Activities in Verbier

Top things to do in Verbier

Below are our three favourite activities in Verbier but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Verbier.

Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the four valleys. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing and télémarking. The four valleys mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging.

Mountain biking

Many people would argue that it's actually mountain biking that's the number one activity in Verbier. The four valleys' trails and bike parks attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer. It's no wonder, with trails meandering through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views.

Walking, hiking and running

In summer the pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents and descents, everyone can explore the Verbier valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Rock climbing

Like most of the Alps, Verbier offers a number of impressive and well equipped climbing routes that will challenge even the best climbers. Climbing is a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what the minimum age is.

Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'!

If you want to get climbing straight away then we have some suggestions:

• the Pierre Avoi sector has a number of routes, varying in grade from 3 to 7 - when climbing the north face of the rock there is an impressive backdrop overlooking the Rhône Valley
• there are a number of pinnacles which surround the main summit that allow you to safely work your way up the main rock face
• if your family and friends are not interested in climbing, you can arrange to meet them at the top of the rock where there is an intermediate hiking trail which meets at the end of the ascent
• there are some 50+ routes varying in difficulty grading from 3 to 7+ in the Val de Bagnes sector in pretty villages called Le Tsè des Barmes, Les Boutzes du Pleureur, Les Minis Boutzes and Le Bourrot
• some other routes can be found near Plamproz, below Fionnay, and at Sarreyer or Col des Gentianes - the sector of La Barme itself has up to 65 routes on offer

Indoor climbing

Verbier has an indoor climbing wall at the Medran and is open as long as the café there is open. You can hire harnesses on site or bring your own.

Via Ferrata

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. 

These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. 

Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight, contact the adventure companies who can take you out on your Via Ferrata trip.

Ice climbing

If you want to try something different in Verbier, other than hitting the slopes, then try ice climbing. 

Whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner, you can have a go at ice climbing on Verbier's frozen waterfalls in the well known area of Val des Bagnes. If you have never climbed before, then a mountain guide can teach how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice waterfalls. With a professional mountain guide on hand to help you learn how to ice climb, you will be making your way up the icy waterfalls in no time. 

You can also tackle the ice waterfall as an experienced climber as there are many different falls with varying levels of difficulty in the area. 

Culture and guided tours in Verbier

Farm visit

A great day out for the family where your children will become the farmer's apprentice, helping feed the animals, make cheese and look after the pigs, cows and other farmyard animals. Learn all about the animals and the way the farm works whilst having some petting and feeding time with the animals.

Markets

There is a weekly traditional market in the centre of Verbier and La Tzoumaz during the summer, selling crafts and organic regional produce.

Museums and galleries

The Verbier area offers a whole host of museums and galleries. 

To learn more about the region's history and customs, head to the Alpine Museum and the Saw and Mill in Verbier or the Forge Oreiller, an old cowbells workshop in Le Chable. 

You can also visit the Saint Bernard Dogs museum in Martigny to discover the history of the role of these rescue animals. 

If it's art you're after, there is a gallery showcasing Inuit art and sculpture in the heart of the resort, whilst the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble organises photography and fine art exhibitions.

Cycling and mountain biking in Verbier

Cycling

Verbier offers a good choice of roads and cols for cyclists to tackle when in the region. Check out our road biking routes on our guide for some inspiration.

Mountain biking

Verbier has an impressive bike park with north shore and downhill tracks, as well as a great many enduro and cross country trails for you to explore. 

The variety of terrain ensures that everyone, from beginners to expert and pro-level downhill and freeride riders, can get many days riding on trails suited to their preferences and ability level. E-bikes and family friendly riding is also possible here. 

Fitness and swimming in Verbier

Gym

A public gym plus fitness and yoga classes can be found at the main sports centre in Verbier. 

Swimming

Whether you like to take a dip indoors or outdoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Verbier. Most hotels, lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit, which often come free with your lift pass purchase. 

In summer and winter you should be able to find somewhere to take a dip, so don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts. 

Flying in Verbier

Helicopter tours

Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Swiss Alps. 

Paragliding

You can enjoy tandem paragliding flights in winter and summer in Verbier. Flights typically take off from either the Croix de Coeur or Ruinettes, from where you'll glide around the skies enjoying the views of Verbier resort below. Some paragliding companies offer different types of flying experiences, from flights by helicopter to learning how to fly by yourself. 

Skydiving

You can enjoy a tandem skydiving experience in Verbier with incredible views of the Val de Bagnes and the Grand Combin. You'll take a 15 minute helicopter flight and then jump in tandem with your instructor from 4,000 metres. Freefall lasts around 40 seconds where you could reach speeds of up to 200kmph, before the parachute opens and you glide back down to earth. No previous experience is necessary.

Golf in Verbier

Golf

Verbier has two golf courses - one 18-hole course at Les Esserts (1,600m altitude) and another 18-hole course at Les Moulins, which is open May to November.

Horse riding in Verbier

Horse riding

Hop on a horse and enjoy the fantastic trails in Verbier. You can cover more ground than on foot, get an elevated view of the beautiful scenery and hopefully get a closer peek at the wildlife. There are a number of adventure companies who can take you out for your horse riding experience and even provide you with horse riding lessons. 

Indoor activities in Verbier

Cinema

Catch the latest films and releases in Verbier on your winter or summer holiday. Some cinemas open their doors early on a bad weather day, otherwise you'll find most screenings in the evenings. 

Look out for VOST for English speaking films.

Skiing and snowboarding in Verbier

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Verbier.  So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our ski areas, pistes and parks guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Verbier ski area but also links to many other articles: snowparks guide, beginner ski areas guide, advanced ski areas guide, off-piste ski areas guide.

However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Verbier while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.

Cross-country skiing

Verbier has a number of designated cross-country circuits, which vary in length from 2.4km to 6km and are suitable for skating of classic style cross-country skiing. You can hire XC ski boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops in Verbier. Find your way around with the cross-country skiing maps. 

Handi-ski

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Verbier that offers this service.

Heliskiing and heliboarding

Skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers can take a helicopter ride into the very heart of the Swiss Alps and enjoy an original and challenging descent of Verbier's mountains. You'll be under the supervision of a qualified guide who knows the area well and can recommend the best places to go. 

Heliskiing isn't legal in neighbouring France, so a lot of people will cross the border to enjoy the experience. The most popular destinations in the region include Rosablanche (3,314m), Petit Combin (3,670m) or on the Trient glacier (3,295m). For those wanting to explore deep into the backcountry, try heli-touring with a guide. 

Ski touring and split boarding

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. 

Verbier has a plethora of backcountry options. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you their favourite touring itineraries, or if you've got all the necessary equipment you can head out in your own group. 

Speed riding

The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier; you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. Speak to one of the companies offering this activity who can show you the ropes (literally).

Télémarking

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you're only attached into the binding at the toe, so to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique. 

Snow and ice activities in Verbier

Husky dog rides

Be in charge of your own sledge and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along the designated forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide's team. 

Plus, you can enjoy a husky sled ride in Verbier in both the winter and summer months, although of course in summer it's a snow-free experience. Enjoy cani-trottinette, sledge rides and panoramic tours with this company who operate all year round. 

Ice go karting

In Verbier you have the chance to do some go karting on ice even during the summer. Definitely something to do with a group of friends and having the added thrill of being on ice it adds a new touch to go karting. The karts have been especially designed for the snow, they have studded tyres, seatbelts, adjustable bucket seats for children, roll bars and a fitted safety remote control which allows the staff at the track to control the speed of the karts if necessary (only for used for safety reasons and especially handy for when children race on the track). There is a minimum of six drivers needed to run the ice karting in summer.

Sledging

Verbier is home to the longest sledge run in French-speaking Switzerland, with a vertical descent of 848 metres. The run takes you from the top of Savolyeres all the way down to La Tzoumaz. 

Don't forget to wear a helmet and goggles and warm, waterproof clothes. It's typically open from 09:00 to 15:30. 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions or for non-skiers. 

Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience, or you can hire snowshoes from most ski hire shops, grab a trail map from the tourist office and head off on your own adventure. 

Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and don't forget to wear warm, sturdy winter boots.

Spas and massages in Verbier

Spas

Verbier offers a large range of day spas, massages and treatments for those looking to unwind and indulge themselves. 

Sports therapists and masseurs can also pay you a visit in your home or accommodation, at any time of year. 

Wellness centres and spas can be found in all of the luxury hotels and are open to outside visitors.

Tennis and racket sports in Verbier

Tennis

Verbier has three clay courts that you can book to play on in summer. 

There is a tennis club which you can join, and an advanced tennis camp for children designed to be a combination of mental and physical training. 

Squash

You can play squash on one of two courts in the main sports centre in Verbier, year round.

Walking, hiking and running in Verbier

Walking and hiking

Verbier and the greater Four Valleys area has a huge network of walking trails which are accessible from early spring to late summer. Explore the area's many waterfalls, spectacular mountain views and get access to mountain refuges and restaurants.

Glacer hiking

For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on Verbier’s Mont Fort glacier. It can be accessed by a little train that runs from the top of the Attelas cable car to the lift station at Mont Fort. 

The peak can be reached on foot but the slope on which the glacier lies is pretty steep so, unless you are planning on skiing or snowboarding back down, the recommended descent is via the cable car. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible experience. We strongly recommend hiring a mountain guide for this activity. 

There are also a number of other glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this area of the Alps. Most adventure companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.

Winter walking

There are four winter walking routes to discover in Verbier which are great for non-skiers and families; Les Ruinettes to La Chaux, Les Creux to Le Chateau, Perin to Les Planards and Sonalon to La Marlene. 

All of the routes are wide paths on the snow and vary in duration from just under an hour to nearly three hours. You can pick up a map of the routes from the tourist office in the centre of resort. 

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. 

Top Tip: 
Buy grippers for your walking boots to prevent slipping, you can buy from most local sport shops.

Watersports in Verbier

Canyoning

A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day. You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.

Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. 

Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways in Sion, down the valley from Verbier resort.

White water rafting

If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do. There are a number of trained guides in resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available. 

From the middle of May until September, the mountain rivers flow furiously as they are fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint. Most of the rafting takes place in Sion, just down the valley from Verbier resort. 

Hydrospeeding

Hydrospeeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river! Using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard, be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids in Sion, just down the valley from Verbier resort. 

This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting, but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. There's plenty of protection from the icy water elements as you'll be given a wetsuit, safety helmet and flippers. You will need to bring a towel, swim wear and if you wear glasses, a cord to keep them on. 

Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination.