Verbier is an iconic Swiss ski resort that has carved the way for freeride skiing, establishing itself as a freeride mecca. The resort sits within the largest ski area in Switzerland, the 4 Vallées, with an impressive 410 km of runs to enjoy alongside some of the finest views of the Alps.
Today, it is also home to legends who helped pioneer Verbier as Switzerland’s most outstanding ski destination, especially for freeride. On our visit to Verbier, we met photography legend Marko Shapiro and extreme ski legend John Falkiner, who captured the feeling of powder skiing, inspiring many to experience the magic of Verbier.
Verbier has been welcoming skiers for almost 100 years and has lured celebrities including Richard Branson, the Beckhams, and James Blunt, who even has a chair lift named after him.
Many have recognised Verbier’s world-class skiing experience, with the resort crowned Switzerland’s best ski destination six times in the last seven years! It doesn’t stop there; Verbier has also collected awards for the world's best ski resort in 2021 and 2022.
This ski guide has everything you need to know before arriving in Verbier for an epic ski trip. From the best restaurants, a detailed ski guide, fun non-skier activities, and the ultimate spots for après-ski.
Contents
Where is Verbier?
What is Verbier known for?
How to get to Verbier?
How to get around Verbier?
How to get around the 4 Vallées ski area?
When is the best time to ski in Verbier?
Is Verbier a beginner-friendly resort?
What’s it like to ski and snowboard in Verbier?
Where’s the best après-ski in Verbier?
How much is a ski pass in Verbier?
Where are the best places to eat in Verbier?
What non-skier activities are there in Verbier?
Where to stay in Verbier?
Where is Verbier?
Verbier sits on a sunny, south-facing plateau, above the Val de Bagnes valley. It’s located within the Swiss canton of Valais, surrounded by the Alps with views of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Grand Combin.
Each canton in Switzerland is unique, and the Valais is known for producing wine and most of the country's delicious apricots. The Val de Bagnes valley is located south of Martigny in southwest Switzerland, close to the borders of France and Italy.
What is Verbier known for?
Verbier is the ultimate destination for skiers who want to enjoy an adventure playground of groomed pistes and safe freeride opportunities. Located within the 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland, Verbier has plenty of spots to escape the crowds.
As you arrive at Verbier Resort, you may notice the absence of tall, purpose-built hotels, as seen in Les Menuires and Flaine. The buildings adhere to an alpine chalet appearance with pitched roofs, and all must face the valley due to strict planning rules in Verbier. This makes Verbier one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe, careful planning has allowed it to keep its character and charm.
Verbier, as a high-altitude resort, has a long ski season that runs from late November to May. This competes with nearby high resorts like Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Tignes. Most of the slopes are above 2,000 metres, making it one of Europe's highest ski areas.
It has plenty of snow thanks to a combination of reliable snowfall and artificial snowmaking and caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels (more on beginners below). Mont Fort, at 3,300 metres, is the highest point in the 4 Vallées area. It offers challenging skiing conditions on the Tortin Glacier as well as the opportunity to zipline from the summit of Mont Fort.
How to get to Verbier?
Plane
When travelling from the UK, most airports offer direct flights to Geneva, including London Gatwick, London Luton, London Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more. Geneva is an international hub, which means there are plenty of flight options from Swiss Air, EasyJet, British Airways, and Jet2.
We flew from London Heathrow to Geneva Airport with Swiss Air and would highly recommend it, not just because you get a complimentary Swiss chocolate! Return direct flights from London Heathrow start from £106pp with Swiss Air.
Train
The Eurostar connects London to Verbier via Paris, Lausanne, Martigny, and Le Châble. Snowcarbon has a useful journey planner to show you the best routes to Verbier via train.
If arriving by plane, there is no need to rent a car because Swiss trains are efficient, comfortable, and reliable - known to leave exactly on the minute! When travelling from Geneva Airport to Verbier, taking the train is an excellent idea. Take the Verbier Express (direct) or VosAlpes Express (change in Martigny) for ski passes and accommodation discounts.
INSIDER TIP | Get a Swiss Travel Pass for the most flexibility and unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats between Geneva Airport and Verbier. There are discounts available for those travelling by public transport through the Snow’n’Rail initiative.
When you reach Geneva Airport arrivals, turn left and walk until you reach the train station. There is the option to buy tickets on the go, but it’s best to book in advance for the best prices. You’ll catch the beautiful scenic train to Martigny, which passes through Lausanne, following along the edge of Lake Léman and incredible views of Chillon Castle, especially on the return back to Geneva!
Then you’ll change over at Martigny to Le Châble, which is the closest station to Verbier and only takes around 20 minutes for this section. The total train journey time is on average 2.5 hours, and once you arrive at Le Châble, catch the telecabine lift to Verbier, which takes 10 minutes and costs 11 CHF if you’ve not included it in your train ticket.
INSIDER TIP | The Verbier Express train runs direct from Geneva to La Châble on weekends from mid-December to mid-April over the main ski season and on other specific dates.
Bus
From Le Châble to Verbier, take the Postbus, the alternative to the telecabine which takes a little longer and costs 6 CHF per person. The bus passes Fontenelle, Médières, and Verbier Village, which is perfect if your accommodation is along this route.
The Postbus finishes at the post office (centre of Verbier), where you can catch another free shuttle bus around the town. When purchasing your train ticket, you can include the bus or telecabine as part of your total ticket price.
Taxi or private transfers
Verbier is accessible by car, and while we wouldn’t recommend hiring a car unless you plan to explore areas not accessible by train for a longer trip, hiring a taxi or booking a private transfer is also an option.
Private transfer companies include Alpybus, Alpinefleet, Alpinexpress, Verbier transfers, GVA transfers, and Tesla transfers. The average cost of a private transfer from Le Châble train station to Verbier is 60 CHF.
It is possible to arrange a private transfer through your hotel from the airport; make sure to book this in advance.
How to get around Verbier?
Verbier sits on a plateau, consisting of several neighbourhoods, and offers easy navigation. Verbier is mostly accessible by foot, along Rue de Médran, with Place Central at the heart of the resort close to the Médran lift.
The free bus service connects most of Verbier, allowing you to quickly get to areas a little further away, such as Brunet, Savoleyres, Carrefour, Le Hameau, and Patier, from Médran or Place Central.
Verbier was one of Europe's first ski resorts to offer free shuttle ski buses, which launched in 1986. Check the shuttle bus schedule for further information on routes; there is also a Luna night bus service, which is free and ideal for getting around after aprés.
We stayed in the Médran neighbourhood at Hôtel de la Poste, which was conveniently located within walking distance of the Médran lift and close to Place Central for après-ski.
Several luxury hotels provide complimentary shuttle service across the Verbier resort; for example, the W Verbier offers a 24-hour shuttle service to anywhere in Verbier.
Verbier Village sits a little further down, next to Médières from the main street, and is a window to its history and agricultural roots. It has beautiful old wooden cabins still used for cattle.
How to get around the 4 Vallées ski area?
Verbier acts as the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area, connected to a large ski playground of off-piste routes and groomed pistes.
Verbier Val de Bagnes Resort consists of five main areas: La Tzoumaz, Vollèges, Verbier, Le Châble, Haut Val de Bagnes, and Bruson. Buses and cable cars connect all areas.
La Tzoumaz is a family favourite accessible only from Verbier by the Les Creux-Savoleyres lift, followed by skiing or riding the La Tzoumaz cable car.
When arriving by train, you'll arrive in Le Châble, and this is a popular place for many locals to live. Bruson is located on the opposite side of the valley from Le Châble, offering a quieter escape. Haut Val de Bagnes is further down the valley, accessible by bus and car from Le Châble.
When is the best time to ski in Verbier?
Verbier is a high-altitude resort with a long ski season stretching from November to May—a far longer season than most European resorts. Climate change has highlighted snow-sure resorts like Verbier for the best chances of good, reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
The best time to visit for the best deals on ski passes and accommodation is a combination of the following: stay early or later in the season, avoid school holidays, buy a group or family pass, book in advance, and buy multiple days for cheaper day rates.
The season kicks off in late November with the Polaris Festival, featuring electro tunes in a see-through tent offering spectacular mountain views. By the end of the month, the slopes are usually open depending on snow conditions.
December brings festive cheer, with the Swiss celebrating the arrival of Samichlaus (Santa) on 6 December and the start of the Christmas season. Highlights in December include a weekly torchlit descent at the bottom of the Savoleyres lift and New Year's Eve parties in most bars and clubs.
For a quieter experience, January is ideal, with fewer much fewer visitors. Verbier Freeride Week brings together 3,000 young athletes to compete for a chance to be noticed in the Freeride world.
February is usually a bit busier with school holidays and is packed with events, including the Intégrale du Rogneux, a snow mountaineering race, and a sledging festival in La Tzoumaz. Many dress in costumes for the festival to add to the fun, and the famous torchlight descent organised by the Verbier ski schools, allows good skiers can participate.
March ushers in Xtreme Verbier, the world’s premier freeride competition held every year on Bec des Rosses's north face to determine the Freeride World Tour champions. Warmer temperatures increase the chance of beautiful bluebird days and fewer crowds.
In April, enjoy end-of-season events such as concerts, end-of-season parties, the Verbier Art Summit, and the Ultime Session, where you can show off your skills on the Snowpark waterslide. The Médran Street festival shows local products, a spring flea market, and a giant tubing track. The Back2Back Verbier festival wraps up the season with live music, DJs, and competitions.
Is Verbier a beginner-friendly resort?
Verbier does cater towards beginners with a few dedicated areas for those learning to ski. Les Esserts, La Rouge, and Les Moulins are the main beginner slopes found in Verbier Resort, and once you are looking to progress further, La Chaux is perfect to hone your skills.
We always recommend booking a lesson; there are many ski schools with English-speaking instructors in Verbier ready to help you advance your ski technique for both skiers and snowboarders. You can enjoy discounted beginner lift tickets and free access to Les Esserts, including the magic carpet. Ask your ski school if the price includes a ski pass.
The majority of beginner areas are located away from the main ski areas, which means if you are skiing as a group with a mixture of levels, you will mostly be skiing separately until you can ski together. The remaining area of the Verbier resort caters more to intermediate and advanced skiers.
What's it like to ski and snowboard in Verbier?
Verbier is the go-to destination for many intermediate and advanced skiers, with the best off-piste routes and breathtaking views of the Alps. Verbier provides challenging runs over a diverse variety of terrain suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
Verbier is connected to the 4 Vallées ski area, known as the largest ski area in Switzerland, offering over 400 km of skiing heaven up to the highest point of Mont Fort at 3,300 metres. You can take a cable car to access Mont Fort on calm weather days, but high winds forced its closure during our visit.
La Chaux and the main blue run, Etiértses, back to Verbier are great for gentle cruising, with a mix of connected reds nearby. La Chaux is accessible to advanced beginners via the Chaux Express with race tracks, a snowpark, and a track with a speed checker.
Next to the Chaux 2 chairlift, you’ll discover the Verbier sign for a fun photo moment with the Combin de Courbassiere and Grand Combin as your backdrop. Le Dahu restaurant is the perfect place to soak in the views, especially outside on the sun loungers for a quick power nap.
One of the most scenic runs is taking the James Blunt lift to Attelas, reaching 2734 metres, where the sun lights up the snow and is arguably one of the best views in Verbier. The recently opened L’Inkontro restaurant is accessible on this route using local Valaisan produce and makes a wonderful lunch spot serving delicious pizza, tapas, and tasty views.
For a unique experience, be the first to enjoy the freshly groomed slopes every Friday by booking a First Tracks experience. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the FIS rules for your safety and those around you on the slopes. Before heading out to the slopes, check the current conditions and Verbier interactive ski map for any closures.
Off-piste in Verbier
It’s recommended to take an experienced mountain guide when skiing or snowboarding off-piste. Guides will ensure your safety and show you the best places for fresh powder.
Expert skiers can tackle the most challenging rides off Tortin and Mont Fort, guaranteed to get your heart pumping. One of the most impressive is the north face of Bec des Rosses, a 600-metre vertical drop in extreme 50-degree sections.
Snowboarding in Verbier
One area we’d recommend avoiding as a snowboarder is the Grands Creux, which has a small uphill section that skiers have to walk up. The Verbier ski area of 4 Vallées is mostly chairlifts and cable cars, which is ideal for snowboarders; other areas of the 4 Vallées have more button lifts and T bars.
Bruson is a smaller resort included in the Verbier ski area and known to be a favourite for snowboarders, a great option to escape the busier parts of Verbier during peak times.
Etiértses is a narrow blue run that takes you through the tree line from below the Chaux Express with beautiful views at the end of the day. It is not the best for snowboarders, there are not many flat sections but you will need to be comfortable making quick turns.
Where's the best après-ski in Verbier?
Après-ski means something different for everyone, from relaxing in the spa to partying with friends at the bar. Verbier’s après-ski scene is known as one of the best, with favourites such as Pub Mont Fort, a local favourite with fun, food, and a friendly atmosphere.
Other worthy picks for après in Verbier include Alp & Horn for a modern scene, the iconic nightclub Farm Club and Lumi for a chilled vibe and live music. Le Farinet, located on Place Central, is one of the best spots for après with live music shows throughout the season. Le Mouton Noir, located at the top of the Médran lift, has a sweeping terrace with the best views of the Alps.
For a more relaxing après-ski scene, head to the spa in La Cordée with a beautiful indoor pool. Le Spa du Chalet d’Adrien now features a fresh renovation that highlights stunning views of the Combin Massif. Alternatively, visit Le Spa in W Verbier, located in Place Blanche, and sip on a cocktail by the pool as you relax.
How much is a ski pass in Verbier?
There are two main options for Verbier ski passes: the 4 Vallées ski pass and the Verbier Valley ski pass. 4 Vallées ski pass gives access to the whole 4 Vallées ski area, and the Verbier Valley ski pass allows access to Bruson, Savoleyres, La Tzoumaz, Tortin, and Verbier but doesn’t include Mont Fort.
You can get 10–15% discounts on ski passes by purchasing online in advance, also for large groups (15+) can also claim these savings. Beginners can enjoy additional discounts on ski passes, ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
For the 2024/2025 season, an adult one-day ski pass for the 4 Vallées area is £80/CHF 89, and a six-day pass is £366/CHF409.
A one-day ski pass for Verbier resort is £78/CHF 87, and for six days, £358/CHF 400. There is little difference in the price for both passes, if you plan to go up to the top of Mont Fort, even just for the views, make sure to get the 4 Vallées ski pass as it’s not included in the Verbier resort pass.
For beginners, an adult day pass is £26/CHF 29. This includes access to Esserts, Moulins, Rouge, and the La Tzoumaz area—all carpets and the baby lift in La Tzoumaz are free to use without a beginner pass.
Where are the best places to eat in Verbier?
Verbier offers relaxed eating options and fine dining experiences; we were very impressed with the variety and quality of places to eat in Verbier!
La Cordée des Alpes restaurant
On our first night, we enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of dishes from La Cordée des Alpes restaurant, using seasonal produce and taking inspiration from around the world. The setting has an inviting feel, with a large bar in the middle perfect for an aperitif from their carefully curated collection of wines.
Chez Dany
The journey to the restaurant was an adventure in itself. We took a snow taxi (must be booked in advance) from Carrefour to reach the Clambin forest and Chez Dany. This cosy, authentic wooden cabin is in a remote setting away from the buzz of Verbier. Using only fresh and organic ingredients, the food at Chez Dany is fantastic.
We’d highly recommend the classic fondue, Burgundy snails, and hot stone. On our way back, we snowshoed back to the village with the golden lights leading the way, surrounded by the total silence of the forest and only the sound of crunching snow underfoot.
Le Mouton Noir
Located at 2,200 meters next to the Les Ruinettes lift, Le Mouton Noir offers a relaxed, self-service dining option downstairs, ideal for a day on the slopes. It’s known for its delicious, affordable goulash and also serves pizza, burgers, pasta, lasagna, and crêpes.
Upstairs there is a fine dining experience with majestic mountain views of the Combins Massif on the outdoor terrace. The menu offers traditional dishes such as Rösti, homemade pasta, and a dried meat platter, perfectly paired with a local Swiss wine.
La Grange
La Grange is a traditional Swiss-style restaurant with a cosy chalet interior setting and a roaring fireplace to set the mood. La Grange serves speciality dishes such as raclette, fondue, wood-fired grills, and regional gourmet flavours. They also serve a seasonal daily menu that showcases the best fresh produce, which we tasted on our visit and would highly recommend.
L’Inkontro
Recently opened, L’Inkontro is a must on your visit to Verbier. Set on the Les Attelas run, it’s a striking contemporary mountain hut with a metallic exterior balanced with a warm, welcoming wooden interior. The windows perfectly frame the best mountain vistas in Verbier and let the rooms be flooded with natural light. Offering an Italian-style menu, L’Inkontro serves high-quality dishes from tapas to pizza.
What non-skier things are there to do in Verbier?
Even if you don’t ski, there are plenty of things to do in the winter months in Verbier. It’s possible to walk and hike across the resort, and there are specific snowshoeing routes mapped out. A recommended scenic route is from Les Ruinettes to La Chaux, which continues up to Cabane du Mont Fort. Purchase a pedestrian pass to get up to the top of La Chaux and walk down, another route is to walk up to La Marlène restaurant for beautiful views.
For adrenaline seekers, take the zipline from the top of Mont-Fort at 3,330 metres to fly over the top of Tortin Glacier. The Tyrolienne du Mont-Fort will reach up to a speed of 130km/h and descend 1,400 metres for a truly unique experience. Paragliding and sky diving are other exciting activities you can do in Verbier to get your heart racing.
Take a panoramic tour with beautiful huskies on a sledge, where you can learn about mushing or you can challenge yourself to try steering the huskies through the winter wonderland landscape.
Fun for all the family can be found at the luge from the top of Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz. The run navigates over 711 metres downhill and is suitable for all ages, children under 8 must be supervised by an adult. Another fun activity in Verbier is ice skating at Parc Loisirs, it’s free to use and skates are available to hire.
Make sure to stop by the historic village of Verbier, and walk down the road Chemin de le Croix crossing over the main road Route de Verbier. Step into Verbier’s past, to see traditional stables and pop in the Fromagerie to taste the best local cheeses and delicious fresh produce.
Where to stay in Verbier?
Verbier has many wonderful places to stay, from luxury hotels to alpine chalets and self-catering apartments. There are more wooden chalets than hotels in Verbier, and the strict building regulations have meant this village has maintained its flawless image and quintessential alpine charm.
We stayed in the welcoming Hôtel de la Poste, an authentic alpine chalet, one of Verbier's oldest and last family-run hotels. It’s found only 300 metres away from the Médran lift and near Place Central, perfect for enjoying après-ski without the need to use the bus.
Our room had a TV, comfy beds, plenty of storage, a retro bathroom, and a balcony with epic views of the valley. Each morning, a buffet breakfast fuels you for a day on the slopes.
Other recommended places to stay in Verbier are W Verbier, Chalet d’Adrien, and La Cordée des Alpes Hotel for a luxury experience with spa facilities. If you are looking for more budget accommodation options in Verbier, look at staying in Le Chable or make sure to book ahead and outside of the school holidays.
READ MORE | Best places to stay in Verbier * coming soon
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