February in Verbier: What's on and weather

Occupying the middle month of the season, February benefits from all the early-season snow whilst suffering none of the inevitable melt-off that occurs towards springtime. There is still regular snowfall and very much like January the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of 1ºC and a low of -8ºC, with around just over five hours of sunshine. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under-layer.

February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week school holidays begin. Fortunately, the 4 Vallées ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the families take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to town, especially at the beginning and end of the day.
6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.

If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find a range of eateries and bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours.

For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.

Family-friendly fun in Verbier

​February is traditionally the most popular month for family ski holidays and Verbier knows how to cater to the little ones. There will be tonnes of activities and entertainment both on and off the slopes including workshops for kids, introductory climbing sessions, night snowshoe treks or farm visits among many other things. Check our events calendar for a full rundown of family-friendly activities.

Verbier is an upmarket resort, welcoming wealthy visitors from all around the world every winter, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of fine restaurants in town to enjoy a romantic meal with your loved one this Valentine's Day. Savour a delicious French-inspired menu made with local produce, gourmet tapas or Alpine fare on a rooftop terrace.

There's also plenty of events on the snow, from big international competitions, to a little sledging between friends.

While February is probably the busiest month in Verbier, follow the tips above and you should be able to avoid the worst of the queues and bottlenecks and find yourself riding great snow under often-sunny skies – the perfect mix. Bon ski!