Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.
Make the most of early season skiing
Enjoy an early season ski break this year
Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.
The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.
A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.
Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.
Budget Hotels in Verbier
For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.
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Montpelier Hotel
Charming Savoyard hotel with traditional interiors, indoor pool, and sauna
Hotel Montpelier is a welcoming three-star hotel in Verbier, offering one of the best value-for-quality stays in the resort. Known for its panoramic Alpine views, the hotel combines comfort, warmth, and simplicity in a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
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Bristol Hotel
Clean & comfortable, great value hotel in the heart of resort with fantastic service
Situated right in the centre of Verbier, this hotel is ideally suited to those who want to be near to all the fun, without paying over the odds or having all the noise.
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Les Chamois Hotel
Family-run 3 star hotel in the centre of Verbier
Located in the heart of the resort, very close to the Medran lift, the family that runs this hotel have over 30 years of experience between them, welcoming visitors to Verbier.
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Mirabeau Hotel
Family-run hotel in Verbier, less than a minute from the main lift
The Norwegian owner, Chris Stuckelberger, has been running the hotel since 1974, nowadays with her daughter Sylvie Carlucci, who has modernised the interiors whilst maintaining the authentic charm of the property.
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De La Poste Hotel
Charming 3* family-run hotel with heated pool in the centre of Verbier
Great value, friendly accommodation in the heart of Verbier
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Ermitage Hotel
Welcoming 3-star hotel in the centre of Verbier
Open in summer and winter, this hotel has a warm and cosy atmosphere. Located right in the heart of Verbier, it is very convenient for both skiing and summer sports.
Nightlife in Verbier
Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.
At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.
Bars & Clubs in Verbier
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Le Mouton Noir Bar
With a panoramic terrace for up to 1,000 guests, it’s one of the best mountaintop spots for après-ski
Le Mouton Noir Bar in Verbier is a vibrant mountaintop venue that combines stunning views with lively entertainment. Conveniently located on the piste, right next to the top of the Medran lift station, it’s easily accessible for both skiers and pedestrians, making it the perfect stop for après-ski drinks or a relaxed break in the mountains.
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Pub Mont Fort Bar
Lively venue with great music, regular events and good pub food, this place has it all
Pub Mont Fort in Verbier has been a cornerstone of alpine après-ski since 1977, welcoming skiers, snowboarders, and adventurers from around the world. Known for its lively atmosphere, the pub combines a globally inspired menu of drinks and food with some of Verbier’s most iconic parties, live music events, and select live sports broadcasts, making it a must-visit destination in the Swiss Alps.
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Al Capone Wine Bar
Wine bar with a good selection on offer situated next to the Savoleyres gondola
Al Capone Wine Bar in Verbier is the perfect spot for wine lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing mountain experience. The bar is known for its extensive wine list, offering local and regional varieties, most of which can be sampled by the glass, making it easy to discover new favourites.
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Macbirch Wine Shop
Excellent selection of wines, champagnes, spirits, and craft beers
Regarded as the oldest wine shop in Verbier, Macbirch was founded over 38 years ago.
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1936 Bar
Bar that's right on the piste, ideal for après-ski and lazing in the sun
1936 Bar, located between Les Ruinettes and Verbier, is the ultimate après-ski destination for skiers and snowboarders. Comprising two cosy yurts, the bar offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes before heading into the heart of Verbier.
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Rōpu Sushi Bar
The art of sushi in Verbier
A taste of Japan has arrived in Verbier. Hidden inside the lounge of Hotel Cordée des Alpes, Rōpu Sushi Bar ロープ blends alpine charm with Japanese precision. Here, fresh fish meets mountain air - an unexpected harmony that feels both refined and relaxed.
Ski Hire in Verbier
At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.
Ski Hire in Verbier
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No1 Sports
Ski & snowboard rental, clothing & accessories next to the Medran lifts
No 1 Sports is one of Verbier's most renowned sport shops, and with its close proximity to the Médran lifts (50m), it makes an ideal choice for all of your equipment needs.
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Xtreme Sports
Ski & Snowboard rental in the centre of resort + clothing & accessories in store
Ideally located in the heart of Verbier, close to the Tourist office and a short walk from the Medran lift this ski & snowboard hire shop provides a wide range of professional equipment.
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Philippe Roux Sports
Ski & snowboard hire located on the Place Centrale in Verbier
Ski & snowboard rental located within the Philippe Roux sports shop. Save time and money by booking online have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive enabling you to hit the slopes straight away!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Use Intersport ski hire discount code: STWSKI
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Backside
Ski & Snowboard hire in the heart of Verbier village close to the Medran lifts
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Ski Service
Ski rental and technical clothing store located on Rue de Medran
At Ski Service we're focused on the future… on being the most progressive, exciting action sports store in Verbier. Our goal is to provide you with the finest brands of equipment and accessories you need. We're all about skiing, snowboarding, and much more.
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Mountain Air
Verbier's largest selection of ski and snowboard hire situated in the Place Blanche, opposite the W Hotel.
Mountain Air is recognised as the largest and most advanced lifestyle and sports shop in the Alps. They offer the largest selection of ski and snowboard equipment for rental and sale from their store at the foot of the Medran piste.
Ski Schools in Verbier
Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.
Ski School Lessons in Verbier
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Private ski lessons
Tailored coaching for all levels to boost confidence and technique
Enjoy private ski lessons in Verbier with expert instructors. Personalised coaching helps beginners and advanced skiers alike improve their skills, explore the slopes, and make the most of their time in the Swiss Alps. Flexible schedules and small groups ensure focused, fun, and safe lessons for everyone.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for faster progress with a popular local ski and snowboard school
Whether skis or a snowboard are your weapon of choice, this ski school offers excellent tuition for all ages and abilities. Renowned locally for its professionalism, it has been operating in Verbier for over twenty years.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in Switzerland and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
SHRED Camps for children to improve their ability and learn new skills
Their Junior SHRED Camps in Verbier are designed for advanced junior skiers who want to push their limits, improve technique, and enjoy the mountain in a fun, supportive environment.
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Private ski lessons
Tailor-made ski and snowboard lessons from a well-established local school
Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, or taking your first steps on the slopes, private lessons are a great way to build confidence and see rapid improvement in a short time.
Things to do in Verbier
In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.
Things To Do in Verbier
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Inspire Verbier massage
Massage relaxation treatments and beauty therapy in the centre of town
Treatments can be booked at the Inspire Verbier studio or at your own accommodation, with a focus on aiding your true relaxation in both body and mind.
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Snowshoeing excursions
Snowshoe tours for families or corporate events
Fancy doing something different? Explore the beautiful natural scenery of the 4 Valleys by venturing off the beaten track on snowshoes.
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Inspire Verbier - Fitness & Yoga Studio
A whole range of classes to keep you fit, active and happy!
A broad range of fitness classes and therapy services at affordable prices. The qualified practitioners are passionate about your health and fitness and believe that having a fit and strong body supports a healthy mind, a more balanced outlook and gives you renewed mental focus.
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Leisure Park
Mini-golf, tennis, boules, climbing wall, and more.
The Verbier Leisure Park offers you activities to share with family or friends.
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Treetop Adventure Course
Arial course with zipline and treetop routes
Suspended between the earth and the sky, you’ll find a superb treetop adventure. Test your agility, nerve and balance on these routes and zip lines, and enjoy that energising adrenaline rush.
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Paragliding
Tandem paragliding experience.
The Fly Verbier team invites you to come and take a tandem flight with them in the beautiful surroundings of the Val de Bagnes,
