Part of one of the largest ski regions in Europe, Verbier, in the Swiss Valaisian Alps, is a Mecca for powder hounds. Along with more than 400km of diverse terrain, its snow sure slopes and constant supply of sunshine make it a favourite amongst skiers looking for their next big challenge. And, for those willing to take on the legendary Mont-Gelé and Mont-Fort to find it, they’re well rewarded.
“Ski slope Verbier Valais 027” by Norbert Aepli, Switzerland. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.
With high-altitude skiing up to 3,330m, including some spectacular adrenaline-inducing off-piste opportunities, if you’re looking for your next big ski adventure, you’ve found it in Verbier. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Convenience and Diversity
If you’ve come to Verbier to ski, that’s exactly what you want to do, isn’t it? Not waste your time standing around in lift queues or dodging kamikaze beginners at every turn. The good news is that it is an extremely well-facilitated resort, with nearly 100 lifts servicing the 400kms of runs right on the doorstep.
For experienced (and slightly crazy) skiers, the great news is that 64% of the runs are classified expert and advanced, and it’s renowned as being home to some of the toughest skiing in the world.
Best on the Slopes
Thrill seekers in the know head straight for Verbier’s most famous killer ‘itinerary’ runs. An itinerary run is one that’s marked, although not groomed – and also, important to know, not avalanche controlled. So do make sure you take all precautions, no matter how experienced you are.
Gentianes: Dotted with giant moguls, this steep 900m vertical screams from Col de Gentianes down to the Gentianes cable car.
Tortins: This is a stomach churning 700m vertical running the distance from the top to the bottom of the Chassoure gondola lift. You can ski this one all day – just turn around at the end and do it all again. Dare you!
Vallon d’Arby: While you’ll be pretty busy concentrating on this challenging run, don’t forget to sneak a look at the fabulous views as you whizz down through the isolated valley to La Tzoumaz. (You can then get a gondola back to Verbier.)
Mont Fort: Tough and terrifying for all but the very expert skiers, Mont Fort is the highest point of the area. Head up by cable car to 3,330m, then tear down this steepest of steep slopes under your own steam. May the Fort be with you…
Stairway to Heaven: Perhaps the Highway to Hell would be a more apt moniker for this breathtaking (in every sense of the word) run, reached after a short hike from the Gentianes cable car. The bold-hearted will be rewarded with fresh powder runs all the way through the valley.
The Ultimate Thrill
Pack your heart in your pocket and head out with the birds for the ultimate thrill – heli-skiing. You’ll enjoy an exhilarating flight in the chopper taking in magnificent views of the Alps, then be dropped in virgin backcountry sliced by dramatic rock walls and crevasses.
Pitting yourself against the power of Nature in this pristine environment could well go down as the most inspirational ride of your life.
Do it: Go on a heli-skiing adventure with Adrenaline Heliski Verbier. It’s not cheap (starting at €615 for two people), but prices include a mountain guide, all safety equipment and as many memories as you can take home.
Ski Events to Aspire To
Verbier’s renown is such that a number of high-profile ski events take place here each year. Join the spectators that flock to the resort to enjoy the thrills and spills.
- Verbier High Five: Amateurs and world championship pros are pitted against each other in a fast and furious face-off.
- Xtreme Verbier: The Freeride World Tour finals.
- The Patrouille des Glaciers: A muscle grinding long distance touring race starting in Zermatt.
So…maybe next year?
How to Get to Verbier
The fastest way to get to Verbier and get out on those slopes quick smart is to fly into Geneva Airport. From the UK, flights to Geneva only take 90 minutes and all the major airlines offer well-priced, regular services, especially in the busy ski season. (Depending on where you’re coming from you may also be able to fly into the smaller, domestic Sion airport.)
When you land at the airport in Geneva, the fastest, most hassle free way of getting straight to the resort is with a shared or private airport transfer. Shuttle Direct offers a direct service to Verbier that takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. If you’re bringing your own ski equipment, let us know in advance and we’ll include it in the cost of your transfer.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Mirabeau: The Hotel Mirabeau‘s authentic, family-run welcome is the perfect complement to the cosy Alpine ambience of its rooms. With a spa and sauna to help iron out the kinks of a hard day on the slopes, a buffet breakfast, convenient ski storage, and a location just 200 metres from the ski lift, there’s nothing left to do except plan for your next day’s ski adventure.
Nevai: Situated right in the heart of Verbier, if you want to lie in bed and gaze out on the slopes you’ll be tearing down the next day, welcome to the Nevai! Just steps from the ski lifts and with its own sushi restaurant, day spa (including sauna and Hamam), and lovely lounge with open fire, the Nevai is an elegant home from home in the snow.
W Verbier: The ultimate chic, contemporary accommodation for the avid skier, W Verbier will reward you with the celebrity treatment you’ve earned out there on the mountain! Just 100m from the ski lifts with gorgeous views of the slopes, there’s also free access to the onsite spa and a 24-hour concierge service. These gorgeous chalets wrap you in the arms of luxury and don’t let go.
About Shuttle Direct:
As Europe’s most trusted airport transfers provider, Shuttle Direct has been servicing winter transfers to and from resorts in the Swiss, French, Italian and Austrian Alps for many years.
For the fastest, most affordable transfer to get you where you need to go, you can make an booking online with us and your arrangements will be confirmed before you leave home. We cater for all budgets and group sizes, and if you’re bringing your own winter sports equipment, just advise us at the time of booking and it can be included in the cost of your transfer.
Let our friendly, expert team take the hassle out of all your onward travel arrangements and you can concentrate on the fun parts of your winter holiday!
