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February in Verbier: What's on and weather
A busy time in resort coinciding with some great skiing conditions
A popular time to ski the slopes of Verbier and there are a number of good reasons for this.
Firstly, half-term school holidays make this the ideal month for a family winter getaway. Secondly, the longer days mean the lifts can stay open later than in the early part of the season, giving you more shred for your heard-earned ‘bread.’ Thirdly, the snow conditions are traditionally at their tip-top, absolute best.
With the school holidays in full force, on the slopes and throughout town it's buzzing with activity. Verbier lays on plenty of entertainment, with regular events and parties going on in the bars, hotels and clubs around town.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout February.
Worth knowing
While February is probably the busiest month in Verbier, follow the tips above and you should be able to avoid the worst of the queues and bottlenecks and find yourself riding great snow under often-sunny skies – the perfect mix. Bon ski!
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
Occupying the middle month of the season, February benefits from all the early-season snow whilst suffering none of the inevitable melt-off that occurs towards springtime. There is still regular snowfall and very much like January the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of 1ºC and a low of -8ºC, with around just over five hours of sunshine. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under-layer.
What's on in Verbier in February?
Valentine's Day
Verbier is an upmarket resort, welcoming wealthy visitors from all around the world every winter, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of fine restaurants in town to enjoy a romantic meal with your loved one. Savour a delicious French-inspired menu made with local produce at La Cordée, gourmet tapas devised by a Spanish Michelin-starred chef at Eat-Hola or Alpine fare on the rooftop terrace of Le Rouge.
Qualifiers
And keeping it with the kids, the Bruson No Limits Freeride Qualifiers take place this month also. So whilst up on the slopes head over to watch around 250 riders take on the faces of Six-Blanc and Pointe de Sésal.
Ski touring race
A friendly and fun ski tour from Lourtier to Rogneux in teams of two.
Verbier sledging festival
Family sledging day out on one of the longest runs with refreshments and musical entertainment.
School holiday skiing
February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week school holidays begin. Fortunately, the 4 Vallees ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- It will be almost impossible to book private lessons over this period, group lessons are the best option. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
- Ski over lunchtime. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the families take a leisurely lunch break.
- Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
- Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to town, especially at the beginning and end of the day.
- Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
Things to do
Family-friendly fun
February is traditionally the most popular month for family ski holidays and Verbier knows how to cater to the little ones. There will be tonnes of activities and entertainment both on and off the slopes including cookery workshops for kids, introductory climbing sessions, night snowshoe treks or farm visits among many other things. Check our events calendar for a full rundown of family-friendly activities.
An evening snowshoe
Why not get everyone together and sign up at the tourist office for an evening snowshoe into the forest to experience this magical place in the dark, whilst you learn all about the local wildlife, flora and fauna.
Bars and clubs
If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find a range of eateries and bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours.
For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.
