Ah Verbier, a world class ski resort known for its vast areas of off-piste, great apres ski and mountain dining experiences like no other. But…does it have anything on offer for those who either don’t ski or are after a different kind of alpine adventure?
So we’ve asked Rosie, a triple-time seasonaire of Verbier; what kind of non-ski-related things there are to get up to, in and around the area at wintertime.
1. What are the 3 best things to do in Verbier that don’t include skiing?
Well, it definitely depends what time of year you’re visiting. The spring offers some great opportunities to catch some rays at one of the many balcony-bars we have around town.
If it’s the midst of winter, I would definitely recommend heading up the mountain, even if you don’t ski. There are cheaper pedestrian ski passes available and quite a few bubble lifts that can transport you around the mountain. There is a fantastic walk from the mountain bar ‘Ice Cube’ over to the neighbouring valley, which includes great sights and arty statues enroute – you also end up at another restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat (Dahu has amazing views on a sunny day and plenty of outdoor seating).
I would also recommend taking part in the toboggan run. You can buy a half day pass for this on the Savoleyres side and rent toboggans from the top. You can even pick if you want a double seater, a classic wooden option or a trustworthy plastic version with breaks! The run is great fun and a good way to get up the mountain for non-skiers.
And finally, Verbier has so many varied walking routes on offer – even in winter there is plenty to explore.
2. Where are the best viewpoints?
100% the best viewpoint is from Mont Fort. You don’t necessarily have to be on skis or a board to get there either – it can be accessed via lifts. The view from 3,328m is pretty incredible!
3. What about the surrounding area?
Verbier is in such a great spot – not only close to some great Swiss attractions but also France and Italy aren’t too far if you fancy a day trip elsewhere. As for closer options, I would definitely suggest a trip to Montreux, a beautiful town perched on lake Geneva that can be accessed via train. There are also plenty of amazing thermal baths in the surrounding areas – it’s great heading there at the end of the day and staying until the evening when you can bathe under the starlit mountains.
4. What kind of transport is available in the town?
All the buses around town are free to hop on and off of – and run very frequently during the winter. They can take you all the way from the bottom of Verbier up to Carrefour where you can have a drink or toboggan down to Le Rouge – just in time for apres!
5. What kind of evening activities or entertainment is there?
The 3 main apres ski bars are La Rouge, Pub Mont Fort and Farinet. Farinet always puts on some great live music if you don’t mind a crowd! In the evenings there are loads of great restaurants to choose from – whether you want fondue, sushi or quintessential alpine cuisine, there is a restaurant for all!
6. What is one of your favourite hikes or walks?
My favourite hike is from Sonalon up to La Marlene. It’s a relatively simple route and quite flat – walking along the snowy path that gently leads you up the mountain. It’s my favourite because it can be as long or as short as you like – you can even get the bus to the Sonalon starting point OR trek up all the way from Place Central to really work up your appetite. The best part is, after all the gorgeous views, you can sit at La Marlene restaurant for a well earned drink and maybe even one of their fantastic rostis before heading down.
7. Name your favourite non-ski related activity in Verbier
Well, other than skiing and boarding I love a cheeky visit to La Galerie du Chocolat for an absolutely world class marshmallow infused hot chocolate. The spas here are also pretty great if you’re after a day of indulgence and there’s plenty of shops to walk around. But I have to say that my favourite is the toboggan run. It’s different every time, based on the snow conditions, but is always such great fun! You won’t be able to stop belly laughing. There is also fantastic paragliding opportunities here that you simply can’t miss!
8. What makes Verbier different to other ski resorts?
I think it’s definitely more of a town, and doesn’t necessarily rely on it’s ski-area attraction as much as other ski resorts. There’s more to it – it feels very similar to a non-alpine town but still keeps it’s gorgeous wooden-chalet magic at the same time.
9. How would you describe Verbier to potential visitors?
Verbier is a gorgeous mountain town full of wildlife, nature, astounding mountains and breathtaking scenery! It just has everything you would want on offer!
10. Would you recommend for non-skiers to visit Verbier?
Yes, 100%! I have had SO many friends and family visit me over the years that have been non-skiers and they have been kept busy and had a great time! But the best thing is, Verbier has so much to explore and do that I’m still discovering new things! I would also strongly recommend for people to visit Verbier during the summer months – it’s a totally different place with even more on offer! Definitely a gem of the mountains…