<p>Discover all you need to know about the glamorous resort of Verbier.</p>
Photo: Verbier Promotion/Yves Garneau

The Ultimate Guide to Verbier

Discover all you need to know about the glamorous resort of Verbier.

Resort Guides
Published at: 8 Oct 2019
Last updated at: 8 Aug 2023

Take a look at our definitive guide to Verbier & discover everything you need to know to enjoy a luxury ski holiday in one of Europe’s favourite backcountry ski destinations.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan

Where is Verbier?

Found in the south-west region of Bagnes in Canton Valais, the village is situated at an altitude of 1,500m, providing spectacular views of both Mont Blanc and Le Grand Combin. Bordered by France to the west and Italy to the south, the village can be accessed by road or by train. From Martigny, the St Bernard Express leads to Le Châble where a cable car will take you up to the village. Should you wish to drive, Verbier is easily accessible at just a two-hour drive from Geneva airport.

Ready and waiting to welcome thousands of visitors each year, Savoleyres and the Swedish Quarter are the most prestigious and private areas to stay in the resort, whilst the Place Centrale is the place to be if you’re looking to be in the heart of the action. A gateway to the 4 Vallées, Verbier is connected to the slopes of Thyon, Nendaz and Veysonnaz giving access to 410 km of pistes.

Due to the height and size of the 4 Vallées, there is certainly no problem with the quality and amount of snow during the winter season. The resort has an extensive array of pistes including some sublime off-piste, and therefore it is no surprise that Xtreme Verbier contestants come here to compete in the finals of the Freeride World Tour. This event takes place on the rock face of the Bec des Rosses and certainly isn't for the faint-hearted.

With the main area of pistes located directly above Verbier, skiers have the possibility to ski on the slopes of La Tzoumas, Thyon, Nendaz and Veysonnaz. Beginners looking to ski in this resort get their own nursery slope at Les Moulins and Les Esserts away from the rest of the piste. For those in need of an adrenaline-rush, heliskiing is a popular activity, taking place on spectacular mountains including the 3670m Petit Combin and the 3800m Pigne d’Arolla.

If skiing is not for you, there are many winter activities on offer including 16 different marked snowshoeing itineraries for you to tackle, as well as the extremely popular dog sled rides which run from early December to late April. For the adrenaline-seekers of the group, why not try ice climbing? With routes for both novices and experts, take to the frozen waterfalls of the region and enjoy the thrill of scaling the icy cascades.

Off-piste skiing in VerbierPhoto: verbier.ch/Melody Sky
Eating raclette in Verbier restaurantPhoto: Verbier Promotion
Dog sledding in VerbierPhoto: verbier.ch/Melody Sky

Where to Stay in Verbier

Luxury Ski Chalets in Verbier
View of Chalet Mowgli in VerbierPhoto: Chalet Mowgli

As one of Europe's top resorts, it is no surprise that Verbier luxury chalets are amongst the best in the world. Located a few metres from the Place Centrale, Apartment Hickory is a self-catered apartment and is great for families, providing easy access to both the town and slopes. At just a five-minute drive from the centre of the village and lift stations, Chalet Nyumba also provides a fantastic base for families.

One of the most popular rental properties of the resort is The Lodge, owned by none other than Sir Richard Branson.No.14 Verbier is a favourite choice for large groups who want a luxury chalet with great service in an ideal location.

For a secluded location, Chalet Spa is often described as one of the best chalets in the world. Complete with a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and steam room, this property is the perfect place to detox. If you are looking for a ski-in/ski-out property, Chalet Mowgli is situated right next to the Le Rouge piste, and its sunny location offers breathtaking views of Mont Rogneux and Petit Combin.

Where to Eat & Drink in Verbier

Restaurant Guide to Verbier

In Verbier, everyone’s taste is catered for with a vast variety of dining experiences to choose from. For a traditional Swiss dining experience, Chez Dany found in Clambin, is an old favourite. Pairing classic Swiss cuisine with scenic views from the terrace, the cheese fondue and hot rock steak are popular choices. Should you wish to dine at Chez Dany during the evening, a taxi shuttle is available with the option to sledge down the mountain for a post-fondue night-time adventure. For a more gastronomic experience, why not try the Michelin-starred restaurant of Hotel Chalet d’Adrien or restaurant La Grange, which provide exclusive traditional and international cuisine.

Great for families and a favourite amongst our clients, a visit to Al Capone is a must, with a large selection of both local wine and pizzas on offer. For a takeaway pizza, A-Team Pizza will deliver your order straight to your door, so relax in the hot tub and wait for your order to come to you. For a unique blend of food, music and artistic performances visit L’Etoile Rouge, where dishes have a Scandinavian and eastern influence. With an ideal location in the centre of town and luxuriant décor, L’Etoile Rouge is the first supper club in Verbier where you can dine and dance under the same roof.

Polaris Festival in VerbierPhoto: verbier.ch

Top Events in Verbier

From Xtreme Verbier in winter to Verbier Festival in summer, this resort has a jam-packed calendar. At the end of November, fans of electronic music flock to the Polaris music festival whilst art lovers can take part in the annual Verbier Art Summit at the end of January. Verbier welcomes the Carlsberg High Five at the end of April, giving members of the public the chance to compete against some of the best athletes of ski racing in giant slalom, mini KL, trampoline and ski-cross.

July and August bring with it Verbier’s two-week International Music Festival which was founded in 1994. Nurturing young musicians, this festival focuses mainly on classical music but does also provide an insight into other genres. With an introduction to concerts, rehearsals and lectures, the Verbier Festival Orchestra and the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra also perform several brilliant concerts. Horse-enthusiasts must attend the Grands Concours Hippique in August. Taking place over 10 days, come and watch as local champions and international-level riders battle it out for pole positon.

Mountain biking & paragliding in summer in VerbierPhoto: verbier.ch/Melody Sky

When the snow has melted and the warm sunshine arrives, the fun does not have to stop. Verbier has an extensive array of summer activities, with kilometres of terrain ready to welcome your bike, your hike or your horse! With 800 km in total available for mountain biking, 213 km of single trails and 8 downhill runs, Verbier is perfect for fans of mountain biking.

Other accessible activities include rafting which takes place from May to September and golf. Paragliding is also a thrilling experience to be had with descents of more than 1400m. Further favourite summer activities in Verbier include mountain climbing and Via Ferratas.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Verbier?

Found in the south-west region of Bagnes in Canton Valais, Verbier is situated at an altitude of 1,500m,
providing spectacular views of both Mont Blanc and Le Grand Combin.

Where to stay in Verbier?

Verbier is one of Europe’s top ski resorts and has an extensive array of accommodation to offer. One of the most popular rental properties in the resort is The Lodge, owned by none other than Sir Richard Branson.

Is Verbier good for beginners?

Whilst Verbier wouldn't necessarily be a ‘go-to’ option for beginners, the resort does have accessible nursery slopes. These can be found in the middle of the village at Les Moulins and at the larger Les Esserts, which features one drag lift and two magic carpets.

How do you get to Verbier?

At 160 km away, Geneva is the nearest international airport to Verbier with Milan the next closest at 250 km. Verbier is also accessible by train with the local station of Le Châble just 15 minutes drive away.