Verbier

Verbier is one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, perched at 1,500 m in Switzerland’s Valais region. It forms the heart of the 4 Vallées — Switzerland’s largest ski area, with 412 km of pistes and access to legendary freeride terrain, luxurious accommodation, and vibrant après-ski.

Long considered a playground for the rich and adventurous, Verbier balances high-octane off-piste skiing and world-class dining with a cosmopolitan, lively atmosphere. Its blend of steep descents, sun-drenched slopes, and international glamour makes it one of the Alps’ true bucket-list destinations.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The 4 Vallées ski area connects Verbier with Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, and La Tzoumaz, offering huge variety and vertical.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes at Les Esserts are perfect for learners, and nearby La Tzoumaz offers gentle progression runs. Verbier’s ski schools are among the best in Switzerland.

• Intermediates: Verbier excels for confident intermediates, with long, scenic reds and blues from Les Ruinettes and Attelas. The run to La Chaux is a must for wide, cruising terrain.

• Experts: This is elite territory. Steep moguls, couloirs, and endless off-piste lines — including the legendary Tortin and Mont-Fort (3,330 m) descents — make Verbier a freeride mecca. Guided itineraries extend into the 4 Vallées’ wild backcountry.

• Freestylers: The Verbier Snowpark at La Chaux and natural terrain features across the domain make it a freestyle hotspot.

With high-altitude skiing up to 3,330 m and extensive snowmaking, snow reliability is excellent from December to late April.

Ski Lift Passes

Verbier is part of the 4 Vallées pass.

• Adult: ~CHF 82/day | ~CHF 410 for 6 days

• Child (6–15): ~50% reduction

• Under 6s: Free

Deals:

• Family and multi-day discounts available.

• Local Verbier-only pass options for beginners.

Resort & Infrastructure

Verbier’s lift network is among the most efficient in the Alps:

• Fast gondolas and high-speed chairs link Verbier with Mont-Fort and the wider 4 Vallées.

• The Médran lift provides quick access from the village to Les Ruinettes.

• Snowmaking covers key lower pistes, ensuring reliability even in warmer spells.

The resort continues to invest in sustainability and modernisation, making travel across its vast domain smooth and efficient.

Accommodation

Verbier is renowned for luxury chalets, designer hotels, and mountain elegance.

• Budget: Apartments and B&Bs in Le Châble or outskirts of the village.

• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels like Hotel Montpelier and Hotel Bristol.

• Luxury: Exceptional options including W Verbier, Experimental Chalet, and The Lodge Verbier (Richard Branson’s renowned alpine retreat).

Browse via the Verbier accommodation page.

Dining & Après

Verbier’s culinary scene is among the best in the Alps. On-mountain dining includes Le Dahu, Chez Dany, and Cabane Mont-Fort, serving hearty Swiss and fine alpine cuisine.

Après-ski is legendary — Le Rouge, Farinet, and Pub Mont Fort are essential stops for live music, DJs, and champagne-fuelled terrace sessions. Later, the energy moves to Farm Club, one of the Alps’ most famous nightspots.

Non-Skiing Activities

Verbier offers plenty for non-skiers and families:

• Winter hiking and snowshoe trails.

• Paragliding and heli-skiing for thrill-seekers.

• Ice skating and wellness spas.

• Shopping for luxury Swiss and international brands.

• Year-round cultural events and art galleries.

Village Character & Access

Verbier is a modern yet alpine-chic village, blending wooden chalets and high-end boutiques with lively bars and restaurants. It’s vibrant, stylish, and social, attracting an international crowd.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva Airport (2 hrs).

• By train: Rail to Le Châble via Martigny, then gondola or bus to Verbier.

• By car: Around 9.5 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Verbier is Switzerland’s ultimate all-round resort — combining world-class freeride, luxurious accommodation, and iconic après-ski. While it carries a premium price tag, the mix of challenge, style, and atmosphere makes it a must-ski destination for any serious skier or snowboarder.

For those seeking big-mountain adventure with luxury and energy, Verbier remains one of the undisputed greats of the Alps.

Discover “The Whiteout,” our regular podcast where we delve into the latest gear reviews, snow forecasts, and the best current ski destinations. We also feature interviews with ski legends and spotlight a different resort every week, among other exciting topics. Tune in to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Podcasts, or simply search for “The White Out” in your favourite podcast directory.