Verbier is working towards a more sustainable mountain: the lifts run on local hydroelectric power, Téléverbier holds the Swisstainable Level III label (the highest), and you can reach the resort without a car thanks to the Verbier Express and the Le Châble gondola. The biggest lever, though, is yours: how you travel here.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Freddy Michaud SA, estate agency in Verbier since 1966
Why the journey matters more than the skiing
According to Téléverbier's management, most of a ski holiday's carbon footprint does not come from the lifts, which run on low-carbon electricity, but from visitors travelling between home and the resort. Coming by train rather than by car is therefore the choice that counts most.
What is Téléverbier doing for the environment?
Local hydroelectric power
Most of the electricity Téléverbier uses comes from local hydroelectric production (Blueelec label). Several buildings, including the Le Châble and La Tzoumaz stations, are fitted with photovoltaic panels.
More efficient lifts
- Motors are gradually being replaced with IE4 class models, the most efficient.
- Lift speed is adjusted to demand, saving over 10% of energy.
- Heat from the Le Châble – Verbier gondola machinery is recovered to heat neighbouring buildings.
Buildings heated without oil
District heating for the Le Châble and Médran stations, and wood pellets for the Gentianes and 1936 restaurants and the Les Ruinettes station.
More precise snowmaking
The groomers measure the snow depth beneath them, so snow is only made where it is needed. Their tuned engines use 8% less fuel per hectare.
Audited labels
In April 2025 Téléverbier obtained the Swisstainable Level III label, the highest in Switzerland Tourism's programme, reserved for certified and externally audited businesses (here through Valais Excellence). The company also holds the ACT label from the Swiss Cleantech Agency.
What about the commune of Val de Bagnes?
The commune of Val de Bagnes, which includes Verbier, holds the Energy City (Cité de l'énergie) label and is aiming for 100% renewable energy. According to Verbier Tourisme, 63% of its territory is protected land.
How to get to Verbier without a car
- Verbier Express: a direct Geneva – Le Châble train at weekends, with no change in Martigny. Details in our Verbier Express article.
- Regional train: the St-Bernard Express runs between Martigny and Le Châble every 30 minutes.
- Le Châble – Verbier gondola: recognised as public transport since December 2021, so Half Fare and GA travelcards are valid.
- RailAway train + ski deals to cut the cost of both ticket and lift pass.
All the options from Geneva are compared in How to get to Verbier from Geneva.
Getting around once you're here
Free shuttle buses, funded by Téléverbier and the commune, serve the resort. In summer, the VIP Pass covers Val de Bagnes buses and several pedestrian lifts. Timetables and car parks: see our getting around Verbier FAQ.
5 simple things you can do during your stay
- Come by train, or leave your car at the free car park in Le Châble.
- Stay for a week rather than making several weekend round trips.
- Sort your waste and leave nothing behind on the mountain.
- Stick to marked trails and respect wildlife quiet zones in winter.
- Eat and drink local: cheeses, wines and produce from Valais.
Frequently asked questions
Does skiing in Verbier run on renewable energy?
Largely: most of Téléverbier's electricity comes from local hydroelectric power, topped up with solar.
Can you get to Verbier by train?
Yes, to Le Châble, then by gondola. The Verbier Express runs direct from Geneva at weekends.
What is the Swisstainable label?
It is Switzerland Tourism's sustainability programme. Level III, held by Téléverbier, is the highest.
Sources: Téléverbier / Verbier 4Vallées (environment page, April 2025), Verbier Tourisme, commune of Val de Bagnes. This article is for information only and may change, and no liability can be derived from the content of this page.