Summary
In Western Switzerland, the resort of Verbier is renowned for its stunning and challenging off-piste terrain. The highest elevation reaches over 3,300 metres at the iconic Mont-Fort. For those with skill and adventurous spirit, a black run begins right at the summit of this peak.
While advanced skiers will certainly relish the offerings of Verbier, there is ample opportunity for beginners as well, particularly as the resort is connected with the Four Valleys, creating hundreds of kilometres of ski slopes. As seasons transition, endless adventures await, with pistes transforming into mountain biking trails, and opportunities to observe Alpine wildlife including chamois and marmots in scenic meadows.
Let us delve into the top activities in Verbier:
1. Mont-Fort
Reaching the highest peak in the Four Valleys is a considerable accomplishment, rewarding those who are willing to make the effort.
To arrive at the summit from the village of Verbier, four cable cars must be taken.
Each leg of the journey becomes progressively more dramatic, culminating in a traverse across the Glacier de Tortin during the final 400-metre cable-car ascent from Col des Gentianes.
Upon ascension via a stone stairway, visitors will experience what seems like the pinnacle of the world, overlooking the glacier and gazing at Mont Blanc and Dents du Midi to the west, the Matterhorn to the east, and the Rhône Valley to the north.
In winter, skilled skiers can take on one of the most demanding black runs in the Alps.
2. Mont-Gelé
Mont Gelé, standing at an elevation of 3,022 metres, is another of Verbier’s limitless peaks, accessible via a cable car from Les Attelas.
As the tripoint of the municipalities of Bagnes, Riddes, and Nendaz, it uniquely offers 360° views of the entire Four Valleys region.
This peak is highly recommended for excursions, providing an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the landscape. Experienced skiers can also engage in exhilarating off-piste runs.
These are highlighted as itinerary runs on the official Four Valleys map.
To access the “Grande Journée,” visitors must walk to the opposite side of the mountain from the cable car, which winds down to Tortin in the south.
3. Skiing
Verbier features an expansive ski domain with a vertical drop ranging from 1,500 metres to Mont-Fort at 3,300 metres.
Moreover, Verbier is part of the Four Valleys, granting access to hundreds of kilometres of ski runs.
Experienced skiers will find the area particularly enjoyable due to numerous opportunities for off-piste skiing.
Conversely, newcomers need not feel excluded, as the lower, more accessible slopes cater to their needs.
The resort boasts up to ten ski schools, staffed by instructors with over a decade of experience skiing in Verbier.
4. La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes
Established in 1968, Switzerland’s second-largest nature reserve lies within the boundaries of Verbier, offering splendid exploration opportunities during the summer months.
This reserve showcases the quintessential Alpine landscape, featuring bare peaks, lakes, and vibrant pastures, along with extensive hiking trails spanning hundreds of kilometres.
To observe Alpine wildlife, consider the six-hour Chamois Trail, which traverses through the reserve.
As indicated by its name, a quietly approached journey enhances chances of spotting chamois along the rocky terrain, while ibex and marmots frequently appear in the area.
5. Mountain Biking
From June to September, guests can utilize the Four Valleys’ network of cable cars and ski lifts to access an extensive array of mountain biking trails, far exceeding what can be explored in a single visit.
For those arriving at the resort without their own bicycles, several rental centers are available in Verbier.
The Verbier Bike Park serves as an excellent starting point, boasting a vertical drop of around 700 metres and hosted by the Ruinettes gondola.
Trails range across four difficulty levels: Green (10%), Blue (20%), Red (40%), and Black (30%), with experienced riders available to provide guidance on significant obstacles.
Dedicated mountain biking enthusiasts can purchase a six-day lift pass for unlimited trips on Verbier’s trails, challenging themselves against the “enduro” tracks throughout the Four Valleys.
6. Toboggan Run
For those still gaining confidence on skis or snowboards, tobogganing offers an enjoyable activity that requires no specialized skills.
Where family members may find themselves separated on ski runs due to differing skill levels, Verbier’s extensive toboggan run fosters togetherness.
At 10 kilometres, this is the longest toboggan run in Western Switzerland, descending nearly 850 metres from the cable-car station at Savoleyres down to Tzoumaz.
The trail is well-maintained and meanders down the slope in a manner that allows children to navigate unaided.
7. Via Cordata
In the summer, visitors have the opportunity to ascend the final few hundred metres of Mont-Fort on foot.
A designated route featuring permanent anchorage points crosses the Tortin and Mont-Fort Glaciers and ascends the rock face towards the summit.
Devised by local mountain guides, this trail requires both hiking and climbing skills.
It is advisable to have a guide accompany you to ensure safe navigation along the path, but the Via Cordata is structured in a way that promotes a mountaineering feel within a secure environment.
This 2-kilometre route features a vertical change of 500 metres.
At the summit, one can enjoy the renowned “Highest fondue in Europe” at the Igloo de Mont-Fort.
8. Mauvoisin Dam
Located near Verbier in the Upper Bagnes Valley, the Mauvoisin Dam stands as a true engineering marvel.
Ranked as the eighth tallest dam in the world at 250 metres, it spans more than half a kilometre and holds a maximum of 190 million cubic litres of water.
This dam crosses the Bagnes stream and was constructed in the 1950s primarily for hydroelectric power generation, as well as flood prevention and sediment management.
Visitors at the top can capture picturesque views of the reservoir and the cascades that feed it down the steep valley sides.
If visiting in a group, guided tours of the facility can be arranged free of charge from Monday to Friday.
9. More Winter Fun
Verbier offers more than just downhill skiing during the winter months.
For adventurous ski-tourers, Verbier provides a vital stop along the renowned Haute Route, a week-long journey from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Less daring individuals and cross-country skiers have a plethora of trails tailored to various lengths and difficulty levels.
If this piques your interest, numerous guides in Verbier possess extensive knowledge of the rugged mountain terrain.
Advanced snowboarders will appreciate an extensive array of off-piste runs, while those wishing to take in the scenery can opt for snowshoeing.
Beginners can explore routes such as Boucle de Champsec and Sarreyer – Les Creux and La Tzoumaz – Savoleyres, which feature gentler gradients.
10. Activities in Summer
Two golf courses are situated adjacent to the resort.
The larger of the two, the 18-hole Parcours des Esserts, is located at 1,600 metres and unfolds along the hillside of the high valley.
Due to its narrow fairways, an errant shot could swiftly descend down the slope.
A par-3 course, Parcours des Moulins, has been operational since 1969 and provides opportunities for golfers to refine their short game. Climbers can also test their skills on nearby steep rock faces, either with a qualified guide or through the via ferrata, where installed grips and footholds ensure safety.
Verbier features three Via Ferrata courses, all set within spectacular scenery, operational from July until the end of October.
11. Spas
No matter the time of year, spas play an essential role in the experience at mountain resorts like Verbier.
Visitors can incorporate relaxation time at the end of the day as part of their après-ski tradition or indulge in a full day of pampering.
Due to the absence of large luxury hotels within the resort or the valley of Bagnes, most spas are intimate venues offering services such as massages, saunas, and access to heated pools, whirlpools, and jacuzzis.
Most spas welcome non-guests, though advanced reservations are advisable.
With over 25 spas available in Verbier and Bagnes, Bains de Saillon to the north is especially suitable for families, featuring several heated pools, a hammam, sauna, and a children’s area set against a backdrop of vineyards bordering the Rhône.
12. Fondation Gianadda
Located east of Verbier, Martigny is easily accessible and offers several attractions for an afternoon visit.
The standout feature is the Fondation Gianadda, a substantial exhibition hall constructed in the 1970s.
This venue hosts regular temporary art exhibitions, which have included works by renowned artists such as Munch, Hodler, Monet, and Cézanne in 2017.
The foundation also maintains a permanent collection of vintage automobiles and artifacts dating back to Martigny’s Roman settlement period.
Many visitors particularly enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden, which features pieces by notable 20th-century artists including Rodin, Jean Dubuffet, Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, Chagall, and Joan Miró.
13. Verbier Festival Academy
During the last two weeks of July and the beginning of August, Verbier hosts a renowned classical music festival.
The Verbier Festival Academy offers budding soloists an invaluable learning experience, connecting them with esteemed musicians such as Martha Argerich, Lera Auerbach, Julian Rachlin, Piotr Anderszewski, and Anoushka Shankar, who have all contributed their talents since the festival’s inception in 1994. Public attendees can also enjoy a rich program of concerts throughout the two weeks.
In 2017, esteemed performers such as Lera Auerbach, Evgeny Kissin, and András Schiff graced the festival stage.
14. Swatch Xtreme Verbier
In March, Verbier hosts the Freeride World Tour, bringing a different kind of action to the resort.
This competition highlights Verbier’s status as a premier off-piste destination, showcased by the participation of the world’s top freeriders who challenge themselves on steep slopes, cliffs, and gorges.
The Verbier stage of the tour is recognized for its challenging and technical nature, set against the backdrop of the Bec des Rosses, which features a vertical drop exceeding half a kilometre.
Considered one of the resort’s major annual events, Swatch Extreme Verbier draws crowds of up to 6,000 and includes concerts, DJ performances, and opportunities for autographs.
15. Bagnes Cheese
Verbier is situated in the Bagnes Valley, and when ordering raclette or fondue at a local restaurant, it is likely that Bagnes cheese will be used.
This cheese is not only delicious on its own but is made from cow’s milk and has a semi-hard texture with a few holes.
Raclette, typically served melted with pickles and cured meats, is a notable specialty of the Bagnes Valley.
Take pride in the region’s culinary heritage, as the village of Bagnes hosts the “Capital of Raclette” festival towards the end of September, featuring a vibrant cheese market displaying numerous Valais varieties, alongside a parade of the region’s spirited Hérens fighting cows.
