Verbier in Winter

Verbier is situated at an altitude of 1,500 m and is the focal point of the 4 Vallees skiing area. There are over 410 km of runs for all levels and 92 ski-lifts, which can all be used with a single ski-pass.  The highest point of this area is the summit of Mont Fort which, at 3,330 m, has ideal skiing conditions from the beginning to the end of the season.  From the summit of Mont Fort you can see Mont Blanc on one side and the Matterhorn on the other. Snow machines complement the natural snowfall to ensure good conditions on the runs in times of low snowfall. So there’s plenty to do in Verbier all winter long……..

On-Piste Skiing and snowboarding – with over 70 pistes to choose from, at all levels of difficulty, it’s hard to get bored. There are also half-pipes and lots of constructed jumps for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. La Chaux has three freestyle trails (beginner, advanced, pro) with many boxes and rails.

Off-Piste – Verbier has got to be the best off-piste destination on the planet! Many slopes are accessible from the top of lifts while a short skin or walk will take you to miles of virgin powder slopes. To get the most from the conditions (and to keep your insurance valid!) you must have an UIAGM qualified Mountain Guide. Contact Hans Solmssen – he’s the best! hans@verbier.ch and www.swissguides.com.

Heliskiing – a surprisingly cost-effective way of tasting fresh powder at any time in the season (and after the season). The main heliski areas close by are the Trient Glacier on the Mont Blanc massif and the Petit Combin – landing right on the summit! Contact hans@verbier.ch

Cross-country skiing – Many local trails including the Verbier 5 km trail at high altitude (Les Ruinettes - La Chaux) and 4 Km loop in the resort, near the Centre polysportif. The Val de Bagnes 20 km starting from Le Chable, 5 km at Lourtier.8 and 10 km trails at La Fouly / Val Ferret, 2,3 and 10 km loops at Liddes / Bourg-St-Pierre, 3,5,10,15 and 20 km loops at Champex, 6 and 20 km trails at the Col des Planches

Ice climbing – fancy climbing a frozen waterfall? Lots to choose from at all levels of difficulty in the Val de Bagnes and around Martigny. Contact hans@verbier.ch

Hiking and snowshoeing - 25 km of way-marked paths starting from the resort to high altitude

Tobogganing - 2 way-marked slopes, each measuring 10 km: Ruinettes - Verbier and Savoleyres - Tzoumaz and La Cot – Bruson. Toboggans and bobsleighs may be hired from several sports shops.

For young children – There is a day nursery at Chez Les Schtroumpfs.

Eating – There are over 60 mountain restaurants on the pistes to suit every pocket