Verbier & Le Châble: The Area

The area around Verbier offers outstanding mountain biking for all abilities. The local mountain bike community is thriving with excellent tour operators & facilities.

Verbier Bike Park

The bike park has something to offer everyone with its four grades of trail from green to black - beginner to expert.

Serious downhill bikers will rejoice at the 6km of tracks over a 700m drop in altitude. These tracks speed from Ruinettes to the Médran in Verbier, providing some of the most exhilarating mountain biking in the Alps. More tracks are being added along with obstacles such as jumps & ramps.

Day or half-day lift tickets are available for the park. These provide access to the Ruinettes gondola. Professional riders are also on hand each afternoon to guide groups of 2 or more. The park opens from early June to late October. Read more at their website.

Explore Verbier by bike

For a slightly more laid-back experience why not explore the spectacular scenery of Verbier and its surrounding villages? Miles of family-friendly and gentler trails make Verbier is the perfect place for a summer mountain biking holiday.

Mountain bike shops & hire

The numerous mountain bike shops in Verbier offer bike hire and also protection equipment.

Further information

The tourist office can advise as to the best trails and even offer free guided bike tours.

Handy hint: The French for Mountain Biking is "VTT" or Vélo tout-terrain!

Verbier is astonishingly beautiful during the summer months and there's no better way to appreciate it than by foot. Time to get your boots on!

400km of footpaths provide every level of difficulty for every type of walker from the casual stroller to the hardcore mountain hiker. This means everyone can enjoy the exceptional Alpine views & natural beauty.

Gentle walks

Families & children are well catered for as are less ambitious walkers. Don't worry that you'll be out of your depth! Gentle village walks and clear paths give the perfect opportunity for a stroll with the kids.

A bit more challenging?

As this is the Alps, there are naturally plenty of more strenuous routes available too.
Routes are normally well sign-posted and maintained but it's advisable to discuss your options with one of the many mountain-guides - especially if you're thinking of heading higher up into the mountains.

Route information

The following links give further route information:
www.verbinet.com/walking/route
http://en.verbier.ch/seedo/sum

Like most of the activities around Verbier - rock climbing offers something for all levels, beginner to expert.

Climbing for Beginners

Whether it's your first time or you just need some extra tips, then Verbier has adventure companies and mountain guides to help. They'll teach you all the skills & techniques you'll need in a safe environment. Gain confidence and progress at a pace you're comfortable with - above all, it's fun!

Experienced climbers

If "Cliffhanger" is more your style - Verbier has climbing routes that challenge even the best! If you're not the best - there's something for you too! Tackle the mountainside rock to reward yourself with the most breathtaking of views. We have some suggestions below.

Climbing Suggestions

1. The Pierre Avoi Sector has several routes, varying in difficulty from grade 3 to 7. The impressive views over the Rhône Valley are worth climbing the North face for. Pinnacles surrounding the main summit allow you to safely climb the main rock face.

Meet your non-climbing friends, family and patient hangers-on at the top of the rock! There's an intermediate level hiking trail that will take them right there.

2. The Val de Bagnes Sector has a fantastic selection of 50+ routes around the pretty Alpine villages of Le Tsè des Barmes, Les Boutzes du Pleureur, Les Minis Boutzes and Le Bourrot. They range in grade from 3 to 7+.

Further routes that may interesting are near Plamproz, below Fionnay, and at Sarreyer or Col des Gentianes.

3. La Barme Sector has a dizzying array of around 65 routes.

Climbing Gear hire

Le Chable - Montagne Show +41 (0)27 776 10 10

Please use all the right gear & safety equipment at all times!

If you fancy a little pampering - and who doesn't ?! - then you'll find Verbier very accommodating. We have some suggestions for you:

Massage:

Massage 1936 (mobile)
Wholeycow - Massage, life coaching, yoga

Spa:

The Nevai Elemis Spa boasts an indulgent Turkish Hamman (Steam Room), dipping pool and sauna. They also offer beauty & relaxation treatments.

The W Hotel is a stylish, modern wellness spa hotel. They offer a wide range of massage & beauty treatments as well as a fitness centre and Hamman amongst other facilities.

In 1969 the first golf course opened in Verbier. Since then, the Moulins Par 3 course has a gained a strong reputation as an excellent course for perfecting the short game.

Today, the golfer has a good choice with Les Essert course also providing a very enjoyable round. At 1600 metres, the views of the Combin, Rogneux and Mont-Blanc mountain ranges are stunning. This will certainly provide a day for any golfer to remember.

Spacious fairways and greens and many natural hazards make the 18 hole course unique and interesting if a little short.

See The Verbier Golf Club for more information.

Summer camps in Verbier offer kids from around the world an unparalleled learning experience. Children will develop their cultural, language, sporting & outdoor skills in a safe environment that encourages team work. Kid's will make new friends and have great fun!

The camps operate all year round with a huge number of activities & lessons provided.

Day & Multiday camps: https://www.altitude-camps.com/
1 - 2 weeks or more: https://leselfes.com/

Via Ferrata is an exhilarating but relatively safe Alpine climbing sport. Climbers are secured to a cable following a route of ladders, bridges, iron rungs and other climbing aids over otherwise difficult terrain. Dramatic mountain routes are no longer only for the serious mountaineer - although a good head for heights is still needed!

The 600-meter long Via Ferrata in the Mauvoisin Gorge is broken into 2 sections. Although fairly challenging, the first section has recently been upgraded to allow children from age 8.

It's open from 1 July to 31 October. For more information see the following sites:

My Switzerland
Guide Verbier

We couldn't write about activities around Verbier without mentioning mountaineering! These mountains are famous - with good reason!

Climbing the 4000m peaks is hard work - really hard work - but the sense of reward cannot be overstated.

To get the most out of your trip we'd recommend joining a guided group. Guide Verbier offer a 5 day excursion from Verbier to Zermatt over 5 days in August. Also see www.verbier.ch

The Verbier Sports Centre is very well equipped for a wide range of sports. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an ice rink, tennis, squash and volleyball courts as well as a climbing wall.

Swimming lessons, fitness classes and other activities can be provided. Children are welcome and there's a small pool especially for them.

If that all sounds a big vigorous, there's a sauna, jacuzzi & relaxation area. For more information see their website and also here.

Husky Sledding is generally thought of as a winter activity but Chiens de Traineau also offer unique husky experiences during the summer.

Cani-Rando (Husky Trekking)

Be pulled through the landscape of meadows & mountains by a nordic dog! We've not tried this ourselves but it looks like it really needs to be experienced!

Husky Karting

Like a winter dog sled - but on wheels. Ingenious, and what special way to admire the landscape whilst being whisked along by the huskies. For more information see Chiens de Traineau.

25km of well maintained paths above Verbier make for some spectacular winter walks. We'd recommend a good pair of shoes but apart from that there's nothing to stop you adventuring!

This is one for adventurous spirits seeking something a bit different. Command your own sled team of huskies like a seasoned "musher"!

Chiens de Traineau offer experiences lasting from an hour to a full day. During their longer expeditions you'll drive your own sled through some of the most exhilarating panoramic scenery in Europe.

This certainly makes for an experience to remember.

If the weather's not so great or you don't feel like skiing then why not try Raquette à Neige or "Snow-shoeing"? This can be great fun for all and if you join a group then a guide can show you hidden areas you wouldn't otherwise get to see!

Equipment can be provided by local guiding companies and sport shops. Grab a map and strike out on an adventure!

This one might seem a little scary but trust us - it's worth it! Within the Val des Bagnes, the frozen waterfalls around Verbier are incredibly beautiful.

The many different frozen falls offer climbing for all levels of ability from complete beginner to expert. Professional guides will have you climbing safely in no time. See here for further information and prices.

Grab a sledge and go for it! The great thing about tobogganing is that it does require any expensive kit and it's fantastic fun for all the family. Most of the ski hire shops around Verbier stock sledges.

For the speed-freaks out there, the Savoleyres sector is home to the longest toboggan run in Frech Switzerland. It speeds its way along an astonishing 848m of descent from the summit of Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz. The run is well-prepared with good snow and also suitable for accompanied children & those feeling a little less speed-devilish!

For for information see the website here.

If you fancy a little pampering - and who doesn't ?! - then you'll find Verbier very accommodating. We have some suggestions for you:

Massage:

Massage 1936 (mobile)
Wholeycow - Massage, life coaching, yoga

Spa:

The Nevai Elemis Spa boasts an indulgent Turkish Hamman (Steam Room), dipping pool and sauna. They also offer beauty & relaxation treatments.

The W Hotel is a stylish, modern wellness spa hotel. They offer a wide range of massage & beauty treatments as well as a fitness centre and Hamman amongst other facilities

The Verbier Festival is a 3 week festival of classical music held in the heart of the Alps from July to August. It features many of the most significant contemporary names in classical music. Its unique combination of concerts, master-classes and artist encounters make it truly unmissable.

Since 1994, the Verbier Festival has steadily gained a reputation for excellence. It is now regarded very highly amongst musicians and classical music devotees alike.

With an increasingly varied offering however, there will be something to entertain everyone. Jazz & world-music enthusiasts will be delighted by Fest’Off.

July into August – 3 weeks - See their website for more details

The Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG) is an unmissable cult event. It pitches both military and civilian teams against each other in a fiercely contested ski mountaineering race. The 53km biennial race is organised by the Swiss Army and regarded as the toughest in the world.

For spectators, the start is something to behold and really should be seen at least once in your lifetime! The race runs from Zermatt to Verbier and passes through the tough altitude terrain of the Valais Alps.

Every year the world's best freeskiers and snowboarders gather at Verbier to compete in the final stage of the Freeride World Tour. Events take place in "backcountry", "big mountain" & "extreme" terrain providing adrenaline-fuelled comeptition at the toughest level.

The terrifyingly steep sides of the Bec des Rosses mountain provide nail-biting and uncompromising exhileration for competitor and spectator alike.

Generally takes place at the end of March. See here for further information.

Some of the world's best show-jumpers compete here in Verbier once a year. This prestigious 4-day event jumps from strength to strength. Each year it increases in popularity and international acclaim.

It takes place in mid-august and promises to be a real spectacle for any horse-lover. See the website for further details.

Motorbike enthusiasts pay attention! Bike Fest is a full-on 3 day extravaganza of riding, partying, demos, music and bike-related entertainment.

Expect a treat with the Harley show. Stunts. Proper loud music. American dancers. Rock on early September!

See the website for further information.

Ski shops - and other sports shops - are plentiful here in the mountains. If the object of your desire is ski or mountain-sports related then it will be possible to buy it in Verbier! For a specialist boot-fitting we'd recommend the excellent team at Mountain Air.

If you fancy a change from the glitz of the boutiques, head to Bagn’Art for wide range of local handcrafts typical of this region.

To get into the local flavour, the many epicuries, laiteries, fromageries, boulangeries and chocolateries will have you watering at the mouth! Many will let you sample the local cheeses & cured meats before you buy.

Les Ruinettes is a great spot for drinks & dancing scenic on the mountain itself.

If you fancy splashing out, Le Mouton Noir is a champagne bar with beautiful sunny terrace and even has professional dancers!

The Ice Cube bar is close to Le Mouton Noir and also has a fantastic balcony area.

For something a little more chilled (!) try Bar 1936 near the bottom of the Mayentzet chairlift. Mongolian Yurts and "snowloungers" make for a stunning sunset beer. Head inside for a cosy time with the wood burning stove.

Le Rouge combines dining with clubbing with a stylish, intimate restaurant below and bar / club area above. Wooden giraffes, sheepskin throws, fire-side drinks and a sunny terrace give it a unique blend of Goretex-clad good fun.

Pub Mont Fort near the bottom of the pistes at Médran is a lively, packed bar with live music. Popular with Brits, a younger crowd and chalet staff. Great for a game of billiards.

Nevaï successfully balances minimalism with cosy. Indulge yourself by the 4 metre long fireplace or sip a stylish cocktail on the lavish balcony.

The London décor of Nelson's Pub is perhaps too close to home for the Brit abroad. Perhaps for this reason, it does provide a haven if it's Brits aboard that you're seeking to avoid!

Place Central in the centre of Verbier the head-to spot for live music and dancing. Claiming "compulsory dancing on the bar", Hotel Farinet put on a good time with live music from 4pm - 9m daily. If you fancy actually talking to people (!) then they also have a more chilled lounge bar.

With its Art Deco interior, Crock No Name Bar claims to be the bar for artists. It offers live concerts with rock, reggae and jazz - and a whole lot in between.

Dinner & clubbing - a civilised combination exemplified by The Étoile Rouge Supper Club. Eastern European and Scandinavian cuisine for starters and dancing for desert!

Rocking for nearly 50 years now, the The Farm Club in the Nevaï, still guarantees and excellent night out!

For those still packing plenty of energy into the small hours, South nightclub in the basement of Hotel Farinet goes on till 4am.