Hiking in Verbier

Hiking & Walking Trails ('Itineraires Pietons')

There are over 400kms of walking trail to explore in the Verbier valley that suit every level of walker from every age. Explore the villages, pastures, forests and mountains peaks - discovering the flora and fauna of the Alps. Lower altitude walks along the valley floor can take you through beautiful meadows whilst admiring the wild berries and flowers growing in the fields. Mountain trails are indicated along the way by various coloured sign posts marking the direction of the route. There are escorted trekking programs offered in the summer by the summer mountain guides.

Hiking in and around Verbier

Sitting on a mountainside amidst an unspoilt natural setting, Verbier offers countless hiking possibilities for walkers of all abilities. From gentle walks suitable for families and people of a lesser level of fitness to leisurely half-day hikes, as well as sustained full-day outings or even multi-day treks for the more hardened hikers…Verbier has it all! The Val de Bagnes 1:25 000 walking map (available at the Tourist Offices and most reputed shop around the valley) is a great hiking companion as it covers the entire valley and lists over forty suggestions with their respective degree of difficulty and indicative walking times. With this helpful map in your backpack and some sturdy hiking boots on your feet, you are on your way to discovering the awe-inspiring beauty of the region! This article and photos are courtesy of Sébastien Albert from C'est Tro Bo Photo.

Before heading off.....

Although the footpaths are very well maintained and signposted, you should always exercise caution when venturing into the mountains, particularly at the beginning of season when there may still be snow covering some parts of the footpaths which must therefore be crossed with caution. Frozen avalanche debris can remain the gullies until well into the summer making it dangerous for an ill-equipped or inexperienced walker to cross. It is also always wise to seek the advice of those in the know before you head out. The Tourist Office (Place Centrale) is just the place to do this. They can offer advice and information (in English) to the experienced and inexperienced alike. They can also provide information on weather forecasts, state of the trails (snow coverage etc), refuge opening and closure dates and general advice on your choice of route to help you plan your adventures.

Before you embark on any activities in the mountains you should remember that you are likely to be at a considerably higher altitude with more rugged terrain than you are used to at home. For that reason it is particularly recommended that you:

• Are as physically fit as possible - Ensure you are fully aware of your limitations and of those accompanying you (children and elderly people)


• Are appropriately equipped - Choose sturdy footwear with ankle support, warm, water repellent clothing (even if the sun’s been beating down for days), sun cream, sunglasses, map, plenty water, food and snacks, first aid kit....


• Check your itinerary with the Tourist Office - Even the easiest and best marked trails can present unexpected hazards such as rockslides or snowfall


• Allow plenty time for your chosen route - Additionally, leave an extra margin in case of incident. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Nightfall may take you by surprise so it is wise to carry a flashlight


• Stay on the marked trails - This is especially important on steep slopes or precipices. Never take short cuts as doing so causes erosion, channelling the rain water and resulting in deterioration of the trails that are so hard to maintain


• Respect the environment - The mountains here are breathtakingly beautiful but the balance of nature is very fragile. In order to maintain the beauty of the valley; don’t light fires, ensure you take your rubbish with you, leave the flowers for others to admire and avoid making excessive noise that may disturb the wildlife.