<p>From fun and adventure to culture and relaxation Verbier has lots to offer in summer.</p>
Photo: Verbier Promotion

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Verbier in Summer

From fun and adventure to culture and relaxation Verbier has lots to offer in summer.

Summer
Published at: 21 Apr 2020
Last updated at: 9 Nov 2023

While you may only know Verbier as a luxury ski resort, this stunning destination does in fact have plenty to offer in the summer months. Whether you're looking for fun and adventure or culture and relaxation, Verbier makes a fantastic summer playground. With this in mind, here's what you can look forward to in Verbier over the summer months.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton

1. Hiking

With over 500 km of marked trails to explore, Verbier is a haven for keen hikers. From themed paths and educational tours to long treks and athletic challenges, there is something for every age and ability to enjoy. Along the way, you can soak up the mesmerising mountain views and marvel at the stunning scenery; you may even spot an ibex, marmot or chamois en-route.

One of the most popular and easiest walks in Verbier is the trail from Les Ruinettes to La Chaux via the 3D Sculpture Park. The aim of the sculpture park is to provide a residency for artists to explore modern environmental issues and to create sculptures that showcase the fragility as well as the beauty of the surrounding glacial environment.

Verbier is also home to many ‘bisses’; these irrigation canals were originally built to irrigate pastures and meadows at altitude and although many have disappeared there are still around 200 between the top of the Conches valley and the shores of Lac Leman.

For serious hikers, the Tour des Combins is a must. Crossing five valleys, the tour takes in six days of hiking around the Combins massif (4,314m). Bear in mind this is a challenging trek so good physical stamina is required.

STAY: Chalet Grand Coeur - this newly-built chalet complete with heated outdoor pool is the perfect spot to unwind after a hard day's hiking.

Hiking in Verbier in summerPhoto: verbier.ch/Melody Sky
Hiking by the lake in Verbier in summerPhoto: Melody Sky
Chalet Grand Coeur in Verbier in summerPhoto: Chalet Grand Coeur

2. Mountain Biking

With 213 km of enduro trails, over 500 km of marked biking trails and a bike park with eight trails for different abilities, Verbier is a mecca for mountain biking and more recently e-biking.

Open from early June to late October, the Verbier Bike Park offers two trails for beginners and a further six trails for more experienced mountain bikers. Situated between Les Fontanets at 2,475m and Verbier at 1,500m, the trails provide plenty of thrills and spills along with spectacular views.The most technically challenging route is Black Track No. 5 which runs from Clambin to Medran and features a series of rocky sections and jumps. For beginners, Blue Track No. 2 is recommended; starting at Les Ruinettes the trail winds through alpine pastures finishing near the Verbier golf course.

Verbier also hosts several bike events during the summer months, including Les Tour des Stations. Billed as the ‘World’s Toughest Cycling Race’, the tour crosses the Valais with routes varying depending on the distance chosen (240 km, 210 km, 145 km, 145 km, 85 km or 45 km). Another popular event is the Verbier E-Bike Festival; taking place over three days in August, the festival features gourmet trails, e-bike tours and enduro races.

STAY: Chalet Melilot - Perfect for a couple or pair of friends, this chic chalet is located right next to Les Esserts, giving you quick and easy access to the mountain trails.

Mountain biking in Verbier in summerPhoto: verbier.ch/Fit Cat
Riding the trails in verbier in summerPhoto: verbier.ch
Chalet Melilot in Verbier in summerPhoto: Chalet Melilot

3. The Thrills

Verbier has plenty to offer thrill-seekers during the summer months. With breathtaking views of the Alps and the Mont-Blanc and Combins massifs, Verbier is a fantastic playground for paragliding. There are several take-off points offering over 1,400m of descent, landing in Le Châble at the bottom of the Val de Bagnes. Tandem skydiving over the Val de Bagnes is also popular with adrenaline-seekers. Enjoy a 15-minute helicopter flight and jump from 4000m in spectacular surroundings.

Children can get their thrills from the Aerial Walkway in Medran. This treetop adventure tests agility, balance and skill on one of four courses of varying difficulty. Climbing and via ferrata is also possible; there are several climbing walls to hone your skills on before tackling one of 560 routes in the great outdoors. Popular climbing areas include La Barme, Pierre Avoi, Grande Face, and Haut Val de Bagnes.

STAY: Chalet Calima - Accommodating eight guests, this exclusive chalet is the perfect spot to wind down after an adrenaline-inducing day on the mountain. Relax in the outdoor hot tub or enjoy a dip in the indoor pool.

Paragliding in verbier in summerPhoto: Verbier.ch/Melody Sky
Chalet Calima in Verbier in summerPhoto: Chalet Calima
Outdoor hot tub in summer at Chalet Calima in verbierPhoto: Chalet Calima

4. Wellness

It’s not all about getting your pulse racing; Verbier is also a place where you can come to relax and indulge yourself. As well as an abundance of luxury chalets in Verbier with their own private spas, there are also a number of hotel and independent spas where you can rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Recommended spas include Away Spa & Fitness at the W Hotel and Experimental Spa by Biologiques Recherches.

Fitness and yoga is also popular with several companies offering yoga and pilates sessions in the mountains. At the end of August, Verbier hosts Inspire Yoga Festival, a three-day event featuring over 30 indoor and outdoor classes with international guest instructors, massage treatments and festival feasts created using local organic produce. We are also able to organise bespoke private retreats in Verbier for corporate groups or groups of friends. Take a look at our sample Verber Retreat itinerary.

STAY: Chalet Nyumba - this family-friendly chalet has an extensive private spa with an L-shaped swimming pool, hammam, plunge pool, sauna & outdoor hot tub.

W Hotel spa in VerbierPhoto: W Hotel
Yoga in verbierPhoto: Melody Sky
Chalet Nyumba in Verbier in summerPhoto: Chalet Nyumba

5. Music

One of the unmissable events of the summer, Verbier Festival runs from mid-July to the beginning of August and features over 60 concerts by some of today’s most revered artists. The concerts take place in and around the resort, with symphony and operatic concerts being held in Salles des Combins whilst solo and chamber music recitals are hosted in the Eglise de Verbier.

As well as the paid concerts there are also events open to the public, from free masterclasses to educational workshops and conferences.

STAY: Apartment Victoria 111- ideally located right in the heart of Verbier, this stylish apartment puts you at the centre of the action.

Conductor at Verbier FestivalPhoto: Nicolas Brodard
Verbier Festival marquee in summerPhoto: Nicolas Brodard
Open plan living area at Apartment Victoria 111 in VerbierPhoto: Apartment Victoria 111