Skiing in Verbier

Verbier is best known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding, with access to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps. From wide open beginner slopes to steep descents and legendary off-piste routes, there’s plenty to challenge and inspire. Snowparks and freeride zones add even more variety, whether you're perfecting tricks or chasing fresh powder. With modern lift systems and stunning mountain views, it’s the ideal setting for making the most of every run.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Verbier has a great mix of snowparks to explore, whether you're just starting out or working on your next trick. The main park at La Chaux has a good range of jumps, rails and boxes for all levels, while the smaller Savoleyres park offers a more relaxed space to build your confidence. You’ll also find four Copperfield areas to mix things up.

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. 

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Verbier. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.