Climbing in Verbier

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.

Rock climbing

Like most of the Alps, Verbier offers several 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 several 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

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 you 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. 

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.

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.