Verbier

The first account of skiing in Verbier dates back to 1925 when a group of skiers hiked up from Sembrancher with the sole purpose being to ski back down. At this time the town was inhabited by a few cows and a couple of herdsmen. After the war the Swiss government decided it would make a great place for a ski resort and then in 1946 the first lift system was built. It wasn't until the ski boom of the 1960's that it became a popular destination and cemented itself as one of the leading resorts in the Alps.

Centre Culturel du Hameau in Verbier has a small Alpine museum, gift shop and small church all located in a small private square at the bottom of Les Esserts ski slope. A bit further up at the top of Les Esserts you have Carrefour, which in winter is as high as the road goes and offers you a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges, Rogneux, Combin and Mont-Blanc.

Verbier has two lift stations, Medran (the main one) and Savoleyeres. Medran connects you to Verbier's main pistes and also down to Le Chable. As a part of the 4 Vallees ski area, which includes the resorts of Nendez, Veysonnaz and Thyon, there’s a whopping total of 92 ski lifts and 412km of pistes to ski and snowboard. Medran and Savoleyeres lift station are both easily connected via the free bus service.

Home of Xtreme Verbier, the most prestigious extreme skiing and snowboarding contest in the world, the Freeride World Tour, makes its final stop in Verbier on the famous Bec des Rosses mountain every March.

Plenty of events take place throughout the summer and winter months, so take a look at our events calendar for all the latest ones.

The main activity in Verbier in winter is of course skiing and snowboarding, but you can do snowshoe walks, sledging or take a ride in a husky sledge. Off the mountain the 'centre sportif' provides swimming, squash, snow and ice karting, ice hockey and ice-skating. There is also a gym which provides private classes for every member such as Pilates, Yoga, Spin, Boxercise and more.

Verbier has a local golf club that is situated at Le Hameau which is only open in the summer. It has an 18-hole golf course and is located above the main town of Verbier only a five minute drive away. The golf course is situated on the winter piste called 'Les Esserts'. There is also an 18-hole short pitch and put course at 'Les Moulins' which is a five minute walk from Place Centrale, just behind Cordee Des Alps hotel.

Verbier has an extensive range of restaurants all over town from Route De Verbier station all the way up to Rue De Medran. You can choose from traditional Swiss restaurants or for a more varied menu head to Chez Martin, La Pergola, Borsalino or Fer a Cheval. For a fine dining experience try Nomad Sushi Lounge, Cordee Des Alps, La Grange and The W Hotel. A little bit further away from the centre you’ll find Le Rouge, Chalet Adrien, Le Hameau restaurant, Le Sonalon, Carrefour and for great pizzas try Al Capone.

Verbier is known for some of the best partying in the Alps and it certainly does not disappoint with a wide range of options to choose from. From the Medran lift station down to Place Centrale you have between 10-15 bars open in winter from après until around 02:00. For a late night option you have The Etoile Rouge, Twin Peaks and Farm Club all within the surrounding areas of Place Centrale and no longer than five mins walking distance in each direction.

Wherever you stay in Verbier you are never too far from a ski lift. Place Centrale is the place to be for night life. Right in the centre of town you have quick access to all the best bars, restaurants and the famous night life.

You can also enjoy the chalet experience in Verbier. Available both catered and self-catered they range from the height of luxury with multiple spa facilities to warm and cosy traditional mountain retreats.

There are a wide range range of self-catering apartments and residences which allow you to be completely independent during your holiday in Verbier, where you can order in meals or have your own private chef.

Verbier has a wide range of accommodation available for its visitors. From the five star Lodge hotel, which Sir Richard Branson calls home when in town, to the more affordable Bristol Hotel situated in the heart of Verbier.