The only things it lacks are tree-skiing (although there is some at Bruson) and a world-class terrain park. There may be resorts with single descents that are more rewarding, but none which can match Verbier for the sheer number and variety of routes, and the fact that so many of them can be easily reached from the lifts without long hikes. It’s a part of the world normally reserved for gods and ravens, and to be delivered so effortlessly into its heart, thanks to Verbier’s lift system, is a rare privilege.įrom these heady heights, there are lines to be skied in almost every direction – over glaciers, down tight couloirs, into hidden valleys, and even – just occasionally – through wide open, easy-going powder fields. This is proper, high-Alpine stuff – a place of thin air, vertiginous drops and gorgeous, 360-degree views. And once you get up amongst them, you’ll see why. It’s the sequence of mighty peaks that rise up immediately to the east of town – Attelas (2727m), Mont-Gele (3023m) and Mont-Fort (3330m) – that have made this place famous.
South park fractured but whole bums full#
Even so, you’ll still have to buy the full Four Valleys pass to get all of it – read more about the lift pass here.
It’s important to remember three things: while Verbier is only one part of the vast Four Valleys area, it’s the part that really matters. If you’re not, then aim for somewhere a little smoother. No – to get the best from this place, you’ve got to be ready to ski hard, party hard, and push your limits. Cautious intermediates will find the piste layout seemingly incomprehensible, while freestylers will bemoan the lack of a world-class terrain park. Those new to skiing or snowboarding will find it an elitist resort where experts and plutocrats seem to have all the fun, on slopes that beginners never even see, let alone ski. However, we’re well aware that not everyone will as enamoured of Verbier as we are. This really is the full package: there’s no monkish sense of having to sacrifice your creature comforts for the sake of the terrain, as there is in places like La Grave.Īlthough Verbier is not a shopper’s paradise (non-skiers don’t tend to come here), you can still manage to buy a Swiss watch, kit out a luxury chalet, or buy an original Andy Warhol here. It’s not only the skiing, but also Verbier’s bars and clubs that attract so many celebrities to the resort. Year on year there’s always something new going on in Verbier, and in recent years the valley town of Le Chable has become another viable base for skiing the area. Most of them pioneer innovative techniques, designed to lift skiers off the intermediate plateau. A number of independent ski schools are in the resort – notably the Warren Smith Ski Academy. In fact, along with Jackson Hole in Wyoming, we think this is world’s best resort to push your skiing or snowboarding to a new level.Īnd if you don’t have the technique to ski that kind of terrain but yearn to learn how, then you’ll have a blast here too. So what if the network of pistes is disconnected? You’ll be too busy creaming down gorgeous, 1000m back-country descents to notice. If you live for freeriding and luck into some decent conditions, then you’re going to love Verbier. 5.2 With few exceptions, the best restaurants are in the hotels.5.1 Another good sector for lunch is Savoleyres.3.3 A good resort for older children – and cool for teens.3.2 Brushing up your technique – on and off piste.
3.1 Why are Verbier’s ski schools so good?.2.5 Best place in the world for advanced skiers.2.3 On-piste cruising is not what Verbier is about.2.2 Save a Verbier trip for later in your skiing career.2.1 The best skiing is in the Verbier sector.1.2 It’s not a place for the faint-hearted.1 Essential Advice for the Perfect Trip.