Verbier

PISTE MAP

DOWNLOAD PISTE MAP

SKI Area

• Great access to the entire 4 Valleys ski area.
  
  
• Stunning scenery of surrounding mountain peaks - especially from the higher slopes.
  
  
• An extensive ski area with plenty of challenging terrain.
  
  
• A free-riders paradise - home to some of the best off-piste terrain in the world.
  
  
• Modern, efficient lift system throughout.

If you’re after high mountain terrain accompanied by dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks (that include Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn), then Verbier may just have exactly what you’re looking for. The ski area ranges from a base level altitude of 1500m to a high of 3330m and attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world with its extensive and varied terrain, snow-sure conditions and challenging off-piste opportunities.

With a 4 Valleys ski pass Verbier enables unlimited access to the entire 4 Valleys ski area which has a claimed combined total of 410km of marked runs! This area is divided into four sections; Medran, Les Savoleyres, Mont Fort and Bruson enabling you to ski to all of the Verbier resorts - Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz and Thyon. Alternatively, you can purchase a local ski pass that grants access to the Verbier section of the 4 Valleys which is plenty for some as it still provides access to 35 lifts and 33 runs, which includes a snow park and an appropriate beginner’s area. Many argue that the best slopes are indeed closer to home, therefore, travelling to the far corners of this ski area isn’t necessarily required in order to get your ski fix.

Some of Verbier’s most popular slopes can be reached by jumping on one of the lifts in Medran - at the end of the village – this essentially serves as a gateway to the extensive 4 Valleys ski area; from here you can catch a sequence of lifts that, depending on what route you take, can lead you on quite a journey – mile crunchers will be pleased.

Take a look below at our breakdown to find out more information relevant to your ability:

Advanced

Given Verbier’s glowing reputation as home to some of the most challenging skiing in the world, it comes as no surprise that Verbier is a very popular choice amongst experts. Interestingly, a piste map may imply that there are fewer black runs that one might think, however, this is due to the classification of ‘itineraires’ which means ‘marked but not maintained’ so you would be well advised to ski these runs in groups, rather than solo! This also means that mogul fields are likely to form so if you like having some fun in the bumps then many of the runs in Verbier will deliver – the front face of Mont Fort often gets pretty choppy and then remains quite fluffy due to the high altitude.

Furthermore, we suggest that you try out the popular itineraire, Vallon d’Arby which leads all the way down to La Tzoumaz. Alternatively, there are still plenty of marked blacks and red runs that are steep and tough - If you enjoy carving down something hard and fast, then we can certainly recommend the red World Cup run which guarantees high speeds and high edge angles. Unsurprisingly, many of the toughest runs in Verbier are off-piste and this tends to be one of the main attractions for many. We would, of course, recommend that you hire a qualified mountain guide if you want to really explore the off-piste challenges.

Intermediates

You’d be mistaken if you thought that Verbier was built exclusively for expert skiers as there are actually plenty of runs for intermediates to play on. If you’re a higher end intermediate, then the abundance of red runs should provide a suitable challenge however there are also plenty of blues, appropriate for refining your technique or satisfying lower end intermediates.

The blue runs connecting Les Ruinettes and Savoleyres are long and sweeping but can often become quite crowded. Alternatively, there are some great blues around sunny La Chaux and, even though they can get a little crowded at the end of play, they are ideal for all levels of intermediate and easily accessible from the Medran chairlift at the end of the village.

Beginners

Whether you’re just starting to link your turns or you haven’t even mastered a snow plough, beginners are well catered for in Verbier with a selection of progressive nursery slopes near the village that, like the vast majority of the Verbier ski area, see a lot of sunshine. You needn’t worry about the snow cover though as there is plenty of snowmaking and a high standard of piste management to ensure a consistent cover. Also, if needs be, you can purchase a day pass for nursery areas and, when you’re ready to progress onto slightly more challenging runs, you can upgrade to a local Verbier ski pass – a great resort to progress your skiing.

Snowboarders

Due to the challenging runs and extensive off-piste terrain, it comes as no surprise that Verbier is viewed as a free-riders paradise and consistently attracts a multitude of professional free-riders from all over the world. In fact, an event in the Freeride world tour is held in Verbier every March. Needless to say, if you’re a competent snowboarder that enjoys a challenge then there is a myriad or runs to keep you busy, and that’s before you’ve even considered off-piste, which we recommend you only try with a local guide.

Similarly, beginner and intermediates snowboarders will benefit from the chairlifts and gondolas (rather than draglifts). There is also a pretty good terrain park that is very popular among snowboarders and skiers alike.

Off Piste*

As you may have gathered, Verbier is famous for its off-piste and rightly so, as this resort offers some of the most challenging skiing in the world. For most advanced skiers, black runs and the itineraires (marked but not maintained) are often enough, however, if you do want to see what all the fuss is about off-piste, we recommend you hire a local guide and go exploring!

Why not have a go at some ski touring and head further afield? There are instructors that can take you to the best spots in the mountains that are completely untouched, sound like something you are interested in? Right, we’ll go and get the touring skins!

*Ski Weekends strongly advise that off piste skiing should only be undertaken when in the company of a professional ski instructor or guide

To find out more about skiing in Verbier feel free to contact one of our friendly Ski Experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com