In both winter and summer, Verbier is host to many events… some of which are world famous! These help create an unmatched ambience which makes up the resort's reputation and fame. Here is a short description of the main ones in chronological order:
Take the Hill is a demo where 5 pro-skiers, 5 pro-snowboarders and 5 pro-bikers show off their skill in La Chaux’s snow park.
Verbier Ride - January
The Verbier Ride is one of the leading freeskiing competitions in the world, incorporating a Skier Cross discipline which has become a recognized X-Games qualifier event, and a Slope Style event which attracts many of Europe’s top freeskiing athletes.
The competition takes place in a specially designed course within the La Chaux snow park (Neipark 1936).
Rendez-vous at the Col des Gentianes to watch 24 of the world’s best freeride skiers and snowboarders as they compete on the imposing north face of the Bec des Rosses during this prestigious freeriding contest.
The Verbier High Five is a competition open to skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers which encompasses 5 disciplines: giant slalom, boarder cross, moguls, parallel slalom and a mock triathlon. Participants have the opportunity to measure themselves against professional athletes. An animated après ski seals the deal.
End the season on a high at the Ultimate Party closing day event! Some of the highlights will include big air displays, a waterslide contest and new equipment to test. Down in resort the party continues with many bars playing live music and entertainment and shops hosting special activities.
Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid.
The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!
Every year, Verbier hosts this endurance race which attracts athletes from all over the world, where the competitors race distances of 20 and 60 kilometres over incredibly challenging terrain through the heights of Verbier.
Le Tour de France - July
Catch a glimpse of France's most revered sporting event as it comes to the Swiss Alps for the first time in its history in 2009. The gruelling heights of Verbier make up one of the mountain stages of the legendary Tour de France cycling race. You can expect a large turnout of cheering spectators and a great atmosphere in resort. ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
Amateur Chamber Music Week - July
The Amateur Chamber Music Week is an opportunity for talented amateur musicians to indulge in their passion for playing chamber music, while enjoying the beautiful Swiss alpine scenery.
The Verbier Festival proposes an outstanding programme of concerts featuring the biggest names in classical music today, and offers an unprecedented combination of Master Classes and encounters with festival artists.
The Verbier Festival Discovery offers educational activities for children as well as conferences for adults whilst the Verbier Fest’Off enlivens Verbier with its daily program of concerts and shows.
Crossing 6 valleys for a total distance of 121kms and a positive vertical gain of 5430m, the Grand Raid is effectively the longest single leg mountain bike race in the world!
More than a thousand participants test their strength and endurance as they set off bright and early from Verbier’s Central Place, racing against the clock through six “cut-off” check points strategically situated along the course which eventually takes them all the way to Grimentz, later that day.
Showcasing a premiere of the latest on & off mountain fashions, Verbier’s best boutiques and stores will be showing their latest collections in a heated marquee, built especially for the occasion opposite the Hotel Rhodania.
The prestigious "Kings Verbier Fashion Weekend" takes place annually around mid-December and is hosted by the King's Parc Hôtel in conjunction with the Farm Club, Elemis Spas and Moet & Chandon.