Your guide to

Why go? 

I won’t argue with you, the Swiss town of Verbier, is one of the most expensive ski resort towns in the alps. Despite its expensive reputation, this chocolate box of a town attracts over 35,000 tourists a year, for its world-class skiing, tasteful restaurants and breathtaking scenery.

Verbier is part of the 4 vallées ski resort and is the biggest ski area in Switzerland, with 410km of linked pistes accessed by 93 ski lifts. The ski terrain starts at 1,250m and tops out at 3,330m at the summit of Mont Fort. As well as being a favourite ski spot for the likes of Jude Law, James Blunt and Leonardo di Caprio.

If that doesn’t sell you on Verbier, I don’t know what will. 

When to go?

Winter sports: December to early April, ski and snowboard enthusiasts flock here to enjoy world-class winter sports (with lifts being open from early November to the end of April). 

Summer adventures: With clear blue skies in July & August, hikers, bikers and adventure-sport lovers come for a dose of adrenaline. 

Events:

Verbier festival – The Verbier festival is an international classical music festival that takes place every summer. (14th-30th July 2023)

Rocklette – Live rock music and raclette cheese. Do I need to say more? (5th-6th August 2023)

Family festival – A traditional mid-summer family friendly festival. This family fun day out will be offering a wide range of activities for all the family. Expect various food stands. (6th August 2023)

Verbier E-bike festival – Calling all mountain biking enthusiasts, both experts and amateurs. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging adventure, this 4 day festival will be packed with a variety of activities to please everyone. (10th-13th August 2023)

Electroclette – If live rock music and raclette cheese weren’t your cup of tea. Maybe electro music and raclette are? (19th-20th August 2023) 

Getting here 

Plane: 

Nearest airports: 

Geneva airport
Served by domestic and international commercial flights .  

Sion airport
Served by private and limited international flights commercial flights . 

Airport transfer – This can be quite a pricey option, depending on your party size, and the time of your flight. Except to pay north of €56 per person from Geneva airport. 

Train:

Switzerland boasts an impressive train network, with almost all trains running efficiently and on time. Take a train to Martigny and change for the train to Le Châble. From here, you can take the cable car up into the centre of Verbier. A return train ticket from Geneva airport to Le Châble train station, will cost you around €60 per person (cheaper than an airport transfer!) and take you around 2 hours depending on wait times. 

In peak season, trains leave Le Châble train station every hour, but be sure to check the timetable before hand. 

The train line between Aigle and Lausanne is one not to miss during the day. With the tracks located right next to the waters edge of lake Geneva, these views really are quite spectacular. 

Car: 

From Martigny, you can reach Verbier in 30 minutes. When you reach Le Chable, you can either leave your car in the free Curala carpark and take the cable car up to Verbier or carry up the windy road into the centre of Verbier town. 

Coach: 

As well as a great train network, Switzerland also has a good bus system, making it very easy to get around Switzerland on a budget. For more information on times visit: PostBus

Where to stay

Budget: 

Le Chable – Just a 10 minute gondola ride down from the town centre of Verbier. Le Chable is a cheaper alternative place to base yourself, with very little compromise. 

Hotel De Le Poste – Located in the centre of Le Châble village, just after the bridge in the Bagnes Valley. Hotel de la Post have their own restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel cater for guests ll year round with a ski and bike room storage. The Le Châble to Verbier cable car and train station are only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel’s decor is traditional, that of the Swiss alps with wooden furniture and panelling. The comfort rooms and suites have private bathrooms, but are basic. 

Hotel Restaurant L’Escale – Hotel Restaurant L’Escale, located just 250 metres from Le Châble’s train station and cable car station, offers a convenient and budget-friendly option for visitors returning from an exhilarating day on the slopes. While the accommodation here is basic and features shared bathrooms, its affordability and close proximity to Verbier make it an attractive choice for travellers looking to maximise their ski experience without breaking the bank. What sets L’Escale apart is its association with Happy Ski, a ski hire shop conveniently attached to the hotel. This makes it effortless for guests to gear up for early adventures on the slopes, ensuring you make the most of your skiing days. The hotel’s restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring a menu that combines traditional Swiss specialities and Italian cuisine. Whether you’re craving alpine comfort food or a taste of Italy, you’ll find satisfying options to refuel after an active day.

Mid-range:

Luxury:

W Hotel Verbier – If you’ve ever been to Verbier, you will have heard about the ‘W Hotel’, it’s THE hotel to stay in when visiting Verbier! Nestled in the heart of town, the W is a haven for those seeking a premium Swiss Alpine experience. With its perfect location, the W Hotel offers the ultimate in convenience. Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, allowing you to hit the slopes directly from the hotel’s doorstep. Moreover, the cable car to both the mountain and the valley of Bagnes is just a short walk away. The hotel is a collection of four charming wooden chalets, each offering a range of luxurious accommodations, from elegant guest rooms to spacious suites and cozy chalets. Embracing a contemporary alpine design, these rooms often feature balconies that offer panoramic views of the breathtaking surroundings. As well as having some of the best restaurants in the valley on your door step, being in the centre of Verbier, you will also have the choice of 6 award-winning restaurants and bars at the hotel, including the U-Yuma sushi bar. After a day of adventure, unwind and rejuvenate at one of the world-class spa and wellness facilities. Pamper yourself with a range of treatments, maintain your fitness routine at their well-equipped fitness centre, or take refreshing dip in the indoor pool.

Hotel Farinet – Renowned as ‘Verbier’s oldest hotel,’ Hotel Farinet underwent a significant renovation in 2015, evolving into a luxurious boutique accommodation that seamlessly merges the traditional charm of a mountain chalet with modern comforts. Ideally situated in the central square, this hotel offers effortless access to the town’s diverse array of restaurants, bars, and shops along the high-street. Additionally, it’s just a short walk to the cable car station, providing direct access to the slopes. Hotel Farinet is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, centred around the popular ‘Farinet Lounge Bar,’ a renowned apres-ski destination. This lively bar frequently hots live music, creating a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere for guests to unwind and immerse themselves in Verbier’s nightlife.” This hotel is great for those wanting the party trip.

Where to eat 

On the slopes:

Le Dahu restaurant – Located between the Chaux Express and the Jumbo ski lifts is the Le Dahu restaurant. 

Croix de Cœur – 

Off the slopes

Le Caveau 

Le Shed

Les Moulins 

Milk bar 

Arctic juice & cafe – Whether you’re looking for a health kick with a fresh smoothie or a good oat milk latte, Arctic juice & cafe have you covered. With a 

Black 

Where to drink 

Apres:

Le Rouge

Chalet Carlsberg 

Bar 1936

What to do 

Ski & snowboard: Being one of the worlds best ski resorts, Verbier offers a range of extraordinary runs to suits skiers of all kinds. But 

Ski passes – 

Ski hire – 

Paragliding – Verbier’s microclimate makes it one of the top five places in the world for paragliding. 

Mountain biking – 

Essential information

Language – French in the Valais region. But other official languages of Switzerland include German, Italian and Romansch

Currency – Swiss Franc (abbreviated to CHF & Sfr) 

Charging points – Don’t get caught out! Swiss sockets are ‘Type J’. You will want a 3 holed, hexagonally shaped plug.