Verbier
Vibrant international resort frequented by the European jet-set and City high flyers
Verbier resort guide - a general overview
There is no doubt that Verbier offers some great skiing although this is mostly for advanced skiers looking for tough mogul runs and off-piste terrain. Those looking for gentle runs the piste skiing at the far end of the ski system around Les Collons, Veysonnaz and Nendaz is ideal. However, these ski resorts are less buzzy and glitzy than Verbier.
For years Verbier and the entire 4 Valleys ski area has claimed 400km of pistes which would put it in the mega resort category. However, the Swiss Schrahe report of 2013 which measured the length of all pistes with accurate Google mapping techniques showed that the real figure is more like 165km of piste, with another 50km of piste in the Bruson area situated across the valley and covered by the same area lift pass. Although aspiring intermediates may find the ski area limiting compared to the Three Valleys and Espace Killy regions of the French Alps this report cannot deny that Vebier offers truly world class off-piste ski terrain.
Après ski and nightlife are legendary in Verbier, so you can ski hard and party even harder. When it comes to chalets and hotels, Verbier has a huge selection. From luxurious chalets for the many wealthy guests that visit the resort, to reasonably priced hotels there is accommodation for everyone. In 2012 the smart Cordee des Alpes opened and in 2013 the new W Hotel Verbier opened its doors. This modern and chic luxury hotel has been built as part of the modern slope-side development called Place Blanche which is located right at the foot of the Verbier home pistes, next to the main Medran cable car station.
With over 90 catered chalets in Verbier it's not hard to understand why this 4 Valleys resort is highly popular with the British market.
Resort stats
362km
1,500m - 3,330m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Geneva
- 2hrs
- Sion
- 1hr
53 ski chalets in Verbier View All
Verbier, Switzerland
Chalet Entre Ciel Et Terre
Average Price
£3,326 ppVerbier, Switzerland
Chalet Deux Rivieres
Average Price
£1,797 ppVerbier, Switzerland
Chalet Etrennes
Average Price
£4,440 pp9 hotels in Verbier, Switzerland View All
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great for the advanced skier with access to lots of off piste and some good, long bump runs.
- The village is atmospheric, with many Verbier ski chalets offering alpine charm.
- Excellent selection of bars and restaurants offering a vibrant and varied nightlife.
- A good selection of ski schools especially for advanced skiers.
- Many chalets in Verbier are traditional alpine style, alongside a lot of good hotels.
Cons
- Can be a long walk / bus ride to the main lift stations from your Verbier ski chalets.
- Not an ideal resort for a complete beginner.
Restaurants
Verbier Resort Restaurants
If you fancy a change from your Verbier ski chalets and hotels, there is a great range of restaurants on offer. To really splash out, visit some of the other upmarket hotels. The restaurant in the Hotel Nevai, is urban contemporary in style and serves Euro-Asian food. Pre - booking is a must at this sought after venue. Chalet d'Adrien also has an excellent menu but it is not cheap! For something a little more affordable, King's and Millennium come highly recommended. The Millennium steaks are simply superb. Verbier also has some great local Swiss restaurants - trying some of this cuisine is a must! When the staff take their nights off at the chalets in Verbier, consider going to The Caveau, Relais des Neiges or Au Vieux Verbier. The popular Fer a Cheval does reasonably priced pizza and other simple dishes. The offshore cafe at the foot of the Medran lift does a great cooked breakfast and a wide selection of snacks, but be warned: the portions are big!
Verbier Mountain Restaurants
Mountain restaurants are lacking in numbers, which means queues, and overcrowding in the high season. The Savoleyres ski area offers the best selection. Verbier's Au Mayen hut offers a good level of service and a great suntrap terrace, and if you enjoy Rosti then definitely visit La Marmotte. On the Medran side, Cabane de Mont fort is well worth visiting: a proper atmospheric mountain refuge serving excellent food. Book ahead as it is very popular. Hotels and chalets in Verbier should be able to do this for you. Other recommended mountain restaurants are Les Chottes, La Cambuse, Les Ruinettes, The Olympique and Carrefour and Le Hammeau de Tortin.
Verbier Apres Ski
Apres ski is almost essential before returning to your Verbier ski chalet or hotel. Verbier's apres ski is of a high quality and quantity, but it is quite expensive. The Pub Mont Fort is popular with the British crowd and gets very lively later in the evenings. The Farinet is another place to be and by 5pm is heaving with a live ban playing on the terrace and most people on the tables dancing - not for the faint hearted. Other favourites of ours are; The terrace of the Central Hotel, The Big Ben Pub, The Nelson, Fer a Cheval, Crock no Name, amd The Loft bar. If you want to try something different after a day on the slopes we can recommend ice karting just in case you need some more adrenaline pumping through your veins.
Verbier Nightlife
Verbier is home to the infamous Farm Club. It is seriously expensive but if you want to hang out with the rich and famous then this is the place. The Casbah with its North African theme is not quite as expensive and well worth a visit. The younger crowd tend to head to Scotch where drinks are a lot cheaper. Most places are located in the Place Central, very close to all the Verbier ski chalets and hotels. Verbier has a few taxi companies, in case you can't walk back to your hotel or chalet, or are located in one of the Verbier ski chalets a short drive from the centre. But bear in mind that many chalets in Verbier offer a driver service!