Guide To: Skiing in Verbier
Verbier is one of Europe’s most luxurious ski resorts and this guide has everything you need to know if you’re planning a Verbier ski holiday.
One of Europe’s most upmarket ski resorts, Verbier is a popular destination for those looking for a luxurious ski holiday.
Perfect for more advanced skiers and thrill seekers looking to put their skills to the test, Verbier has extensive slopes and a vibrant Apres Ski scene.
Take a look at this expert guide for everything you need to know if you’re planning a Verbier ski holiday.
Where is Verbier
Verbier ski resort is located in the Swiss Alps and is the largest resort in the 4 Vallees ski area.
Located in the South West, Verbier benefits from long, sunny afternoons and some areas of the resort can almost guarantee snow all year round.
Easily accessible by road and train, the journey from Verbier to Geneva airport takes around 2 hours.
Despite its luxury status, the village of Verbier itself is quaint and in keeping with its alpine surroundings and the full resort is still small enough to easily be explored on foot.
Mountain Facts
Verbier is part of the 4 Vallees, the largest ski area in Switzerland, giving you access to 410 km of linked pistes accessed by 93 ski lifts.
Most of Verbier’s ski slopes are located well above the tree line. The high altitude slopes are arguably for serious skiers only and there’s a strong focus on off-piste and freeriding.
Many marked routes on the mountains are left ungroomed to allow for mogul fields to develop and to preserve the powder lines.
Thanks to the height offered from Verbier’s slopes, you’ll have access to stunning 360 views, thin air and almost vertical drops.
In Verbier you’ll be sure to find a slope that suits you with runs spanning hidden valleys, powder fields and even over glaciers.
Verbier has also developed Europe’s first drone slope where you can pay to have your journey down the run recorded and emailed to you that day…perfect for some social media bragging to those back home!
For those who get their thrills from watching the experts rather than taking part, Verbier hosts Xtreme Verbier, the finals of the Freeride World Tour in March every year.
The Verbier Ski Resort
Verbier ski resort is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a more luxurious trip to the slopes.
Whilst much of the accommodation is on the luxury side, there are also plenty of authentic style chalets meaning despite the splendour, you’ll still be in for an authentic stay.
There are plenty of activities available if you fancy a break from the slopes on your Verbier ski holiday including ice skating, swimming, tobogganing, snowshoeing and dog sledding as well as a spa if you need to reset your muscles after a hard day on the snow.
Whilst there is a ski school and a handful of nursery slopes available, Verbier is arguably more suited to couples and groups rather than families.
The Apres Ski scene in Verbier is one of the best in the Swiss Alps, especially if you’re looking for an area that truly comes alive at night.
There’s plenty of lively nightclubs in the resort offering live music and dancing until the small hours but be warned, you may not feel like hitting the slopes early the next day after a heavy night here!
Verbier - Ski Areas
Verbier ski resort has various areas for you to explore and you’ll be sure to find the terrain and slope style you’re looking for.
Bruson et Val De Bagnes
The Bruson ski area is directly across the valley from the main Verbier ski area and there are 44km of pistes on offer.
Home to five blue pistes, six red and one black as well as 11km of cross country tracks, it’s perfect for both beginners and intermediates.
The black run, La Pasay Noir, is great for more advanced skiers and has two different starting points which fuse together further down the run.
Thyon
Thyon marks the farthest point in the 4 vallees ski area and to get here you’ll need to be adept and traversing some tricky red runs.
Thyon itself is mainly made up of blue runs on the back side of the mountain and the Etherolla run is one of the most popular and enjoyable slopes in the whole of the Verbier ski resort.
La Tzoumaz - Savoleyres
Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz meet on a ridge line and are connected by a gondola.
The area has a nice choice of blue and red runs for intermediates as well as the longest sled run in the Swiss Alps. The toboggan route follows the Petite Combe run so if you’re skiing down this slope keep an eye out for sledges whizzing past you!
After a good snowfall a great spot is Les Etablons chair where you’ll experience some great turns and descents.
Bruson et Val De Bagnes
The Bruson ski area is directly across the valley from the main Verbier ski area and there are 44km of pistes on offer.
Home to five blue pistes, six red and one black as well as 11km of cross country tracks, it’s perfect for both beginners and intermediates.
The black run, La Pasay Noir, is great for more advanced skiers and has two different starting points which fuse together further down the run.
Skiing in Verbier - By Ability
Whilst Verbier ski resort may be a particularly good choice for more experienced skiers, there are still slopes and areas suitable for all skiing abilities.
Skiing in Verbier for Beginners
Although Verbier may not be the first choice for beginners, staying at the resort will give you access to an array of nursery slopes.
In the centre of the village at Les Moulins and the larger Les Esserts you’ll find nursery slopes you can ski down again and again whilst you get to grips with your skis.
The Savoleyres area is particularly good for families and has recently been updated with an area just for kids.
Verbier is also home to some great ski schools if you’re looking to learn the ropes before you hit the slopes.
Skiing in Verbier for Intermediate Skiers
Skiing in Verbier is great for intermediate skiers. There’s varied terrain on offer with the main slopes between the village and the Attelas.
The slopes in these areas tend to get busy and for the best intermediate skiing experience, you’ll want to explore the full 4 vallees area.
If you want to push yourself even further however, there are plenty of runs and off-piste terrain perfect for intermediate skiers looking to put their skills to the test.
Val d’Arbi and Col des Mines both offer great introductions to off-piste skiing for those who may not be quite ready to tackle the more tricky off-piste terrains.
Skiing in Verbier for Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers will more than get their money’s worth with a Verbier ski holiday.
In fact, Verbier is one of the best places in the world for advanced skiing and is a dream for fans of tricky off-piste terrain.
Tortin is arguably Verbiers trickiest route with a rocky traverse and a huge mogul field for experts to navigate.
There’s also a great black run for advanced skiers and snowboarders in the Mount Fort section too. From the top of Mont Fort 2 tram, the often moguled piste is steep and exhilarating but certainly not for the faint hearted…or the underskilled.
Verbier is incredibly easy to access and takes just 2 hours to reach from Geneva airport, making this a great choice for those looking for a luxury weekend getaway.
Our shared and private transfers can take you from Geneva airport right to the heart of Verbier ski resort. Whilst our private transfers will drop you off at the door of your accommodation, our shared shuttle service will terminate at one fixed point.
From here however you’ll have access to Verbier’s in-resort shuttle bus should you need it.
Our luxury fleet of alpine vehicles ensure you get from the airport to the slopes in no time at all and our experienced drivers put your safety and comfort first at all times.
Guide to Skiing in Verbier
Verbier is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland and for good reason.
The chic and luxurious resort offers everything you need for a vibrant ski holiday from thrilling slopes to a lively Apres Ski scene.
The short and manageable transfer time from Geneva airport makes Verbier popular with groups of all ages and sizes and for both short and long stays.
To find out more about our airport transfers to Verbier head to our dedicated Verbier page or contact the team today to book your transfer.
