Verbier, Switzerland may be small, but when you see it, you will understand why it is considered one of the world's finest ski destinations. In 1946, the government conducted a study which concluded that Verbier's southwest-facing plateau was the sunniest spot in Switzerland.

General Information
Verbier's first hotel was built in 1925 and the skiing began to rise. Verbier is located in the Four Valleys area which is considered Switzerland's largest lift-linked ski areas with some 250 miles of trails and an incredible vertical drop of 8,239 feet.

Verbier has taken on the task of improving its grooming, snowmaking, ski school and lifts in order to retain its international visitors in recent years. The resort is built in traditional style, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

Skiing/Snowboarding
Verbier has southern exposure which gives the slopes lots of sun. The average temperature per month is about 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the trails are above the tree line. Verbier affords excellent skiing for advanced skiers and easy skiing for beginners. Intermediate skiers may be a little let down.

There are 27 beginner trails that are located down at the resort areas. These trails are usually at their best in late fall, winter, and early spring, due to snow conditions. Beginners may have a problem when there is not enough natural snow as snowmaking is not available on these runs.

Forty-two percent of the trails here are rated intermediate. Keep in mind, though, that you might be forced to battle nature in this area, as conditions are difficult and trails are rough. While only 20 percent of the trails are rated advanced here, the trails are superb. Most of them are narrow and steep. There are excellent off-piste runs with mogul trails and incredible jumps.

Verbier offers some fun snowboarding, with many off-piste trails and wide terrain areas with half-pipes, boardercross courses, whales, and quarter-pipes. There are some board-specific runs that require special tickets.

Although there is no organized night skiing here, the lighting is good enough at some of the resorts to head out at night. Heliskiing is available at Verbier. There are 84 miles of cross-country trails and most are located near the main ski areas. There is no snowmobiling at Verbier. There is also no ice climbing here either.

Children's Ski and Winter Activities
The children's daycare at Verbier is called Chez les Schtroumpfs and has a Smurfs theme. This daycare takes all ages of children and is open daily. Children under six ski for free. Children up to age 16 in a family group receive a 70 percent discount on lift tickets for two or more days. From age 17 to 20, the discount is 15 percent. The ski buses accommodate families easily.

Children can take ski lessons on short runs and some facilities even have snow gardens. Lessons are available from age five to 15 years of age.

Apres-Ski
There is not much of an apres-ski scene at Verbier. Most skiers return to their hotels in the evening. Some head to small bars and restaurants as well. Verbier has over 60 great restaurants and has a reputation for the quality and range of cuisine. There are five nightclubs in Verbier that stay open and active until 4:00 a.m.

Attractions
There are many small villages and towns all within an hour bus or train ride. There are bus tours scheduled regularly to all of them. Other than sports, Verbier does not offer much in the way of attractions.

Lift Facilities
This area offers 45 drag lifts, 32 chairlifts, and 12 high-capacity lifts, most of which are in very good condition. There are no high-tech lift options which can cause some lines. Total uphill lift capacity here is around 40,000 skiers per hour.

Lift Tickets
Skiers can purchase lift tickets for the entire season and some passes will give you access to the lift-linked resorts of Nendaz and Veysonnez. Discounts are available for children and seniors.

Snow Conditions
Snow conditions in Verbier are basically good. The snow averages about 12 to 20 inches in the winter with a base of 55 to 60 inches. Verbier also has 70 snow cannons that are used on just over 20 slopes.

Travel Time
Geneva is the nearest international airport to Verbier. It is about 105 miles away, with Milan at about 165 miles, and Zurich at 185 miles away.

For more information or for package rates please call us at 888-222-2110.