Bruson Gets a Makeover

28th October 2022

Last modified on November 1st, 2022

The area in the Swiss resort of Verbier is often overlooked by visitors but now there is no excuse not to visit. There’s a new lift, upgraded facilities and an alpine treasure awaits.

The Bruson ski area is located in an unspoilt natural setting across the valley from Verbier.

Back in the day it used to be a bit of a trek to get there via a local bus and an ancient 2-person chairlift.

PlanetSKI made the effort on many occasions as the rewards were well worth it.

It was the genuine article – an undiscovered gem of a ski area.

Now there is a high-speed gondola from Verbier down to La Chable and onwards – the area has had something of a renovation in recent years.

Bruson is the shaded bit on the right of the Verbier piste map.

Verbier piste map

Most people see it across the valley as they ski Verbier slopes.

Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI

As you step out of the new gondola that connects Verbier to Bruson the lift next season will be the new La Pasay chairlift that takes you to the top of the ski area.

It replaces the original chairlift that was built in 1990.

Work on the new La Pasay chairlift started in summer 2022.

One of PlanetSKI’s tour operator partners, SkiWeekends, highlighted the construction over the summer.

The new chairlift has almost twice the capacity of the old one, and is a detachable 6-seater.

It will reduce the journey time from 11 minutes to less than 5 minutes.

The Bruson area is also seeing restaurant renovations.

The old Buvette de la Pasay (La Pasay refreshment bar) is being transformed into a more spacious restaurant that faces the Mont Blanc Massif.

It opens in December 2022.

“Its tasteful décor, relaxed atmosphere and great local cuisine will make it the perfect place to meet and share a meal,” said a statement from Verbier 4 Vallees.

“The restaurant is run by two connoisseurs of local Valaisan cuisine who focus on local, high-quality produce.”

There will also be a picnic room for those who want a warm place to eat their picnic while admiring the view.

Bruson has some fabulous slopes and is a particular favourite of ours at PlanetSKI.

Many locals in the know head to its slopes after fresh snow, away from the crowds in Verbier itself.

“The tree skiing on a powder day is the stuff of legends and I have been fortunate to hit it on a powder day many, many times,” said the PlanetSKI editor, James Cove.

“It has some wonderful and uncrowded slopes and has an atmosphere all of its own. These new improvements should enhance an already fabulous area.”

James used to live in Verbier year-round and worked as a ski instructor in the resort for over a decade.

Alongside two of his children for a while.