Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier
The village of Verbier is located on a bright and sunny plateau above the picturesque valley 'Val de Bagnes'. More than one million visitors a year come to Verbier to ski, play golf or just enjoy the great views. With its chalet-style buildings, Verbier is a large alpine village which offers all amenities that makes your holiday a success. At an altitude of 1500 m (4922 ft) you are able to see the eternal snows of the Combins and even the Mont Blanc in France.
Verbier lays in the middle of one of Europe's largest skiing area "Les 4 Vallees" and offers you the opportunity to explore over 400 km of downhill runs for enthusiasts of all levels, groomed daily for your pleasure. The glacier runs stay open also during summer. Verbier also offers many interesting sports opportunities in summer. Golfers, mountain bikers or hikers spend their vacation in this charming resort.
In Winter, Verbier hosts the 'Xtreme Verbier', an event where fearless snowboarders descent the slopes at breakneck speed. Classical music lovers come to town in summer for the Verbier Festival and Academy and thousands of mountain-bikers meet in August every year for the hardest mountain-bike race in Switzerland, the 'Grand Raid'.
Attractions and Activities
Discover Verbier
Verbier offers many activities and attractions in summer and in winter – some are even world-famous. Sport enthusiasts as well as music fans visit this picturesque chalet-style resort. A unique atmosphere is guaranteed.
Excursions in Verbier
Mont-Fort (3330 m /10’925 ft)
Reach Mont-Fort by cable car and admire a unique view of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Every Thursday in summer, there is the possibility to enjoy the sunrise on the Mont-Fort followed by a hearty breakfast at the Col des Gentianes afterwards.
Cross-country scooters
If you like to have some adventure, take a ride on the new ‘Arapaho’ scooter, a specially designed downhill scooter, between Les Ruinettes and Verbier or between Savoleyres and La Tsournaz.
Verbier Castle
Visit the uncovered ruins of this castle, probably built in the 12th century and destroyed in 1475 after the battle of La Planta. The medieval castle is overlooking the Val des Bagnes.
Verbier-Village Chapel
In 1686 the first chapel was built in the village of Verbier, but was replaced by the present edifice in 1866. Some objects of the 17th century, such as a painting showing St. Francis and Mary Magdalene surrounding St. Bartholomew, have been preserved.
There are various activities for children and teenagers, ranging from kid workshops (where the youngsters get an insight in pottery, cooking and handiwork) to pony riding, trekking and introductions to sports such as rock climbing, canyoning, fishing or bivouacking. In the Medran Parc, adventure seekers can cross the hanging bridge, step on rope ladders or try to reach the top of the climbing tower. The park is supervised by professionals from Verbier-Sport.
City Excursions in Verbier
Montreux – on Lake Geneva
Half-day or full-day excursion by rail, via Sion and along the Rhone River to Lake Geneva. This trip can be combined with wine-tasting in Switzerland's largest wine-growing region and a visit of Chateau de Chillon.
Chateau de Chillon (Montreux)
In a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Erected in the 13th century and originally a fortress, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations and modifications were occasioned by amenities and embellishments suited to the pomp and ceremony of life in the castle. Many prominent figures in history stayed there: emperors, popes and princesses.
Lausanne
Full-day excursion to the Olympic’s city. In 2 ½ hours, you reach Lausanne by bus and train.
Lausanne is a truly elegant city on Lake Geneva. Its hillside setting on the lake facing the Alps is truly spectacular. Lausanne is a university city with a vibrant student population. The Swiss Hotel School is located here, as well as the International Olympic Committee headquarters, which has a fascinating Museum on the Olympics with all kinds of exhibits and a library of Olympic videos.
Winter Sports in Verbier
Skiing
Verbier is the main gateway to the Four Valley ski area with 410 km (255 miles) slopes and 92 state-of-the-art lifts. The high attitude of Verbier (1500 m/4922 ft) and the highest peak “Mont-Fort” at 3330 m (10’926 ft) ensure great snow from November to late April. Beginners as well as experts will have fun on the many slopes, which are covered by a single ski pass. Verbier’s snowpark ‘1936 Neipark’ is located at 2260 m (7415 ft) and offers jumps, rails and corners for lovers of freestyle skiing.
Other Verbier winter activities include heliskiing, snowboarding, hiking, moonlit tours, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, indoor golf, ice hockey, paragliding/hang gliding and ice climbing.
Summer Sports in Verbier
Verbier summer activities include hiking, mountain biking (200 km/124 miles of signposted biking trails), mountain climbing, tennis (13 open-air-courts), fishing, walking (400 km/249 miles of walking paths), paragliding, horse riding, beach volleyball, pétanque, canyoning and numerous other activities.
Entertainment in Verbier
Sports Center
Relax in the sports center in the sauna, Turkish bath or solarium, take a swim in the heated pool or play a game of squash or tennis. There is also the possibility to play curling, do a pirouette on the skating rink or test the climbing wall.
Nightlife
Various bars, discotheques, clubs and pubs make sure Verbier comes alive at night. It offers some of the best après-ski in the Swiss Alps.
Shopping in Verbier
Verbier has many shops and boutiques that offer souvenirs, sports clothing and accessories.
Events in Verbier
Beach Volley tournament
In the beginning of July, national and international teams bring the beach atmosphere to the center of the resort.
Verbier Festival
Music, ranging from orchestral concerts to opera and chamber music can be heard in summer. Some of the world’s top classical artists perform during 17 days in July/August and delight Verbier with beautiful music.
Grand Raid
In August, the oldest mountain-bike event in Switzerland attracts thousands of bikers every year. This fact is astonishing, because the race of 131 km (81.4 miles) from Verbier to Grimentz is one of the hardest races in the bike scene: the ride goes through six valleys in the Wallis with 4700 m (15’420 ft) in altitude.
Museums in Verbier
The Alpine Museum
Objects of three centuries of alpine history and civilisation are shown as well as the changes brought by modern society, such as hydroelectric power etc. The museum is 5 minutes away from the city center, at the end of the golf course.
Location and Map
Verbier is situated in the southwestern part of Switzerland, 28 km (17.4 miles) from Martigny. The two major airports Geneva and Zurich are 163 km (101 miles) respectively 280 km (174 miles) away. Verbier can be reached either by car (1 ¾ hours from Geneva or 3 hours from Zurich) or by public transportation (3 hours from Geneva and 4 ½ hours from Zurich).