Looking to up your skiing game on your next winter break? Maybe it’s time to tick Verbier’s epic slopes off your list. While Verbier is hailed for its advanced skiing opportunities, this stylish resort offers endless delights for every level of skier.
Verbier is part of the vast 4 Valleys, one of the world’s top five lift-linked ski areas. Some of Switzerland’s best lifts are available to whisk you across 410km of piste. The sunny south-facing bowl and snow-sure conditions create the perfect environment for long days of cruising. And with red runs making up 40% of the 4 Valleys, you’ll see huge progression by the end of the week.
With stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, you’ll have plenty of motivation to master the mountains. Start planning your snow renaissance with this intermediate guide to skiing in Verbier.
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday rental, we have an excellent selection of ski in ski out chalets in Verbier. Maximize your time on the slopes by skiing straight out of the front door in the morning and catching the last lift up to ski back.
Verbier Ski Area
Verbier sits at 1,500m, offering snow-sure conditions all the way back to town. As you’re building your confidence, you’ll find lots within Verbier’s limits to have you shining by the end of the week. Almost 80% of the runs are suited to beginners and intermediates.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, consider investing in a pass for the whole of the 4 Valleys. With this you’ll be able to ski Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, and Thyon. With endless runs to choose from and even some intermediate introduction to backcountry, you could ski here for weeks without getting bored.
Tricky red runs often link the various ski areas in the 4 Valleys, so you’ll need to be bold enough to venture between them. If you’re desperate to make use of your pass but are finding the links too difficult, you could use the lifts to get around, but this won’t be the most efficient use of your time.
The Verbier area offers fantastic connections and a variety of runs for all abilities. High-speed lifts make it the ideal spot for long cruises back down the valley. La Tzoumaz/ Savoleyres are the best option for newer skiers and families, while the more challenging slopes are over in Mont Fort. On bad weather days, head to Bruson, where the trees will protect you from the elements and increase your visibility.
Finding Your Snow Feet Again
If it’s been a while since your last time on the slopes, Savoleyres and La Tzoumaz are the ideal place to start. A telecabin will transport you from Verbier up to 2,354m from where you can choose the south-facing slopes of Verbier or the north-facing slopes of La Tzoumaz. This area is quieter, so perfect for getting a feel for your skis again. Kick off your week with the picturesque blue above Les Esserts beginners’ area then try out the cruisy Le Rouge run. After a morning exploring the rest of the blue runs here, you could also sample some of the easy reds.
Your next stop after Savoleyres/ La Tzoumaz should be La Chaux. From here you can ski some short easy blues before taking the lovely blue Etierces run through the trees and all the way back into town.
You could also take the Funispace telecabin from Les Ruinettes and take the cruisy Lacs run from Attelas. Just be aware that from here you’ll either need to take the lift back to Les Ruinettes or opt for the long red back down.
Conquering The 4 Valleys
After all those blues, your confidence will be higher than the altitudes you’re about to hit. Start progressing on the reds in Savoleyres/ La Tzoumaz and up to sunny La Chaux. From here you can take the Le Jumbo lift up to 2,950m and take the long Gentianes red back down. You can really feel like you got the miles in while in these areas, thanks to lots of excellent high-speed chairlifts.
For a full day of adventure, start your morning in Nendaz, where you’ll find some long reds and blues to get you warmed up. After you can take the Tracouet run to Prarion and lift-hop over to Tortin. This area is often overlooked, meaning you’ll find incredible reds without the crowds.
Depending on how you do for time, you could then head towards Veysonnaz or take the gondola to Col Des Gentianes. This gives you scope to start at 2,950m and cruise whatever route you like back to Verbier in time for sunset drinks. For ultimate pleasure, we recommend wrapping up with the Hattey run through the trees.
If you’re confident on red runs, Veysonnaz will quickly become your favourite destination in the 4 Valleys. The great network of long red runs here will keep you entertained for hours, and there’s a selection of blues towards Thyon when your legs need some downtime. But with glorious scenery, you’ll be stopping for plenty of photo breaks anyway. For a real leg burner, start at the top of Greppon Blanc at 2,700m and take the network of reds all the way back to Veysonnaz at 1,400m.
Have half a day to spare? Head over to the Bruson area. This tree-lined spot often gets forgotten about until a poor visibility day. But there’s fantastic snow here and a nice selection of intermediate terrain perfect for whiling away a few hours.
If you’re feeling gutsy by the end of the week, you could try the black down from Mont Fort- but it’s not for the faint of heart. Even if you don’t ski down, it’s worth taking the lift up on a clear day just to see the views. At a height of 3,330m, you’ll have sweeping views of the Matterhorn, Grand Combin, and Mont Blanc Massif.
Getting Off The Beaten Slopes
If you’ve got the itch to do something more with your time in Verbier, it’s a great introduction to off-piste skiing. Lac des Vaux offers easy access to some intermediate itineraries. Itinerary runs are unpisted but still patrolled, so give you that extra piece of security as you begin your transition into backcountry. Val d’Arbi and Col des Mines are gentle places to start. For more tips on exploring the backcountry of the 4 Valleys, check out our guide to off-piste skiing in Verbier.
