Switzerland is known for its fabulous chocolates, its beautiful wintery landscapes and incomparable skiing scene. If you’re looking for somewhere to explore all of Switzerland’s delights in a fun family environment, why not consider the Alpine village of Verbier for your next family getaway?
Snow Sports
Given its snowy location in the Swiss Alps, this village offers a fantastic selection of snow sports.
Snow Shoeing
Don’t let poor weather conditions ruin your fun: snow shoeing is an activity that is available even on the snowiest of days. Pack your warmest boots for this hike, since you’ll be donning some snowshoes and using poles to make your way along one of the area’s 16 different hiking paths.
Sledging
Take a cable car all the way to the top of Savolyeres and sledge down the longest sledge run in Switzerland’s French area. This slope spans 848 metres, so be sure to bring along your warm clothes, goggles and helmet! The sledge run is generally open between 9 am and 3:30 pm.
Skiing
This town truly spoils its guests with a range of four different ski tracks with varying levels of difficulty. New skiers can take advantage of private and group lessons offered on the slopes by several different ski schools and instructors, and all skiers can rent equipment and boots from the local ski shops.
Snowboarding
Just like with skiing, Verbier is famous for its great snowboarding scene. The local mountains create four different valleys for visitors of all experiences to snowboard.
Active Adventures
Get your blood pumping and take in the sights as you explore the area while in motion.
Walking
The area isn’t all mountains and valleys – endless walking trails cover the area surrounding Verbier. Waterfalls, mountain passes and more can be reached via these trails, open during the spring and summer.
Cycling
Verbier’s gentle slopes and valleys provide the perfect location for cyclists of all experience levels. Mountain-biking is also available on the region’s many cross-country trails.
Top Tip: Check out the Col du Lin, the Verbier to Mauvoisin loop or the three routes of the Tour du Catogne for prime cycling.
Hiking
During the wintertime, enjoy a hike along some of the local trails around the town. Make sure to take along a sturdy pair of warm boots and some comfortable clothing for these hikes. Hikes vary in length, with some taking less than an hour and others requiring over three hours to complete.
Riding
Head outside to explore the great outdoors of Switzerland with these adventurous family activities.
Horse Riding
See Verbier from a different perspective on horseback. The town and nearby countryside are filled with gorgeous, sprawling scenery and idyllic nature scenes. Several companies operate in the area, where you can hire out a horse and even take private lessons.
Husky-Dog Rides
Check out the Swiss landscape when you book a husky sled ride. This activity is available in both winter and summer, with December through April being the busiest time of the year. If you choose to take a dog-sled ride, be sure to book your experience at least 48 hours ahead of time.
Indoor Activities
The Swiss Alps are known for their wide range of outdoor activities, but sometimes, with poor weather or falling temperatures, it’s best to stick to indoor fun. Luckily, the town offers an exciting variety of activities that can be enjoyed year-round.
Climbing
Climbing is a perfect activity for both beginners and experienced adventurers alike. Hire a harness (or bring your own) and enjoy the challenge of indoor rock climbing with the whole family.
Swimming
No matter the season, there are plenty of pools in Verbier for swimming. Pools are available in many chalets and hotels, plus many local apartments and community pools are open to the public for no charge. Don’t forget your swimming costume!
Extra Sporting Ideas
If you’re in the mood for something extra memorable during a summer visit to Verbier, give white water rafting or canyoning a go.
Water Sports
Between May and September, adventurous visitors can enjoy white water rafting on rapidly flowing mountain rivers. This activity can be booked for several hours or for an all-day event.
Canyoning
This fun summer activity involves navigating natural water slides, splash pools and fun jumps in nature’s own obstacle course. Just make sure you choose a warm summer day, because this activity can get pretty wet, and it’s definitely not an activity to do with young children (under the age of eight, at least).
Where to Stay
Hotelski – This beautiful chalet-style hotel offers family rooms, a sauna and a shared kitchen. Continental and buffet breakfasts are available, plus guests can enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, bar and shared lounge.
Apartment Beautmont – An updated take on a traditional Alpine-style building, Apartment Beaumont offers a location close to the slopes that can’t be beat. This hotel features two luxurious bedrooms, a shared kitchen and dining area, plus two bathrooms. Visitors can also enjoy the hotel’s sauna, steam bath and ski storage.
How to Get There
Begin your journey to Verbier by flying from the UK to Geneva. This nonstop journey takes less than two hours if flying from London Gatwick or Luton to GVA.
Once you’ve arrived in Geneva, I would recommend booking your Geneva airport transfers with a reputable shuttle service like Shuttle Direct. As one of Europe’s top companies for transfers between airports, hotels, train stations and more, you’ll struggle to find a better deal! Verbier is located 163 kilometres from GVA airport, so pre-book your Geneva airport transfers in advance and enjoy the journey in comfort and style.
Overview
- UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- GVA to Verbier Distance: 163 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of Europe’s top providers for airport transfer services. Our reliable shuttles help travellers go to and from airports, hotels and more. Book in advance by choosing from a variety of shuttle options, then allow our friendly, professional drivers whisk you off to your destination with comfort and ease.
