Verbier Activity Review: 5th September 2011

Savoleyres and Tzoumaz lifts are now closed and the lifts that service La Chaux and up to Col de Gentianes are now open just during the weekends. The lifts from Le Chable to Verbier and up to Ruinettes are still open and provide enough uplift to access most walking and biking options in and around Verbier. At the moment the top of the blue run can only be reached by taking the high track to the left as you come out of the lift station. The middle section of the blue has had more work done to it recently with a few new small dirt jumps to add to the many beginner to intermediate terrain features that make this run a great option for anyone wanting to get a taste of downhill biking.

Although the weather over the last few days has been a bit unsettled I still managed to go and walk up to Pierre Avoi. After ascending the polished rock steps and metal ladders I reached the top to be rewarded with an incredible view of Verbier on one side and the Rhône valley on the other. Walking paths are plentiful throughout the area and maps can be acquired at the tourist office. Make sure you know the difference between a walking and a biking track. Walking tracks are marked by a yellow rectangular sign with a pointed end where as biking tracks have a square sign with a squiggle running down it. They are coloured green, blue, red, black and yellow, with red, black and yellow the more advanced. The bike tracks are also generally marked out with coloured tape too so if you are a walker stay off these tracks as bikers will be travelling fast and will not be able to stop in time. If you are biking slowly on any bike tracks then also listen and look out for fast approaching riders. The general rule is that you give way to faster riders.

Today is the first day of the Verbier Bike Festival, which sees a weekend of biking orientated activities and lots of rock and metal music. Expect Verbier to become a mecca for Harley riders and rockers... a welcome change of scenery from golf, classical music and horse shows... which I also enjoy very much!

Even thought the forecast for this weekend is for mixed weather with the chance of storms there are still many sports to still do in town. The swimming pool is still open and ice go-carting is still available on the ice rink.

In the next few weeks many businesses will start to close as resort starts to wind down. Tonight Pub Mont Fort are having a half price food sell off... yum yum.

Although the weather over the next few days looks quite mixed I am sure it will not get in the way of the bike fest and rock concerts that are going to liven up the mountains once again.