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Verbier Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Verbier |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in Verbier, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Read on for a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges.
A total of 22km of cross-country skiing tracks are found in & around Verbier. The circuits are free to use and given the flat terrain on which they are laid out, are of easy level grades – mainly green and blue tracks.
Situated at an elevation of 2200m, cross-country skiing enthusiasts will delight in the Les Ruinettes – La Chaux trail; a 6km round trip journey offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. Simply upload the Bubbles at Médran (a lift ticket must be purchased for this) up to the Ruinettes station & you’re on your way!
In the resort, you will find a 4km loop trail situated behind the parking near the Sports Centre.
In the Val de Bagnes, directly down the mountain from Verbier, another 10km circuit awaits you in le Châble, while further up the valley you will find yet another 2km, in the quiet setting of Plamproz!
Cross-country equipment can be hired at most sport shops including Philippe Roux Sport (Place Centrale) and in Oreiller Sports (Rue de Médran, midway between Place Centrale & Médran). Equipment hire costs are much cheaper than for alpine gear; the full kit (skis, boots & poles) will set you back around 28 SFR/day, and 123 SFR for a week. Why not book a group or private lesson to learn the basics?
This sport is good for all, as one can be as energetic or slow as one likes!
Adrenaline factor : 1/10
Verbinet verdict : Perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or who finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. |
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last updated 26-Feb-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-skiing |
 | Escape to the heart of the Alps and some of Europe's best off-piste skiing after a magnificent helicopter ride. Skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers can take a helicopter ride into the very heart of the Swiss Alps then enjoy an original and challenging descent on one of Verbier's fantastic slopes. Under the supervision of a qualified guide and with pair of wide skis, these trips become accessible to everyone. Don't get too despondent if you don't go when planned though as helicopter travel is dictated largely by the weather. Heliskiing isn't legal in neighbouring France, so a lot of people will cross the border to have a go. The most popular destinations include Rosablanche(3314m), Petit Combin (3670m) or on the Trient glacier (3295m). If you are a ski tourer, you could try Heli-touring. Using skins attached to your skis, ski touring further allows you to take on some alternative explorations.
To find out which mountain companies can organise such adventures for you visit our Ski & Mountain / Mountain/Ski Guides listings.
Adrenaline factor : 7/10
Verbinet verdict : Expensive, but exhilirating nonetheless. |
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last updated 14-Jan-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
 | For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport and is not just for experienced mountaineers. Select any one of Verbier's thirty ice cascades and gulleys between Fionnay and Mauvoisin in the Val De Bagnes to experience the thrill of ice climbing. Waterfalls are frozon from December to February. Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and icepixes. As this sport grows in popularity there are more and more opportunities for the beginner to learn. Verbier is also home to an artifical pyramid where you can learn the ropes. There are also plenty of courses available by the day, weekend or week, check out our mountain guide section for further information.
Adrenaline factor : 7/10
Verbinet verdict : We're shivering at the thought of it ! |
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last updated 14-Dec-2007 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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The Valley de Bagnes is a wonderful and world famous spot to free fly. Glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. The instructor will manoeuvre the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. ... see "Verbier for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 22-Apr-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking |
 | Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers. Snowshoes and ski poles are usually provided, if not you can hire them from local ski and snowboard shops.
Top tip: take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Adrenaline factor: 3/10
Verbinet verdict : Walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. |
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last updated 14-Dec-2007 |
| Tobogganing |
 | There's two 'tracks' available in Verbier for a spot of tobogganing fun. A 7km route on Attelas startes fom Ruinettes to Verbier and on Savoleyres, a 10km run starts at the top fo the Taillay chairlift and runs down through the forest to Tzoumaz. Toboggans can be rented from most ski shops for a reasonable afternoon and daily rate.
Adrenaline factor : 6/10
Verbinet verdict : Go as fast or slow as you like. Excellent fun for all the family. |
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last updated 14-Dec-2007 |
| Winter Hiking |
For non-skiers who don't want to miss out on the beauty of the Swiss mountains Verbier has 25km of signed hiking trails, many of which are open all year round. Starting in resort they offer an alternative and peaceful way to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
Adrenaline factor : 4/10
Verbinet verdict : Can be as energetic or as relaxing as you like, the perfect way to get a different perspective of the mountains |
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last updated 28-Feb-2008 |
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