What’s New in Verbier for Next Winter?

2nd October 2023

Last modified on October 9th, 2023

PlanetSKI reports from the Swiss resort as we look ahead to what is coming for the approaching ski season.

At present in Verbier it is all about the autumn colours and the changing seasons.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Autumn in the Alps

Though we are pleased there is a reminder on the distant peaks of what is around the corner.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

We have been in the Swiss resort to find somewhere to rent for a month or two next winter, but more of that later.

It’s looking like it may be Le Chable down in the valley.

Le Chable, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Here it is currently in summer, just by the tourist office.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

And here is the same spot in winter.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

And while we are comparing summer and winter images:

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

We are massive fans of Verbier and were in resort a few times last winter:

Good to see the red carpet is already being prepared for our winter arrival.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

So, what about next season?

Verbier is part of the largest ski area in Switzerland, ‘The Four Valleys’.

There are 410 kms of slopes that cater for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

These include the Medran with its cruisy blues and reds.

Then there is Savoleyres with lovely sweeping reds and carving slopes.

Then, of course, the more challenging black runs of Mont Fort and Tortin.

The resort is also known for its off-piste skiing, particularly the testing Mont Gelé.

Each year Verbier hosts the final event of the Freeride World Tour.

Verbier Piste Patrol. Image © PlanetSKI

The mountain views are spectacular, particularly from the 3,300m high Mont Fort.

It is of the few ski resort vistas in the Alps where you can see both the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

Verbier is the main resort in the area, but there are other ways to access the terrain.

The villages of La Tzoumaz, Le Châble and Bruson are connected to the ski area, while offering more affordable accommodation than Verbier.

For those looking for easy access and a more authentic feel, Le Châble or Bruson are the best choice.

La Tzoumaz is good for families.

This winter Verbier, like most ski resorts, is highlighting its sustainable ethos:

Using renewable and local energy
Installing equipment that uses less energy
Improving snow grooming and snowmaking systems
Encouraging alternative forms of transport to reduce carbon footprint.

The biggest carbon footprint from skiers comes from travel.

Train access from London St Pancras to Le Châble is possible and the station is linked to Verbier and Bruson by cable cars that leave from the village.

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Read on to find out what’s new in Verbier for the up-coming ski season with information supplied to PlanetSKI by the resort’s tourist office:

New: L’Inkontro

This winter the Chalet Carlsberg becomes L’Inkontro.

The design of L’Inkontro, which means “I’m going to meet you” in local Val de Bagnes dialect, was inspired by recently renovated mountain huts such as Chanrion.

The architecture preserves the original structure with a modern layer.

It is on one of Verbier’s major slopes.

New: Papill’on – boutique-hôtel à la Tzoumaz

Papill’on came on the scene 18 months ago and is positioned on La Tzoumaz’s Rue Centrale.

This year, Papill’on introduces a new venture: a family-oriented boutique hotel with nine Alpine-style double rooms.

The venue also hosts a variety of events and musical entertainment throughout the year, including wine tastings featuring local wineries, and concerts. www.papillon-latzoumaz.ch

New: B&B – Ride Inn in Verbier

It is less than five-minutes from the Medran ski lift in the centre of Verbier.

The chalet has seven bedrooms and can accomodate up to 13 people.

There’s an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a shared dining space.

For those who prefer to have the space to themselves, the property is available to rent for private use only.

Price: CHF127/ £122 pp per night including breakfast. www.therideinn.com

New: “À Table!” by David Adam

Local chef David Adam chose to set up his bistronomic table d’hôte in the setting of a former sheepfold in the hamlet of Etiez, at the entrance to the Val de Bagnes.

Modern meets traditional, both on and off the plate.

Seated at the dining table, six guests have a direct view of the kitchen, where the chef concocts a unique, tailor-made menu.

Prices: Four-course menu 129 SFr / person / 5-course menu CHF149/ £155 pp, six-course menu CHF199 £ 178pp. www.davidadam.ch

New: Kairos project in Bruson

Kairos is a new tasting room for fine Valaisan wines.

Within a private cellar, guests can discover some limited-production wines accompanied by local cured meats and regional Alpine cheeses.

Beyond the tasting room, Kairos also offers a two-room apartment in a charming chalet. www.verbier.ch

New: Le Koti: Bistro, Le Châble

It combines a coffee shop, a bistro, and a pub,offering food and drink daily from 08.00 – 23.00.

It is situated near the Le Châble ski lifts with a 120m² terrace.

Throughout the season there is live music and a variety of entertainment.
www.instagram.com/lekoti_bagnes/

New: Verbier Race Experience

This winter there is a new dedicated race area at the top of the La Tzoumaz – Savoleyres sector.

It has a timing system and giant slalom course featuring around 15 gates and is open to everyone.

www.verbier.ch

First tracks

People can make first tracks on the freshly groomed Attelas piste before the first skiers are allowed on the lifts.

As the sun begins to rise, the pistes will be completely yours for two runs.

Afterwards, refuel with a mountaintop breakfast (included in the price) before exploring the rest of Verbier and the 4 Valleys.

CHF40 / £35 pp. www.verbier4vallees.ch

PlanetSKI tried First Tracks last season and we can thoroughly recommend it:

First tracks in Verbier

On our autumn visit we also saw much work of new buildings and renovations underway.

Now, what’s this about PlanetSKI basing itself in Verbier next season?

PlanetSKI began life in Verbier in the season of 2008/2009.

15-years on it seems a good time to return for a residency.

We are looking at staying down the valley in Le Chable with its direct lift to the heart of the ski area.

We have a bit of a soft spot for Le Chable and stayed there last winter to see if it’s worth a longer visit and is a decent place to be based – both for Vervier and access to other resorts across the Alps.