Winter News from Verbier
13th September 2024
Last modified on September 25th, 2024
The famous Swiss resort needs no introduction. This winter it is celebrating its past and looking to the future. We’re visiting in January.
Verbier had humble beginnings in the 1930’s, when a few adventurous skiers discovered the area’s potential for skiing.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that Verbier began to attract international attention.
This season, skiing can be savoured for six months of the year – from November 2024 to April 2025.
Initially just at the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and then, from the first weekend in December, the lift system will operate every day (7/7) until the end of April 2025.
Thanks to the altitude of the ski area and the extensive snowmaking on offer (63% of the area), it’s pretty safe to book early or late in the season.
From the resort at 1,500m, skiing at a height of of more than 2,700m can be reached by two consecutive gondola rides that take less than 11 minutes to ride.
The abundance of snow at the top guarantees top notch skiing.
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Verbier has slopes to suit all levels of skiers and boarders and boasts terrain that suits confident, adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
The 80 lifts access more than 410km of pistes, these include the Medran with its cruisy blues, Les Savoleyres with lovely sweeping reds, and the more challenging black runs of Mont Fort.
The resort is also known for its off-piste skiing – particularly the testing Mont Gelé – and each year Verbier hosts the finals of the Freeride World Tour.
Bec des Rosses, Verbier. Image c/o PlanetSKI
The mountain views are spectacular, particularly from the 3,300 metre high Mont Fort peak, one of the few places in the Alps where you can see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains simultaneously.
View from Mont Fort, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
View from Mont Fort, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
While Verbier remains the destination’s main attraction, with its extensive range of activities and central location on the Verbier and 4Vallées ski area, other villages on the ski circuit offer different ways to experience the region with their own charm, style and choice of accommodation.
Plus, the villages of La Tzoumaz, Le Châble and Bruson all have the added advantage of being connected to the ski area, while offering more affordable accommodation than Verbier.
Explore Switzerland’s largest ski area and still enjoy the experience of staying in a small resort.
For those looking for easy access and a more authentic feel, Le Châble or Bruson are the best choice, whereas families will be delighted by the warm welcome in La Tzoumaz.
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
NEW: Agritourism Escape in Montagnier
Nestled in the village of Montagnier, Mauricette and Jean-Louis Fellay’s venture is part of the Grand Entremont regional development project, supporting the creation of sustainable agritourism establishments.
This new accommodation combines modern comforts with rustic authenticity.
Guests have the choice between two double rooms and a family room with bunkbeds, each with a private bathroom. Fresh produce from the farm will be served daily at breakfast.
Nearby, a smallholding with 30 goats offers educational visits and a shop sells local produce.
Five minutes from the Le Châble cable car station and ten km from Verbier by road, this accommodation is ideally placed for mountain activities.
In winter, visitors can watch the farmers taking care of their cows and goats, and get fully immersed in rural life.
Opening expected in December 2024.
NEW: April But Make It Verbier: To close in Style 1 – 27 April 2025
In resort and on the slopes, the month of April in Verbier promises some great surprises.
A new calendar of activities and events, sporting, culinary and cultural will be available for visitors looking to enjoy a lively end to the season.
On the cards will be various festivals, concerts, immersive games, entertainment for both kids and adults and bar closing parties, plus the regular events such as the Verbier Art Summit and the ‘Ultime Session’.
Verbier will be alive with fresh energy and renewed momentum to close the season in style.
NEW: SoHome for digital nomads
Situated in le Chable, SOHome provides a superb setting for aligning work, leisure and outdoor activities.
This co Lovely space offers five elegantly designed bedroom with a modern coworking space.
From 90chf per night.
A Ski Touring Mountain Getaway
A weekend plan that associates sport with contemplation.
Starting at the La Barmasse car park, the trail begins with a climb up a forest path.
Halfway up is a small clearing, ideal for taking a break and admiring the views of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing “le Pleureur” which crowns the far end of the Bagnes valley.
With the scenery absorbed and energy restored, the route continues through the forest until it reaches a snow-covered road with a gentler incline which leads to a mountain hut at an altitude of 2,100 m.
At the Cabane Brunet, the Corthay family welcomes touring skiers and provides a generous selection of traditional dishes, not forgetting Grandma’s famous apple pie.
Then it is time to get some sleep in one of the refuge’s recently updated six bedrooms.
Following a good breakfast the next morning, the climb goes higher still, to the Col du Rogneux.
Those feeling up to it can continue along the ridge to the summit of Mont Rogneux.
Hiring a guide is strongly recommended.
Food lovers should not miss out on the joy of a picnic at the foot of the Grand Combin massif, before launching down the off-piste descent back to the la Barmasse car park.
CHF 180/£160 pp for a guide (based on a group of 4 people).
“Verbier is known as the cradle of Swiss skiing and home to some of the best skiing, luxurious accommodation, and gastronomy in the Alps,” said a statement from the resort.
“People flock to this traditional Swiss resort because it has a heart and soul that lives for snow sports, for the mountains and for adventure. We hope to see you there!”
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © Lucia Harrison.
Verbier: www.verbier.ch
Reaching Verbier:
Train access from London St Pancras to Le Châble is an easy and relaxing way to travel, and the station is linked to Verbier and Bruson by cable cars that leave from the village.
Direct flights are also available from Aberdeen, Belfast-International, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Liverpool, London-City, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, London-Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, and Southampton.
