Verbier

Verbier is a large, world renowned, ski resort perched on a sunny plateau in the heart of the mountains. Verbier has carefully maintained its charm as an alpine village despite its size and it’s easy on the eye with its slate-rooted chalets and low rise charm. This is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area – with nearly 100 lifts and more than 400 km of ski runs for all levels of expertise at your feet. The Mont-Fort, the highest point of the ski area (3’330 m), offers a panorama over the Matterhorn, the Combins and the Mont-Blanc ranges.

Verbier is located in south-western Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is one of the largest holiday resorts and ski areas in the Swiss Alps and is recognized as one of the premiere “off-piste” resorts in the world. Many advanced skiers flock to Verbier to take advantage of the steep and challenging slopes, varied skiing and riding conditions and easy access, in under 2hrs, from Geneva which offers a wide choice of transport options.

Restaurants are plentiful both on the mountain and in resort, and the après-ski & nightlife are as legendary as the skiing with a full range of clubs and bars -from the relaxed to the lively, to choose from.

Despite being famous for its challenging skiing Verbier has an excellent ski school so it’s not just for experts – there are options for Beginners too! Verbier boasts some lovely, sunny, nursery slopes for beginners just above the village centre and on Savoleyres, with its tree-lined runs down to La Tzoumaz. New ‘magic carpet’ lifts have been installed in the Esserts beginner area.

For intermediate skiers Verbier has a fantastic variety with skiing easily accessible from the village. The pistes of Savoleyres are an ideal starting point and offer some wonderful views down onto Verbier and there are plenty of challenging red runs to push you onto the next level.

Verbier is renowned for its steep itinerary runs, outstanding off-piste and copious black runs – a perfect combination for advanced and expert skiers. The area’s great classics include the exhilarating black run from Mont Fort and the ‘itinerary’ routes from Col des Gentaines and Mont Gelé. Even the most expert of skiers will find a challenge.

Snowboarding in Verbier is the perfect choice with hardly a draglift to be found in the local area, Verbier is a great resort for snowboarders. There is a snowpark or boarder cross at La Chaux, and of course the endless powder runs between the pistes!

Number of runs

• Blue: 23
• Red: 55
• Black: 10
• Longest run: 15km

Things to do:

• Full weekly programme of après-ski events
• Excellent sports centre with swimming pool, sauna located in resort centre
• Curling and ice skating
• The Alpine Museum
• Ice karting
• Tobogganing
• Paragliding and heli-skiing
• Excellent selection of popular mountain restaurants for great food and wonderful views

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Families

Non-ski kindergarten ‘Chez les Schtroumpfs’ (3mths-3yrs) and ski kindergarten ‘Kid’s Club’ (3-6yrs) available locally.

ACCOMMODATION

There is something for all tastes from good value to luxury ski holidays

Chalet hotel de Verbier – Inghams We won’t be beaten on price

http://www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays/hotels/item365290/de-verbier/

 Chalet Hotel Montpelier – Ski Total We won’t be beaten on price

http://www.skitotal.com/AccommodationDetails.aspx?accomId=3145

SNEAK PREVIEW – new W hotel VERBIER opening December 2013 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3429