VERBIER

Perched on a sunny south-facing balcony high above the Val de Bagnes, the Swiss resort of Verbier is ideally located for easy access, catching snowstorms from every angle, and when it’s not stormy, catching the sunshine. This Suisse-Romande (French-speaking) resort is only 1:40 from Geneva, and just across the border from the French Haute-Savoie and Italian Valle d’Aosta.

For years, Verbier was the new kid in the Alps – nestled between the bookends of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, it didn’t have the history or hospitality of its famous neighbors of Chamonix and Zermatt. But what it had was great skiing, unparalleled lift access, and a lively nightlife that neither of those historic resorts could rival. The 70’s and 80’s were Verbier’s golden age, as iconic powder photos found their way into ski magazines around the world. The rumors of this freeride paradise proved to be true, and the crowds soon followed.

In that era, the tourist infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the fast-developing ski lifts and nightlife, but all of that has changed. With a diverse array of some of the finest luxury chalets and apartments found anywhere in the Alps, and several brand-new boutique and 5-star hotels to choose from, the hospitality sector finally matches the caliber of skiing offered. Epic Europe has hand-picked the ultimate collection of these properties, from postcard-perfect Swiss chalets, to over-the-top mountain lodges, we have you covered.

And the skiing? You’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the planet that ticks as many boxes as you’ll find in Verbier. The 4 Vallées, of which Verbier is part, has over 100 ski lifts. And with the top of Mont Fort (3300m) 4 lift rides from the resort base, you have one of the Alps’ biggest ski domains. Legendary off-piste runs from the backside of Mont Fort, the Mont Gélé, or less-known powder stashes like Vallon d’Arbi and many others in every direction. Great nursery slopes for kids right in the center of town at le Rouge or Les Esserts, and great groomers for on-piste cruising in La Tzoumaz. And as of last season, a gondola that links Verbier directly to the locals’ resort of Bruson, with some of the best tree-skiing in Switzerland. Throw in a ski instructor, or better yet a mountain guide to show you their favorite runs, or call in the helicopter to drop you off on one of the numerous heliskiing runs in the region.

In the summer and autumn, the Verbier region is an ideal jumping-off point for hiking or mountain bike adventures as well. With a massive network of manicured trails, ranging from the high alpine to summer alpage hamlets, all set to the soundtrack of cowbells, there’s no limit to where you can explore. Just as in winter, you can tie in a day in the mountains with the inimitable culture, gastronomy, and local flavors that make this corner of Switzerland so unique.