Verbier Ski Resort Switzerland
Verbier ski resort is a very fun, very stunning, and very large skiing area in the Swiss Alps. Forming the western sector of the massive 4 Vallèes (the largest ski area entirely in Switzerland), Verbier has almost limitless premier on and off-piste opportunities, rightly ranking it amongst Europe's best & most famous ski resorts.
Unlike some of Europe's mega sized ski resorts, Verbier is also an attractive, vibrant village with low rise buildings built along traditional lines.
For Powderhounds, highlights of skiing Verbier are the freeride routes off Mont Gele & Mont Fort, which at elevations of up to 3,330m provide superb ski experiences and glorious views of iconic alpine peaks such as the Grand Combin, Matterhorn & Mont Blanc.
Pros & Cons for Verbier Ski Resort
Pros
- Sensational lift-served freeride terrain.
- Stunning views.
- Interlinked with 4 Vallees for huge & diverse on-piste ski terrain.
- Numerous ski-in ski-out accommodation options.
- Switzerland’s best après ski & nightlife.
- Quality heliskiing available.
- Backcountry ski options easily accessed;.
- Easy to get to via train from Geneva airport.
Cons
- Busy on a powder day and weekends.
- On mountain accommodation expensive.
- While the après is good, the prices can be extortionary.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- The Mont Fort area is not actually included in the Verbier lift pass (requires a 4 Vallèes pass) and takes 5 lifts to get up without putting on a ski!
- In Switzerland, so while everything is perfect, it comes with a price tag.
- Epic Pass is now valid in the resort, which is great for some international visitors.
Skiing & Snowboard, Lifts & Terrain
Verbier ski resort is part of the 4 Vallèes ski domain and ranges from 821m altitude at Le Chable, up to 3,330m on the summit of Mont Fort. The ski resort has seamless connections with the 4 Vallees ski area providing a massive total combined 410 km of marked runs. The expansive off-piste terrain only adds to the size and adventure of Verbier.
See the Verbier ski trail map.
Verbier is in effect four ski areas which is reflected in the multitude of lift pass options. The lower Bruson ski area is across the valley via gondola from Le Chable. The Savoleyres/La Tzoumaz area has sunny open pistes great for beginners and lower intermediates on the Verbier village side, and better snow-quality trails in the shaded side down to La Tzoumaz. The immediate Verbier sector includes 1,500m of skiable vertical for all abilities up to Mont Gele. Finally, the Mont Fort sector is actually part of the 4 Vallees interlinked ski area, and not strictly part of Verbier, although the two are always associated together! Terrain around Mont Fort is mainly off-piste freeride and advanced routes, although a major intermediate trail does link back into Verbier.
If you live for off-piste and freeride skiing or boarding and luck into some decent snow conditions, you will love Verbier. Cautious intermediates may not enjoy the disjointed layout of the marked pistes and the inconsistency of the piste ratings. But anybody who wants to leave the groomed stuff behind (or wants to learn how) will have a ball. Heliskiing is available on the nearby peaks as well.
Verbier is a quality ski destination for budding Powderhounds. The resort's size and elevation mean the snow quality will last, particularly for those that are prepared to stomp a bit of bootpack. Be warned though, there are definitely no friends on powder days at Verbier because every man and his dog hits the slopes. Lovers of the extreme will enjoy Verbier & its legendary Bec des Rosses descents. Get a guide to learn the area & explore it safely.
Lift Passes & 4 Vallées
The 4 Vallèes ski areas (Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, Savoleyres, Thyon/Les Collons and Bruson) offer quite distinct and different terrain of varied difficulty. Check out the ski trail map for 4 Vallèes below.
The lift pass for the entire 4 Vallees is only a couple of francs more than a Verbier pass but provides access to a much larger ski area. Local lift passes can be purchased for a cheaper price for Bruson, La Tzoumaz/Savoleyres and Verbier (which includes Bruson and La Tzoumaz/Savoleyres). Nendaz, Veysonnaz & Thyon/Les Collons are covered by the Printze (or Printse) lift pass. The Verbier and Printze lift passes do NOT include the top three cable cars (Mont Fort et al). The 4 Vallèes lift pass is the only one that includes ALL the upper mountain cable cars. Lift pass rates are a lot cheaper if pre-purchased online.
See the 4 Vallées ski lift pass validity area map.
The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass (centred on Chamonix & Courmayeur) gives extremely limited, strictly conditional access to Verbier. It is of no value to anyone looking to ski Verbier, and of dubious value elsewhere. Read the detail of the pass carefully.
For Epic Pass holders, one can get 5 consecutive days of lift passes free at Verbier & 4-Vallees, but it requires each day to have an associated lodging reservation booked directly with the resort. With associated accommodation bookings at a participating resort lodging property, the five complimentary days are consecutive, and allow skiing & riding at all 4 Vallees ski areas - Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Bruson, La Tzoumaz and Thyon. To redeem lift access, Epic Pass holders must book their lodging directly with the participating property, and they will deliver lift tickets to the Pass Holder upon confirmation of their Epic Pass card.
The ski terrain, lifts & passes at Verbier are a tad complex to do any justice on this page! For detailed information see our Verbier Skiing & Snowboarding page.
Where is Verbier Switzerland?
The village of Verbier is in the French speaking western part of canton Valais, south-west Switzerland. Verbier is 170km east of Geneva (2hr drive), and a 1-hour drive from both Chamonix and Aosta.
The nearest & best international airport is Geneva (GVA) which has easy transfers to Verbier via taxi, shuttle bus or train. Sion (SIR) airport is close to Verbier and is an option for travelers from London or Zurich.
The Swiss railway system provides a great way to get to Verbier. Train access from anywhere in Europe including direct from Geneva airport (2¼hr by train) and Brig can be easily achieved via Martigny. From Martigny, the St Bernard Express runs every 30min to Le Châble, where a gondola, bus or taxis will whisk you up to Verbier. Search & book train tickets to Le Chable & Verbier.
For detailed information on how to get there, see our Travel to Verbier page.
Verbier Accommodation
The key question when visiting Verbier is not what type of accommodation, but in which village to stay in? Verbier village is fabulously located at over 1,500m elevation in a sunny south-west aspect position. It is a stylishly well designed, low rise, traditional architecture affair that unfortunately comes with a price-tag beyond many skiing mortals. Regardless of whether seeking 5-star luxury or budget accommodation, availability in Verbier tends to low as well. The ski resort of Verbier has lifts all over the place but these are not easily accessible from all parts of the village, nor do the lift queues move quickly in peak season. The best access to Verbier's sensational off-piste terrain is via the key lifts of Medran 1 & 2 which leave from the top of the village. For the ultimate in convenience, stay near these lifts in luxury at W Verbier or in the more affordable Hotel Vanessa. Away from the lifts, many hotels & chalets have their own shuttle bus service providing quick access to the uphill transport. Try the La Cordée des Alpes Hotel).
More akin to many French ski resorts, Verbier is light on hotels but replete with apartments & chalets for holiday rental.
Search & book Verbier ski accommodation.
[AdListings collection="Europe" category="Switzerland 4 Vallees" subcategory="4 Vallees Packages"]
Staying down the mountain in Le Chable can provide excellent value. Access to the village is awesome by the train from Martigny, but with an altitude of only 821m, don’t expect too much snow in the town. Getting to the ski terrain isn’t an issue considering the efficient daytime gondola direct to Verbier village & the evening bus service that runs between Le Chable & Verbier. Plus, Le Châble is at the base of the Bruson ski area too. Try the superb Üna Lodge or one of the many local BnBs in the town.
Search & book Le Chable ski accommodation.
Often called the crossroads of the 4 Vallees, Siviez provides the most efficient access to the best freeride zones around Mont Fort and is a super option in a completely different setting. At an altitude of 1730m, access is via Sion (as opposed to Martigny) up to the small village at 1,730m elevation from where the ski lifts depart in all directions. Staying in Siviez overnight isn’t easy, as the relatively limited number of apartments for rent are rightfully popular. But it is possible & worth it if interested in having the best opportunity at fresh tracks. It’ll be easier of your wallet too! Try and stay at the Chez Chantal Apartments or if that is out of the question, check out the Gite de Planchouet B&B.
Search & book Siviez ski accommodation.
Another alternative to the high-priced, low-availability at Verbier is La Tzoumaz (also referred to as Les Mayens des Riddes). Located at 1,500m elevation on a shaded aspect, it is lift-linked into Verbier. Staying here may not provide the fastest access to Mont Fort, but it can be easy on the wallet whilst still providing an authentic Swiss alpine village experience. Try the newly refurbished Hotel de La Poste - great rooms & food, plus close to the lifts & valley return trail.
Search & book La Tzoumaz ski accommodation.
[AdListings collection="Europe" category="Switzerland 4 Vallees" subcategory="4 Vallees Packages"]
Ski Rentals, Guiding & Lessons
Ski rentals are available at multiple locations in the centre of the village. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Verbier Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
A brain-snapping collection of ski instructors, ski schools & guides ply their trade in the Verbier ski resort & adjoining valleys. To narrow down the field, see our Verbier Ski Lessons & Guiding page.
Verbier Activities
There is plenty for non-skiers to do in Verbier including paragliding, ice skating, swimming, day spas, tobogganing, snow shoeing and dog sledding. Oh ........ & sleeping in after partying all night!
Verbier Après & Nightlife
Verbier's huge range of bars, restaurants and clubs do après incredibly well, so it is well suited to seasoned party-hard animals. Many clubs only come alive after 11pm so be prepared to miss first lifts. Après-ski and nightlife options are almost as infinite as the skiing choice but some of the best are right in the centre of town. Try the highly rated Le Farinet for combined après, bands (every night of the season) and nightclub til 4am. Alternatively the L'Etoile which opens at a more than reasonable 11.59pm each night (earlier on weekends) is just opposite. Those who are not drinking & dancing fit need not apply! Similarly, those on a budget, look elsewhere.
Review
The Powderhounds briefly reviewed Verbier in 2018 & were fascinated by what was on offer. We visited the region again in 2023 and unlocked some secrets to skiing the area and avoiding the crowds. Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read its inciteful & witty prose! We shall return next season to ski the entire 4 Vallees. See you there!
See how Verbier compares to the rest of the Swiss ski resorts on the Switzerland ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe the European ski resort ratings page.
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