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Verbier is a village located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. Lying on a south oriented terrace at around 1,500 metres and facing the Grand Combin massif; the resort benefits from the south-facing vista with some glorious sunny days on the mountain. Famous for its off-piste; with the surrounding peaks full of impressive chutes, gullies and couloirs it has some of the most challenging terrain in the Alps.
From Verbier’s high point at the top of Mont Fort (3330m) you will be treated to panoramic views across the Alps including the Matterhorn, Dom, Dent Blanche, Dent d'Hérens, Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc massif. As part of the Four Valleys ski domain you can ski Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz and Thyon under the one lift pass, with over 410 km of marked pistes.
Visitors flock to Verbier from all over the world for the authentic Swiss charm, beautiful traditional ski chalets and the vibrant and buzzing town. Verbier plays host to some amazing international events year round including overnight mountaineering and ski touring races, the Ski Alpinism World Cup event and an International Show Jumping Grand Prix. A truly international and glamorous ski destination.
As with most Alpine ski resorts Verbier was originally a farming hamlet; when the first recorded attempt at skiing in Verbier took place in 1925 their companions were cows and some herdsmen who must have thought it a strange site. It wasn’t until 1946 that the first lift system was installed, but it was the snow sport boom of the 1960’s that began to transform this small farming village into the world leading ski resort that it is today. Verbier has a number of fascinating museums and galleries that are well worth visiting and display the journey that Verbier has taken from farming hamlet to international ski destination.
Today accommodation in Verbier consists predominantly of traditional Swiss-styled chalets, but there are also a number of outstanding international hotels here including the stylish W Hotel, which opened its doors in 2013. A popular location is always the area between the Médran gondola, which is also the ski school meeting-place, and Place Centrale – and this is where most hotels are located.
There is another little pocket of chalets up next to the Savoleyres lift which boast beautiful views over Verbier and the valley below – with the added bonus of missing out on those early morning queues that can build up at the Médran lift during peak weeks.
The quiet and exclusive ‘Plan Pra’ area of Verbier is always popular; only a few minutes drive from the main lift station and the buzz of the Place Centrale and also boasting stunning views over the village, also offering a real sense of privacy.
Verbier’s nightlife offers up some of the best action in the Alps. Spending your afternoon people-watching on Le Rouge’s terrace is the ultimate session starter – it’s not high voltage antics but you can certainly let your hair down and get into the party vibe. Expect live music, DJs, and stunning views, plus a bottle of M de Minuty rosé for £40.
For apres-ski, head for the Apres Ski Bar at the Farinet in time for the live music. This dance-on-the-bar-in-your-boots kind of place is not for the fainthearted (or the sober), the high octane fun is all over by 9pm so skip dinner and go for your life. For those of you who just don't know when you've had enough, head to the Farm Club, a Verbier institution. It has a strict-ish door policy and the drinks aren’t cheap, so don’t forget your Gucci wallet and matching goggles. On your way home saunter by the bakery window (between Farm Club and the Place Centrale) for their tasty ham and cheese croissants.