Visiting the Verbier ski resort
Verbier is part of the largest ski area in Switzerland, the Quatre Vallées (Four Valleys) ski domain. The network provides access to 410 kilometers of runs, peaking at the top of Mont-Fort at 3,300 meters above sea level. From the summit, you get a clear view of the Combins massif, the Matterhorn, and the highest peak in Europe, Mont-Blanc.
A resort for thrill seekers
Verbier sits on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the Swiss Alps. It caters to both on-piste skiers and those looking for backcountry terrain, with seven marked, ungroomed itineraries reserved for advanced riders. Some of the most recognizable runs include Mont-Gelé, Mur de Chassoure, and the Col des Mines. The resort is also well known for its freeride competitions, specifically the Xtrème de Verbier, which has taken place annually on the slopes of the Bec-des-Rosses since 1996.
Additionally, the Quatre Vallées area is home to the highest zipline in Europe. Starting at the top of Mont-Fort, the line sends you flying over the Tortin glacier toward the col des Gentianes (Gentianes Pass), reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h. Expect a vertical drop of 383 meters and a total length of nearly one and a half kilometers.
An ideal destination for families
Verbier is also suitable for beginners and includes trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Furthermore, Verbier hosts the longest sledding run in French-speaking Switzerland, the La Tzoumaz sledding track. It offers a 10-kilometer descent with a vertical drop of nearly 700 meters.
Lots of runs for all skill levels, plenty of possibilities for off-piste and freeriding, and tons of activities for adults and kids alike (sledding, snowshoeing, ice karting, swimming pool). There are bars and restaurants to go out and enjoy the mountain vibe in normal times (when there is no nasty virus bothering us).
To top it all off, there are some very pretty views of the 4 Vallées area and the Alps.
The top of the slopes is at over 3,300m in altitude, so expect some athletic first days while you take the time to adjust.