Ice Karting: You could do this on your own but it’s probably more fun with a group of friends or family. It will bring the ‘boy racer’ out in you and with the added element of driving in the snow, get ready for some fun and plenty of thrills. The karts have been specially designed for the snow, they have studded tyres, seatbelts and adjustable bucket seats for children, roll bars and a fitted safety remote control which allows the staff at the track to control the speed of the karts if necessary (only for used for safety reasons and especially handy for when children race on the track).
Helicopter Tours: The mountains look wonderful from the safety of the ground, they look even better from the seat of a helicopter. Unless you’re Mr Cool, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear with either abject fear of from the sheer adrenaline rush. Either way, this is one trip you won’t forget. Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Swiss Alps.
Husky Sledding: This is fun but potentially hard physical work, that’s if you want to be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs. Your huskies will want to keep up with their doggy mates in front, so the next hour is a fight to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you screech around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled. If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work!
Paragliding: If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Verbier is a great place to learn how to fly. No particular level of fitness is required, just the ability to sit back and enjoy the view and a strong stomach for heights I guess. Taking off is the only scary moment; once you have been equipped with a helmet, and strapped to the instructor behind, you both simply point your skis downhill, and build momentum until the parachute lifts you into the air. You then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. If you’re not afraid of heights I guarantee you’ll want to go straight back up the mountain for another go.
Skydiving: Skydiving gives you an extremely thrilling experience like nothing you have ever done before. This is a truly awesome experience, with total free fall at the beginning of the jump, you hurtle towards the ground at speed and then once your parachute opens up the gentle movement through the sky, if you want to give skydiving a go then Verbier is definitely the place to do it!
Shopping: Ah! a spot of retail therapy. Obviously one of the most highly represented shops in town is the sports shop; there is nothing you can’t find related to Alpine sports here in Verbier. There are many outlets to choose from depending on what you are looking for. For some local handcraft head to Bagn’Art to browse the shelves of ceramic and wooden items typical of the Valais region. For more of the local flavour you can stock up on cheeses and cured meats.
Sledging: This is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow-covered hill. In Verbier you will find the longest sledging run in the French speaking region of Switzerland, with a long descent of 848 metres, you’ll be at the bottom of the run in no time, itching to have another go. Alternatively you can toboggan on the Petite Combe run which is flood lit every Wednesday and Saturday evening for sledging at night time.