Verbier

Every area of Verbier is pristine, fresh and lovely. These four are favorites:

La Tzoumaz

The quaint village of La Tzoumaz sits on the northern slope of Verbier overlooking the Rhone valley. Downhill enthusiasts will get their adrenalin pumping on easy or advanced trails from the top of the Savoleyres gondola lift or from the Vallon d’Arbi at an altitude of more than 7,500 feet. Vacationers can choose to relax or to take advantage of the perfect snow conditions, sunshine galore and glorious views. Try freeriding in the Vallon d’Arbi or take on the challenge of the Audi Quattro funslope obstacle course. Tobogganers can fly down the famous toboggan run or can test their sled speeds in the arena of the Savoleyres competition stadiums.

Le Chable

Le Chable is an area of Verbier that must be on the “to visit” list. Chosen ski areas are easily accessible by the cable cars connecting Verbier and Bruson. There are more packed ski runs in the 4 Vallees than skiers of all abilities could imagine. For those who want the magic of racing down untouched snow, heliskiing is readily available with copters taking off from Le Chable to set skiers down on the summit of Petit Combin, the Rosablanche or the Trient for the descent of a lifetime. Le Chable also has a tourist office and a railway station, so it is the ideal point of departure for many excursions and hikes.

Les Esserts

Les Esserts is a chalet village close to the ski hills. It is especially close to the hill for beginners and children and only minutes from the Rouge lift. This is the area to find exclusive accommodations while in Verbier and without a doubt, Chalet Marmotte is one of the most incredible of all the properties. The grand chalet is just as beautiful and outstanding as any five-star accommodation. Luxury travelers who want to be surrounded by sophistication and warmth must see Chalet Miriam. The interior is tastefully decorated in shades of nature – soothing and calming to the soul. And the amenities are utterly incredible. Up to 18 guests can enjoy the opulent indoor swimming pool. After working out in the well-appointed gym, a soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi will soothe those tired muscles. There is also a massage room, sauna and hammam to ease the body after hours of amazing skiing. This retreat even has a bowling alley, a casino room and a state-of-the-art cinema room. The ski room provides a ski walk to the lift. This magnificent chalet has everything for a luxurious dream holiday.

Verbier Town

Verbier lies in the heart of the Bagnes Valley in the southern Swiss Alps close to the borders of France and Italy. The chalet-style village provides some of the most stunning vistas in the country including that of Mont Blanc, the Alps’ highest mountain and the Matterhorn from the summit of Mont Fort. Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious resorts and beckons ski and sports lovers from the world over. The shopping opportunities are also vast. Stroll among the world-known brands and fancy boutiques, as well as exclusive, independent ski shops. To be a part of this cool scene, many upscale travelers choose to stay at The Lodge. This beautifully-appointed chalet is high in the Alps in a lushly forested area and just a five-minute walk to the charm of the town center. Up to 18 guests can take advantage of the remarkable spaces in this amazing property. It’s just a short walk to the ski lift. With two Jacuzzi’s – one inside and one out – there is plenty of room for those who want a hot soak after a day of hitting the slopes. Or perhaps a relaxing sauna? A gym and an amazing indoor pool provide additional exercise opportunities.

There are many restaurants in Verbier to suit many different tastes. Here are three of the most popular for fine dining. For a deeper dive into Verbier’s varied gastronomic offerings and apre-diner haunts, click here.

La Marlenaz

This wonderful mountain eatery in the heart of nature with an unrivaled panoramic view, provides diners with traditional Swiss fare with a modern twist. When discriminating travelers want to leave their luxury ski chalets in Verbier for dinner on the town, La Marlenaz is a favorite choice. Local products are carefully chosen for such dishes as medallions of venison in a pepper sauce; and Autumnal plate dried venison, ham, wild boar, foie gras and chanterelles mushrooms or pheasant terrine with lingonberry jam and pickled chanterelles mushrooms.

Le Rouge Restaurant

Le Rouge Restaurant & Club is nestled at the foot of the ski slope of the same name, with direct links to the main ski area. It is the ideal venue for an apres ski dinner. Dishes are created from the fresh, bountiful produce of the region. The dinner menu contains options such as roasted sea bass fillet, Iberico Pork Presa and delicious Thai sauteed noodles! There is also a selection of organic and vegetarian dishes. For a starter, check out the perfect organic poached egg with cauliflower mousseline, black truffle, pecans, and oyster mushrooms crisps. Le Rouge also has an impressive wine list and selection of cocktails.

Restaurant La Grange

Gourmands gravitate to La Grange for its eclectic mix of local and French dishes. The ambiance is upscale, yet relaxed and the cuisine delectable. Consider starters like the wild sea bass tartare with chili, red onion, lime and fresh coriander or the terrine of duck foie gras and onion confits. Entrees are just as mouth-watering with choices like Emmental veal filet mignons with chanterelles or pork ribs grilled to perfection. If there is still room for dessert, the white and dark chocolate mousse with bitter orange coulis is a popular choice as is the palette of in-house created sorbets.

When vacationers aren’t on the slopes or indulging in an apres ski cocktail, they might want to check out these three amazing venues:

Alpine Museum

The interesting Alpine Museum focuses primarily on the habitat, culture, and customs of the region. Visitors will get a glimpse of what life was like in the area before major industrialization until after the Second World War. Exhibits from the 18th to 20th centuries highlight various human activities, agriculture, livestock and life in the Alps. Artifacts include craft items, textiles, and things related to housing, customs, and energy.

Bagnes Museum

A one-time parish house now houses items of rich historic significance to the area. The building took shape in the 17th century, however parts of the walls date back to the start of the 13th century. The venerable building was renovated and transformed into an exhibition space in 1984. Local artists and thematic exhibitions have since regularly followed one another. A room decorated with a remarkable mural (Crucifixion, 1627), paneled rooms with molded ceilings, an astonishing painted ceiling from the early 18th century and many soapstone stoves, make the old ancient building the ideal venue for museum exhibitions.

Saint Bernard Dogs Museum

The St. Bernard museum "Musée et Chiens du Saint Bernard" was founded in 2006 by the Bernard and Caroline de Watteville foundation. The special attractions here are, of course, the world famous St. Bernard hospice dogs. The ground floor houses the kennels and space where the dogs are taken care of. Kennels are connected to an outdoor enclosure, allowing the dogs to play freely while keenly observed. Visitors can stroke these admirable four-legged friends and watch them as they run around the park premises. They can also learn all about this breed’s role in saving lives after avalanches. Visitors will enjoy a tour about the history of the breed; temporary exhibitions are on the second floor and refreshments at the Le Collier d'Or restaurant complete a pleasurable visit.

Once the ski lifts stop and the last flicker of sunlight fades over the jagged horizon, Verbier undergoes a metamorphosis into nightlife mode. Vacationers can find the ideal spot for the evening whatever their style. Here are four unique nighttime venues:

Etoile Rouge Supper Club

This is a late night venue where guests can dine and dance under the same roof. At the largest nightclub in Verbier, expect to find a mix of Scandinavian and Eastern Europeans flavors on the menu, with seating for up to 60. After supper everything moves in party mode. Party with cocktails in hand heat up the dance floor to tunes spun by resident DJs and occasional internationally popular DJs. If so inclined, guests can shut the place down at 4 a.m.

Farm Club

The Farm Club is one of the oldest and most well-known nightclubs in the Alps, first opening its doors back in 1971. Farm Club's reputation as one of the best venues in the Alps remains unchallenged and no visit to Verbier would be complete without spending some time at the Farm. When it comes to complete luxury, the Farm Club is it, so visitors can expect loads of glamor and the occasional celebrity or two.

Le Mouton Noir

Le Mouton Noir is one of the most popular Verbier bars among returning tourists. The bar has a panoramic terrace for up to 1,000 people, and the DJ keeps the crowd going. House dancers create an electric atmosphere! Le Mouton Noir is right next to the top of the Medran lift station and it can be accessed easily both by pedestrians and skiers. The bar also offers a self-service restaurant along with a gourmet restaurant with table service. Guests praise the magical views and the entertainment.

Pub Mont Fort Bar

The Pub Mont Fort is a beautiful bar in a historic building behind the Medran lift station. It’s a hotspot of wild nights and it’s almost always brimming with partiers. The atmosphere is great, and live music is a pretty common occasion. Pub Mont Fort Bar offers weekly drinks promotions, popular events, fancy dress parties, sporting events, good food, tapas options, and more.

There is more to Verbier than skiing. Many events take place year-round. Here are four of those:

The Cross du Velan

The Cross du Velan takes place above Entremont valley, one of the most stunning valleys in Switzerland. At the end of the valley is the famous St. Bernard Monastery, high in the Alps on the Italian border. The course starts in Bourg St. Pierre, passes through long pastures, climbs to the Cabane de Mille on the Tour des Combins hiking route, and then traverses high above the valley, incorporating a high alpine setting, while passing Cabane du Valsorey and Cabane du Vélean. A 21-kilometer race, ending at Azerin, is also an option. Runners can do the 44.1-kilometer route as a two-person relay team, switching at Azerin, the midway point. Le P’tit Cross includes three kids’ race distances: 500, 1,000 and 1,700 meters.

Kermesse

Kermesse is Swiss National Day. Every Aug. 1 the Swiss people party hard all across the country and Verbier is no different. Instead of the conventional fireworks display, however, Verbier has a stupendous light and music show. There are also open air concerts, lots of food and beverages. Some neighbors from Italy and France pop over the border to join in all the fun.

Verbier Art Summit

Organizers of the Verbier Art Summit believe it’s time for art and culture to play a dominant role in the world. Through a series of talks and debates with an invited group of leading art world stakeholders, new visions and initiatives are born making a positive change and building global solidarity. Talks provide a unique chance to be inspired by international leading art world figures on topical issues. The summit educates, provokes and inspires its members and the wider community. Key insights of each summit are shared digitally and documented in an annual publication. The public can attend free talks and cultural events, take part in talks, and live Q&As.

Verbier Festival

For two weeks in late July and early August, classical musicians and visitors descend on Verbier for this international music festival. The festival aims to build a community of exchange between great masters and young artists from all over the world and to be a leader in its field by providing meaningful music education programs. Audiences are welcomed with a distinctive and exhilarating blend of events, both large-scale and intimate. Visitors come to experience music-making at the highest level in a setting that brings them close to star performers, rising talent and a complete process of learning, rehearsal and performance. The festival sets the gold standard for the training of emerging soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians, singers and conductors.

Verbier is definitely the place to be if adventure is on the itinerary. These five activities are sure to get the heart racing:

Corbassiere Glacier

To visit this most impressive glacier, take an extensive hike from the Brunet hut over the Col des Avouillons to the Pannossière hut. The crossing over the Corbassière Glacier is marked but requires good hiking boots. Stop off at Cabane Panossiere to admire the panoramic view and the Grand Combin. To learn a little about the history of the region, visit the Musée des Glaciers in Lourtier, in Jean-Pierre Perraudin’s old home. The latter, a keen observer, was the first to formulate the theory of the glaciers, sculptors of the valleys

Hiking: 4 Vallees Tour

This hike offers both an alpine path at the foot of tall mountains and superb walks along central Valais waterways. The alpine section leads hikers through a world of green mountain pastures, above the forests, where there are welcoming cabanes. Hikers go through a series of passes culminating at more than 9,840 feet. (Col de Prafleuri). Admire the impressive Grande Dixence dam and many mountain lakes. The Bisse de Saxon leads visitors above Isérables and Nendaz, to the Cleuson dam.

Mauvoisin Dam

At a height of 820 feet, Mauvoisin arch dam is an impressive structure. The dam and its power plants were built between 1959 and 1964. The dam facility, which has a maximum water level of about 6,480 feet above sea level and a usable storage capacity of 193 million m3 of water. The dam is the 11th highest in the world and the sixth highest arch dam. Visits to the dam are available during weekdays.

Paragliding and Hang Gliding

Adventure Seekers can look forward to an unforgettable experience tandem paragliding on the wind with an unforgettable view over Verbier. The region is ideal for paragliding flights. Breathtaking views and adrenaline rushes are guaranteed! Or experience the thrilling sensation of soaring like a bird with a parapente flight over Verbier. Guests don’t require any experience or level of fitness to paraglide or ‘parapont’, just sit back and enjoy the ride! Flights are taken with pilots who have been in the flying industry for more than 25 years.

Tour Val de Bagnes

Arrange for an exotic car through LVH to drive from Le Chable to Val de Bagnes on a road lined with stunning little hamlets. Val de Bagnes villages are a favorite destination for nature lovers and those searching for simplicity and authenticity. Travelers will come across villages with melodic names. Bagnes patois is still spoken here in some traditional homes. Lourtier, Fionnay, Sarreyer and Bonatchiesse, as well as being little corners of paradise, are perfect places where visitors can forget time and indulge in slow food. A preserved natural landscape containing several nationally protected areas, the Haut Val de Bagnes is home to some exceptional alpine flora and numerous animal species.