) | 170km, 2h30 |
| Zurich (ZRH) | 280km, 3h |
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| Top Altitude: | 3330m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1500m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1500m |
| Longest run: | 15km |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Vertical Drop: | 2509m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 2479m |
| Night Skiing: | Torch lit descents available |
| Glacier: | |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 213.8km |
| Beginner slopes: | 43% |
| Intermediate: | 29% |
| Advanced slopes: | 28% |
| Lift Pass Price: | CHF317 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Saas Fee, Zermatt, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, 4 Valleys | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Verbier
Besides being famous for its off-piste routes, Verbier’s well groomed slopes are well known as some of the most challenging in the Alps. Although it mainly attracts intermediate, advanced and expert level skiers seeking adventurous off-piste and steeps experience, the 37 local pistes covering 100km provide for all abilities.
The resort has three areas specifically for beginners, including the gentle slopes at Les Moulins, which has a children’s area and Les Esserts, with its 120m magic carpet. Those with a bit more confidence can enjoy family favourite Le Rouge (with one of Verbier’s many restaurants situated conveniently nearby) as well as the gorgeous scenery and gentle slopes of La Chaux. More confident skiers will be spoilt for choice, with a range of slopes including some brilliant red runs from La Chaux and down to La Tzoumaz. Expert skiers can enjoy the steep slopes at Col de Chassoure and the off piste runs and steeps around Mont Gelé, where a huge bonus is the fantastic view.
Host of the Freeride World Tour, Verbier is a favourite for intermediate and advanced ‘boarders looking for extreme snowboarding both on and off piste. As well as steeps and rock drops of all sizes, the Swatch Snowpark at La Chaux is a must-visit for freestylers. It is accessible via La Chaux Express and has more than 20 structures including kickers, boxes, rails and a big airbag (the one thing Verbier lacks for snowboarders is a pipe, but there are rumours of something in the pipeline). The park also has a chill-out zone for post-boarding relaxation and you can watch your performance back on a large video screen. Less experienced boarders can enjoy Savoleyres, the only drawback being its drag lifts. Ultimately Verbier’s lift system provides well for snowboarders, with only 10 drag lifts overall.
Verbier Apres Ski
Many say Verbier’s après is the main reason to visit – it’s certainly some of the best in the world and if you want to increase the odds of bumping into Prince Harry or Leonardo di Caprio on the dance floor, there’s no better place to party. From a good old pint in a lively pub (we love Nelson’s and Pub Mont Fort) to swanky cocktails with the socialites at Cordee de Alps, the nightlife is wonderfully varied.
An absolute legend is the Farinet - with a huge sliding roof, a commanding position over the main square and a lengthy shot list, it regularly crops up on the list of the world’s best après ski bars. You don’t have to travel far to experience another top venue – the same hotel houses what was once the Casbah club and is now the Etoile Rouge supper club, where the transition from supper to dancefloor is gloriously seamless.
Jamie Oliver skis here and Heston Blumenthal helped out with the menu at La Vache, which gives you an idea of just how good the dining scene is. For gourmet food and stunning views of the Alps, Nevai does an extensive range of grilled meats, Asian and Mediterranean dishes. W Verbier is another place to book a table if you fancy a treat - Michelin star chef Sergi Arola creates some amazing dishes combining Spanish and Swiss influences. We love the pizzas at Fer a Chevel in the centre of town – it has a lovely sun terrace for outdoor lunches and a lively atmosphere at night too. The La Monde des Crepes on Rte de la Poste is great for kids and has every type of crêpe you could think of... and then some!
If you fancy a pit stop on the mountain, Carlsberg often has an airbag outside for those feeling a bit more daring once the beers have set in... Le Dahu, at the bottom of La Chaux Snowpark has some top notch pizzas and pasta dishes (not to mention awesome mountain views). 1936 is another popular bar on the run down from Les Ruinettes to Verbier, a great stop on the way home with deckchairs outside where you can soak in the rays without having to worry about catching the last lift.
Activities off the slopes are also varied and abundant. If some R&R is on the agenda, there are various wellness centres like Nevai Elemis Spa and Wholey Cow. For more experience of the incredible scenery, outdoor activities include hang-gliding, paragliding, tobogganing, horse-riding, husky-rides, snowshoeing and ice karting. In terms of things to do indoors, you can keep fit in one of the local swimming pools, squash courts or gyms, do some ice skating or curling or catch a movie at the cinema (but come on, do you really want to stay in and watch a film here?).
Best time to go
Best time to ski Verbier
Best time to visit & ski Verbier
Besides 70 snow cannons, the mountain has ski slopes facing North, South, East and West, meaning that whatever the weather conditions or time of year you travel, you are likely to find slopes in great condition for skiing.
The ski season runs from early December through to the end of April most years. Skiing in early December is usually quiet, with numbers increasing during the festive season. Verbier is coldest in January, and relatively quiet, getting a lot busier during February half term. Temperatures gradually warm through February and March, with April as the sunniest month. For a quieter skiing experience you might want to choose dates outside the Easter school holiday dates where the resort tends to be busier. There is good snowfall throughout the ski season, with average snowfall highest in March (upper piste snow depth around 300cm), so this is a great place to come if you love T-shirt skiing in the spring sunshine.
Browse all Verbier ski deals or read about holidays in December, January, February, March or April.
Peak Dates
Have a magical time in stunning surroundings by spending Christmas in Verbier. With festive markets, midnight mass carols, live music and even a visit from Father Christmas, Verbier is the choice location for a perfect white Christmas. Verbier Christmas ski holidays ‣
Join the vibrant atmosphere by seeing in the New Year in Verbier, with food, parties, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks in Central Square. Verbier New Year ski holidays ‣
February half term is a popular week for Brits seeking that much-needed refreshing getaway. With ski lesson programmes and childcare options, Verbier provides well for the whole family. Verbier Half Term ski holidays ‣
Verbier provides various fun activities for those spending Easter in Verbier. Children can enjoy Easter egg hunts both around the resort and on the ski runs, while themed parties in clubs and bars also join the Easter celebrations. Verbier Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Verbier
Families are welcome in Verbier which has a ski area, accommodation and off-slope activities to suit all ages.
The vast and varied ski area includes some lovely sunny, cruising runs that the whole family can enjoy together. For little learners, Les Moulins has a children’s skiing area and there are new magic carpet lifts at Les Esserts. There are a range of ski lesson choices, including group lessons for a range of ages and levels with English speaking instructors (and a high likelihood of English classmates in this popular Brit resort). You can also book a private family lesson if you want to enjoy quality family time as you all learn and improve together.
If you’re bringing a child who is too young for ski school, various childcare options are available where your little ones will be looked after in safe hands while you tackle the slopes. In the resort, Kids Club Verbier has a snow garden with toys and games. Half and full day childcare is available here with a warm lunch included. Les Schtroumpfs is a brilliant local crèche and Petit Verbier offers a private nanny and babysitting service. Ask us about our hotels with on-site childcare.
If you’re in Verbier during school holidays, look out for special children’s activities and events including a visit from Santa at Christmas and an egg hunt at Easter. Various activities are available in the area for quality family time and memorable moments – go on a hike with an adorable St Bernard, enjoy an afternoon of sledding on the longest run in the area or head to the sports centre for ice skating and ice karting.
We have a brilliant range of holiday options for families including everything from cheap deals to luxury family getaways. Our catered chalets and half or full board hotels ensure minimal hard work and maximum family time. Pick a traditional chalet for cosy evenings and games by the fireplace with your loved ones or ask about hotels with family rooms and adjoining rooms so everyone is close together. If you’re a large family or a group of two families, book Chalet Chaperon Rouge with sole occupancy so you can enjoy the accommodation to yourself or if you’re a smaller family, our large chalets and chalet hotels like Chalet Les Quatre Saisons and Chalet Hotel de Verbier provide the perfect setting to meet new people while your children make friends.
GroupsGroup Holidays Verbier
With a varied ski area, abundant off-slope activities and a reputation for legendary après ski, Verbier is a terrific resort for group ski holidays.
Our group holidays come with flights and transfers from airport to accommodation or channel crossings for self drive holidays. Catered chalets, half board hotels and all inclusive packages are a brilliant option if you don’t want to have to worry about catering for everyone’s individual needs – your chalet host or hotel staff will do the hard work for you. Accommodation-only options can save hassle if you’re organising a group holiday – grab a good deal before it disappears and let everyone sort out their own travel arrangements. View these by selecting ‘independent travel’ in the departures / flights section.
Our chalet hotels in Verbier are ideal for groups as they offer the size of a hotel with alpine chalet charm. If you book your group into somewhere like Chalet Hotel de Verbier or Chalet Hotel Montpelier, everyone can enjoy their own rooms and gather for sociable evenings in large dining and lounge areas for dinner and drinks. Because they have a good amount of rooms, these chalet hotels also provide the option for late-comers to join the group holiday later on in the process if there are any rooms still available.
If you’ve got a group of 10 or think you can arrange one, book Chalet Chaperon Rouge or Chalet Hameau with sole occupancy and enjoy these cosy alpine chalets and their brilliant positions and amenities to yourselves.
Groups looking to ski hard and party harder have definitely come to the right place – Verbier’s après scene is legendary and offers a variety of options until the early hours. If you want to get the best of the action, stay somewhere in the centre of the town like Chalet Hotel de Verbier or Hotel de la Poste which are known for offering brilliant access to the nightlife - Pub Mont-Fort, Fer à Cheval and Farinet are must-visits for the Verbier après ski experience.
Which are the best ski holidays in Verbier?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Chalet Mowgli | 7 | £ 611 |
| The Calima Estate | 7 | £ 838 |
| Chalet Roselle | 7 | £ 1214 |
| Ivouette 011 | 7 | £ 1292 |
| Chalet Toundra | 7 | £ 1299 |
| Chalet Milou | 3 | £ 1333 |
| Fleur de Lin | 7 | £ 1339 |
| Inverno | 7 | £ 1341 |
| Apartment Saana | 7 | £ 1356 |
| Chalet Alpin Roc | 7 | £ 1367 |
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