Your Guide to Verbier - Altitude Ski and Snowboard School in Verbier

Your Guide to Verbier

A snow-sure resort from December to April, the mountain town of Verbier sits at 1,500m, with pistes extending all the way to 3,330m. Verbier is the home of legendary off-piste runs, perfect for those wishing to improve their powder skiing and explore off the beaten track as well as providing a great ski area for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders alike.

  • Skiing from 821m to 3330m
  • Beginner area
  • Famous off-piste skiing and touring
  • Part of the 4 valleys ski area
  • Host to the freeride world tour final

When is the best time to ski in Verbier?

With snow often falling from as early as October, it is often the case that in November, the lifts will already start opening for weekends, a great time to get some early skiing in whilst the resort is quiet!

The season is long here in Verbier with the best snow from December to March whilst the weather is cooler.

However, the south facing slopes and high Altitude mean that April sees some beautiful sunny spring ski days with snow still in good condition.  great opportunities for soaking up the sun in the mountain restaurants and enjoying a warmer ski day without the need for multiple layers. Easter can be a particularly nice time to come with young children so that you know they will not get too cold.

Who can ski in Verbier?

With the 4 Valleys area providing over 400km of piste all on your one ski pass, it’s the perfect place for training and skiing with runs for all abilities. From the gentle nursery slopes in town, you can progress to the blue runs at Savoleyres, Lac des Vaux or La Chaux. There is a great selection of red runs from Attelas and for the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders there are endless possibilities of challenging off-piste terrain both controlled and not, meaning you can ski off-piste without all the safety equipment or you can go all out, depending on which you prefer!

What is it famous for?

Verbier has the famous Mont Fort mountain which has a great black run and awesome 360 degree views of surrounding mountains.

At 3300m it is opposite another famous mountain, the Bec, used for the Freeride World Tour final, a great competition every winter; if you’re in Verbier at the time, head up the mountain to watch some incredible (and sometimes scary!) skiers and snowboarders! More than 1 million visitors come to Verbier each year to ski, play golf or just enjoy the great mountain views.

What can I do in the summer?

The summer brings many beautiful hikes, the Verbier Festival, the fantastic horse show and a bike fest, lots of great fun!

Although you can’t ski in the summertime, the lifts remain open for bikers, hikers and for those wanting to explore their favourite slopes in summer time. You can see the beautiful crevasses on Mont Fort and even take the gondola all the way up to see the sunrise, a fantastic experience!

With many hikes, you can take some easy hikes with kids or you can take a full day, full on exploring day out as adults and give yourselves a challenge!

What else is in Verbier, particularly if I don’t ski?

The local sports center caters for all your sporting needs with tennis courts, a gym, indoor climbing, sports halls and more. There are 3 supermarkets, a cinema, electrical stores, butchers and bakers, and a large variety of sports and clothes shops. Of course, there are also bars and restaurants, nightclubs and for sure the après ski.

If you love an après ski party, you must head to the Farinet for some crowd surfing, great music and cheap beer. Just be prepared to come away with beer all over you!

What are the best restaurants?

There are many great restaurants in Verbier, so much so that they deserved their own blog!

Level 1 (complete beginners)

  • No skiing or snowboarding experience is required.
  • Don’t worry, everyone has to start at the beginning.

 

Level 2

Level 2 (intermediate beginners)

  • Be able to use the magic carpet and handle tow on the nursery slopes.
  • Some control of speed and direction.

 

Level 3

Level 3 (advanced beginners)

  • Ride all lifts on the nursery and easy slopes.
  • Be able to control speed using turns.

 

Level 4

Level 4 (intermediate)

  • Confident on blue runs, turning comfortably.
  • Skiers should have their skis parallel some of the time.
  • Snowboarders should be confident on both heel and toe side turns.

 

Level 5

Level 5 (intermediate advanced)

  • Confident on red runs when conditions are good.
  • Feel challenged by ice, moguls or deep snow.

 

Level 6

Level 6 (advanced)

  • Confident with red runs in all conditions, get down most black runs.
  • Looking to improve in moguls, off-piste or carving.

 

Level 7

Level 7 (expert)

  • Confident on blacks and be able to safely get down itinerary routes.
  • Working on improving skills and speed in carving, moguls or powder.
  • Be waiting to improve jumps and tricks in the freestyle park.

 

What languages are the lessons taught in?

The main language is English, however if possible we will try to match the instructor to the languages that you speak. Many of our instructors also speak second languages.

Where do groups meet?

All group lessons meet on the car park of the Pub Mt Fort – one minute walk from Medran lift station.

Important information for parents

Important information about the material to be brought from home, come prepared!

  • Sun cream and lip protector
  • Goggles / glasses that provide adequate UV protection
  • Money for a drink, chocolate etc.
  • Appropriate clothing and gloves
  • Protective helmets
  • Correct fitting skis and boots

Parents must inform the instructor and school prior to any session of any medical conditions or special needs. We do expect any children on any lesson to be able to use the toilet unassisted.