Verbier for Skiing & Snowboarding

Verbier is one of the world's most popular winter resorts covering an enormous area for skiers and snowboarders of all ablities to explore. The skiing in and around Verbier can be broken up into 4 areas, namely: Verbier, La Tzoumaz/Savoleyres, Bruson and Mt Fort/4 Valleys. All areas are quite distinct one from the other, offering different types of terrain of varied difficulty. We aim to give you the advice and tips you need to make the most of what the area has to offer! ... see "Verbier Skiing Revealed" for more

With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout Verbier and the 4 Valleys and suggested some itineraries for you to try. There are also sections on where to find the best off piste, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... see "Where to go in Verbier & the 4 Valleys for..." for more

Verbier's Swatch Snowpark is the venue for many a Big Air comp and hosts regular demos throughout the season. There are a number of unmissable events lined up for this winter, including the annual Verbier Ride, so have a look at our What's On calendar to find out what's coming up soon.

Open from 09h30-16h15, the snowpark is situated in La Chaux at 2842m and is kitted out with all the hips, jumps and rails you need to practice your moves. Whether you’re a beginner, advanced or pro level rider, you’ll find your happiness at the Swatch Snowpark!  Keep an eye out for the Swatch Big Airbag, which is exactly as it sounds – a giant airbag to cushion your fall. It comes after a mid-sized kicker allowing you to practise all sorts of aerial stunts without hurting your head. You can even watch your triumph (or otherwise) online later. Even if you're only there to watch it is still a good place to hang out with the music and BBQ area adding to the ambience.

There is no separate entry charge, as long as you have a pass to access the lift you can play all day!

'Classic' Style

Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum. You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors.

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! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable. The tranquility of cross country skiing (also known as Nordic or ski de fond) is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.

'Skating' Style

Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 22km of cross-country skiing tracks to be found in and 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 take the gondola up from Médran to the Ruinettes station (a lift ticket must be purchased for this) & 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!

In Verbier all skiers with a handicap are welcomed, whatever their disability may be. The skiing area is well equipped with facilities such as elevators, which makes access to many lifts quite easy. People with disabilities have access to the entire skiing domain, however, the Savolyeres side is a bit trickier as the main access to the area (via the old gondola) isn’t well suited so it is best avoided.

Those wishing to take lessons or have someone accompany them on the hill can turn to the École Suisse de Ski, who can put their fully trained teacher, Charlotte Dischinger, certified by PluSport (Swiss Handicap Sport Federation) at your disposal. She is a very friendly lady with whom I’ve had the pleasure of speaking, who assures me she would be quite happy to answer any questions you may have related to the matter. She can be reached on +41 79 647-3332.

Rates for such lessons and/or accompaniment are roughly equal to any normal alpine private lesson rates: 195 SFR/2 hrs (AM), 160 SFR/2 hrs (PM), 230 SFR/3 hrs & 420 SFR for a full day of instruction.  Rates include the use of a sit-ski.

In terms of accommodation, the best thing to do is check with your tour operator, hotel or chalet rental company about the facilities they provide for visitors with disabilities.

Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen sport/activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed you along in your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be!

In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and your ability. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more

We have teamed up with some of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more

Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" for more

With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Verbier Lift System & Passes" for more