Why Verbier Is a Swiss Ski Resort for Everyone, From Beginners to Pros

Verbier sits on a plateau above the Bagnes Valley. Lucia Harrison

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Despite its glamorous rep, Verbier has a surprisingly low-key appearance. Of course, there’s an exclusive side that’s hard to miss, but above all, Verbier is serious about skiing — notably freeriding and ski touring.

At the heart of the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest ski area, Verbier has 410km of pistes, many of which sit above 2,000 metres, putting them among Europe’s most snow-sure slopes. Linked to five neighbouring ski areas, the resort sees the completion of a major new lift to Savoleyres this winter, making it even easier to explore more affordable ski areas such as as La Tzoumaz.

Though renowned for challenging terrain, Verbier’s beginner areas such as Les Esserts are ideal for building confidence before progressing to the slopes of Savoleyres and Lac des Vaux. Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy, too, from zip-lining to traditional cheesemaking. Whether you’re chasing untouched powder or taking your very first turns, Verbier has pistes to please all.

For the Pros

Ski Freestyle

Verbier is synonymous with freeriding — off-piste skiing on unmarked slopes. The Freeride World Tour was founded here in 1996 with the Xtreme Verbier, today the series’ final stop, see the world’s best battle it out on Bec des Rosses’ north face. Experienced skiers can tackle seven marked routes or hire a guide for the classic backside of Mont Fort. Youngsters can also hone skills at the Freeride World Tour Academy.

Earn Your Turns

Trade the adrenaline of freeriding for the endurance of ski touring, where every descent begins with an uphill hike. Verbier’s physically demanding Haute Route to Zermatt involves a guided tour passing the peaks of Rosablanche mountain to reach Cabane Mont Fort, a historic mountain refuge where overnight stays start from CHF135 (£125), half board. Five marked ski touring routes also branch across the resort.

Carve Iconic Slopes

Even without venturing off-piste, Verbier offers some seriously challenging slopes for keen skiers with 39 red and 14 black runs to explore across the 4 Vallées. Mont Fort, the resort’s highest peak, serves up a famed frontside with a challenging mogul field. At Bruson, La Pasay Noir delivers a steep 600-metre vertical descent with fewer crowds. The Piste de l’Ours, meanwhile, has hosted more than 30 World Cup downhill races.

Take to the Skies

One of Verbier’s most exhilarating experiences doesn’t take place on its slopes. Launch off a cliff on skis for a tandem paraglide pilot takes care of the manoeuvres during the 30-minute flight from Les Ruinettes (previous experience isn’t necessary), and the reward is spectacular views across the valley. Flights are available throughout the ski season, weather permitting. From CHF190 (£177).

For Beginners

Soar Above the Glacier

The Mont 4 Zipline, the world’s highest, is open to anyone over the age of eight. Launching from 3,330 metres between Mont Fort and the Col des Gentianes, the 1.4km ride glides above the Tortin Glacier, reaching speeds of up to 100kph. It’s a pulse-racing way to take in the high Alps without venturing onto the resort’s more demanding ski pistes. From CHF20 to CHF45 (£19 to £42).

Make Your Own Cheese

Before skiing, there was dairy farming. And below Verbier, in the old village, you can learn how to make Val de Bagnes’ cheese with fromager Marc Dubosson of Laiterie de Verbier. His two-hour workshops offer the chance to make your own tomme (a semi-hard Alpine cheese). A tour of the dairy’s cellar showcases hundreds of raclette wheels at different stages of maturation — a glimpse into one of the valley’s oldest traditions. From CHF60 (£56).

Swap Skis for a Sledge

The La Tzoumaz toboggan run is a seven-kilometre descent beginning at the summit of the Savoleyres cable-car at 2,354 metres. Whizz around hairpin bends and snow-covered forest, dropping 711 metres to the village of La Tzoumaz. If you manage to look up, views stretch across the Grand Combin and Rhône Valley. Suitable for the whole family, although youngsters under eight must be supervised.

Share Raclette

The surrounding canton of Valais is the home of raclette — one of Switzerland’s AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses. It’s traditionally served melted in a pan on a broiler, scooped up with potatoes, cornichons and cured meats. Try it at La Marmotte or Le Caveau, just two of the resort’s many dining options. From pizzas at Fer à Cheval to haute cuisine at La Cordée Restaurant, there’s plenty more to choose from.  

Published in the Winter Sports guide, available with the December 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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