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Verbier : From Past to Present
| History of Verbier |
At the turn of the 20th century Verbier was little more than a few farmer’s huts and cattle pastures. It’s potential as a ski resort was discovered in 1925 when a group of keen mountain men hiked up 15km from Sembrancher in order to ski back down again. Now, thankfully, it’s only the most fervent of ski tourers who need replicate this journey as the first lift system was installed in 1946 and in 1951 the lift company hired its third employee! Over the next 10 years Verbier expanded as a holiday destination but still essentially remained a small alpine village. It was not until the ski boom of the 1960’s that it was established as the snowsports mecca that it is known as today.
Despite the now bustling town centre and the modern developments that have sprung up over the years it is still possible to revisit Verbier’s past. You can learn about the old tradition of cheese making at the dairy and take some local Tomme home to tuck into, or take a walking tour of the villages. Much of the original architecture is still in place in these charming hamlets and you can see old windmills, chalets and chapels as you pass through. A ramble through the pastures of Louvie, Sovereu, Crêt, Giétro and Lia may lead to you the old fashioned alpine stables that were once the only dwellings in the area. Cattle herders would live out in these old stone structures while keeping watch over their herd.
Verbier has a number of fascinating museums and galleries that are well worth a visit, amongst them the Musée du Vieux-Pays (recreation of traditional dwelling), the Oreiller Forge, the Grinding Mill and Saw Mill and the Alpine Museum.
The ruins of Verbier castle provide a glimpse into a world so old that it not documented in local archives. From the remaining stones it can be assumed that the castle was probably built sometime in the 12th century by the Count of Savoy, before being destroyed in 1475 after the Battle of La Planta. Traces of the moat can still be seen as well as what may once have been a well.
The churches of Verbier provide a visual contrast as well as a different historical perspective. The Verbier Village chapel was originally built in 1686 but in time became too small to serve the community. It was replaced in 1866 with the building that stands today, albeit featuring a number of the original 17th century features and is worth a peek inside for anyone interested in religious history. The parish church of Le Châble originally dates from 1488 and was restored in 1981. The bell tower is the oldest original feature. The gothic style of the building is quite beautiful and the interior features a fresco painted by a local artist, Félix Cortey. In compete contrast is the newcomer completed in 1962, which dominates the town with its 40 meter spire and bold modern design.
These days Verbier is transformed into a lively winter and summer resort, known for its fantastic sporting opportunities and its vibrant nightlife. During the peak of the winter season over 40,000 skiers and snowboarders are whisked up into the mountains by the network of lifts that now criss-cross the slopes.
From its humble beginnings Verbier has grown from being a tranquil grazing pasture to one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations. However, if you visit in the summer you can still hear those cow bells! |
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last updated 7-Jan-2008 |
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