Smith tip
The resort can get crowded, just like any resort in the Alps – particularly if snow conditions are great. The chalet staff’s local knowledge can be very useful in these circumstances. The small resort of Champex-Lac just down the valley towards Italy is often deserted even on a perfect powder day and its four lifts provide access to some great off-piste skiing. If conditions are not so good in Verbier they are very often the complete opposite on the other side of the San Bernardo Pass in Italy.
Chalet Solmaï
Verbier, Switzerland[view map]
Slope off for lunch
La Marlena is a rustic mountain restaurant that’s nigh on impossible to reach except on skis. The view is wonderful and the local specialities are a treat. With a bit of advanced notice the team at Solmai can arrange for a toboggan for you to sledgeActivities
Verbier is ideal for intermediate and experienced skiers and has some of the best and most accessible off-piste skiing in the Alps. Stairway to Heaven is an outstanding off-piste run and the north face of Mont-Fort is not for the faint-hearted. Chalet Solmaï’s concierge team also specialise in organising heli-skiing. The resort has over 250 miles of ski runs and there are some less challenging slopes on Les Ruinettes and Savoleyres which are suitable for beginners. There’s a host of other activities, including paragliding, skidooing, and two 10-kilometre toboggan runs (the chalet can provide sledges). Verbier also has some wonderful new snow shoeing trails, too. La Fantastique offers these activities as well as ice climbing (www.lafantastique.com). It’s only two minutes walk from the chalet to the ice rink at the Sports Centre.
Ski services
The concierge can arrange in-chalet ski and boot fitting and have lift passes ready for your arrival. The chauffeur is on hand to transfer you to and from the ski areas, the resort’s main lifts both being only four minutes drive away. Chalet Solmaï can hand-pick the best instructors and mountain guides, all of whom expert knowledge of the mountains. Heli-skiing is particularly popular in Verbier and the chalet staff are very experienced in arranging unforgettable trips to the best areas.In the Summer months
During the summer, Verbier is popular with hikers and walkers. La Fantastique offers mountaineering, mountain biking and canyoning. You can also head for the hills on a quad bike with Quad Adventure (www.quadaventure.ch). There are over 250 miles of waymarked hiking paths across the Val de Bagnes. The route via La Chaux, Col Termin and Fionnay is fantastic – you may even spot an ibex. Trail maps are available from the Tourist Office in the main town square.Restaurants
Chalet d’Adrien
(+41 (0)27 771 62 00)Unusually for Verbier, the celebrated, Michelin-starred L'Appartement restaurant at Hotel Chalet d’ Adrien specialises in Italian cuisine. It’s surprising there aren’t more considering Italy is just over the mountains.
Hôtel-Restaurant le Chalet d'Adrien, Chemin des Creux, 1936 Verbier
Bars
Le Crok Bar
(+41 (0)27 771 6934)This sophisticated but thankfully relaxed bar has great Alpine Modernist styling and is ideal for some cocktails before heading for Verbier’s nightclubs.
Le Crok, Route des Creux 22, 1936 Verbier
Pub Mont-Fort
(+41 (0)27 771 4849)A lively and friendly bar which has been a mainstay of the seasonal (particularly the British) party scene for many a winter. Steer clear if you want to be on the slopes early the next morning.
Pub Mont-Fort, Chemin de la Tinte, Case Postale, 1936 Verbier
Cafes
Offshore
(+41 (0)27 771 5444)Nowhere does better hot chocolate than this café right by the Médran lift. It’s a welcome sight at the end of a hard day’s skiing or a perfect way to start your morning on the slopes.
Offshore Café, Médran lift station, 1936 Verbier
Dancing
For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Verbier, check out our Verbier restaurant guide
For a full list of recommended activities in Verbier, check out our Verbier destination guide