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Verbier Skiing Revealed
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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! |
| Lift & Piste Maps (Verbier & the 4 Valleys) |
This is the main inter-active piste map from Televerbier, the local lift company. Use it to find out more about the slopes, restaurants, lift system and facilities of the area, including the latest piste and lift opening status. Paper piste maps are available from the lift-stations, Tourist Office, hotel receptions and the like...
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last updated 12-Feb-2008 |
| Insider's Guide To... |
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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 itineries 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! ... more |
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last updated 8-Jan-2008 |
| Verbier Ski Area |
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From the nursery slopes of Les Esserts to the sun-drenched beginner area of La Chaux, and from the mellow pistes of the Lac des Vaux to the wide, cruising boulevards of the Attelas and the Combes, Verbier has everything to please the beginner/intermediate crowds. Add to that the “Neipark 1936” snow park and challenging ski itineraries of Chassoure-Tortin and of the Mont Gelé, and it becomes clear that the Verbier ski area has something for everyone!
Boasting three nursery slopes/beginner areas in the resort itself (see Beginner Ski Areas in Verbier), the Verbier ski area also offers great beginner terrain up at La Chaux, now accessible directly from Médran thanks to the recently built La Chaux Express Combi-Mix lift. Also serviced by a 4-man chair, this sun drenched area is a great place to practice & progress as there are nice, easy runs which tend to soften up in the afternoon given its south facing orientation.
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last updated 26-Feb-2008 |
| Beginner Ski Areas in Verbier |
There are three nursery slopes/beginner areas in the resort itself, all of which are equipped with snowmaking facilities ensuring that even if Mother Nature comes short, good quality beginner skiing can still be had! Although none offer “free of charge” lifts, the following 3 areas have their own low-priced lift tickets.
Les Moulins (1 drag lift) Situated right in the heart of Verbier, it is the smallest of all nursery slopes in town. The École Suisse de Ski uses it exclusively for their Kids Club program.
Les Esserts (1 drag lift & 2 magic carpets) With its gentle slopes conveniently situated right next to the Hameau bus stop and a restaurant terrace, Les Esserts is without a doubt the most popular spot for beginner skiers and families alike. It is also home to the longest magic carpet in Switzerland, which costs only 5 SFR for foot passengers who would like to accompany their young while they are learning.
Le Rouge (1 drag lift) This area’s two slopes run from the top of the village at Carrefour down to the centrally situated Brunet bus stop. The new variable speed drag lift - Le Rouge, which was put in for the 2006-07 winter, offers the beginner a slightly more inclined slope; the perfect place to safely set your sights on after having spent time on Les Esserts.
After feeling more confident on these nursery slopes, the La Chaux area up the mountain can be a good option, as there are nice, slow runs which tend to soften up in the afternoon given its south facing orientation. Directly accessible from Médran thanks to the recently built La Chaux Express lift, this sun drenched area, also serviced by a 4-man chair, is a great place to practice & progress! |
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last updated 8-Jan-2008 |
| Snowparks in Verbier |
Verbier's 1936 Neipark 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 so have a look at our Whats On calendar to find out what's coming up soon.
Open from 9.30-16.15 it 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 “Neipark 1936”! 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. Coaching sessions with pro-riders are held for anyone over the age of 12 throughout the winter, check out NeiparkDays for details.
There is no separate entry charge, as long as you have a pass to access the lift you can play all day! |
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last updated 26-Feb-2008 |
| 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 |
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