Verbier in January 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do

January in Verbier: What's on and weather

Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 5 May 2026

It's very cold and the days are short, but the skies are blue and the pistes are quiet.

After the Christmas and New Year holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the winter season in Verbier. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition.

The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.

Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.

What are the weather and snow conditions like?

There is regular snowfall - on average 11 days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the days start to get longer and the sun gets higher in the sky. As a result, the slopes see more hours of sunshine than in December. However, the temperature still tends to be cold and we can get a lot of snow. The average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 1°C and a low of -7ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!

See our Ski Pass Guide See all

Skiing

With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.

If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.

See all Ski Hire in Verbier See our Ski Areas, Pistes & Parks

Nightlife in Verbier

At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.

Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place every evening across town.

See our Nightlife Guide

Rōpu Sushi Bar

Location
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.
Macbirch Wine Shop

Location
Verbier

Regarded as the oldest wine shop in Verbier, Macbirch was founded over 38 years ago.
Al Capone Wine Bar

Location
Verbier

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.
1936 Bar

Location
Verbier

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.
Ice Cube Restaurant and Bar

Location
Verbier

This piste-side restaurant and bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat on the slopes.
The Loft Bar

Location
Verbier

The Loft Bar in Verbier is a welcoming spot for après-ski fun, offering a lively atmosphere for guests of all ages. Regular live music and DJ sets keep the energy high, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or to start an evening of entertainment.

Winter Things To Do in Verbier

It doesn't just have to be piste based adventures you take part in. Ski-touring and split-boarding have become extremely popular in recent years, and there's nothing that gets the heart pumping like gaining altitude under your own steam. When it's a 'white out' you'll find us changing tack entirely, pulling on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venturing forth into the wilderness on one of the many snowshoeing routes around the valley, all the while dreaming of tomorrow's bluebird powder day.

With that in mind, why join in on a night snowshoe trek? Enjoy the magic of the forest after dark by simply booking with one of the activity companies in resort.

See our Activity Guide

Snowshoeing excursions

Location
Verbier

Fancy doing something different? Explore the beautiful natural scenery of the 4 Valleys by venturing off the beaten track on snowshoes.
Paragliding

The Fly Verbier team invites you to come and take a tandem flight with them in the beautiful surroundings of the Val de Bagnes,

January events in Verbier

If you're here in January you cannot fail to be aware of all the cool ski and snowboard guys n gals around town, as the Freeride World Tour competition rolls into resort. But that's not all there is, keep an eye on the events calendar for more details on what's on and where to make sure you don't miss out.

Enduro2 Verbier

Next event date
4 July 2026
Location
Verbier

Three years in the making, the amazing three-day event features the nicest trails and craziest views the organisers could find.
Trail Verbier St Bernard

Next event date
10 July 2026
Location
Verbier

Every year, Verbier hosts the Trail Verbier St Bernard which is a series of endurance races which attracts athletes from all over the world.
Verbier Festival

Next event date
16 July 2026
Location
Verbier

The Verbier Festival proposes an outstanding programme of concerts featuring the biggest names in classical music today, and offers an unprecedented combination of master classes and encounters with festival artists.
Cross and Trail du Vélan, Bourg St Pierre

Next event date
25 July 2026
Location
Verbier

The Trail du Vélan is one day event with different length races starting in the little village of Bourg St Pierre.
Swiss National Day

Next event date
1 August 2026
Location
Verbier

Since 1891, the 1st August has been celebrated as Swiss National Day and is a national holiday in Switzerland.
Trophée des Combins

Next event date
1 August 2026
Location
Verbier

This is one of the oldest races in the Alps, dating back to 1965. The course takes runners from Fionnay to the Panossière hut - a distance of 7.8km around the Corbassière glacier.