What is there to do in Verbier? In winter, ski the 410 km of pistes in the Verbier 4Vallées area, ride up to Mont-Fort (3,330 m) and watch the Xtreme Verbier in late March. In summer, go hiking and mountain biking, and use the lifts for free with the VIP Pass. For a first stay, the key is choosing the right dates and the right part of the resort.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Freddy Michaud SA, estate agency in Verbier since 1966
Where is Verbier?
Verbier is a resort in the canton of Valais, in French-speaking Switzerland, set at around 1,500 m on a sunny plateau above the Val de Bagnes. At the bottom of the valley, the village of Le Châble (about 820 m) has the railway station and the gondola up to Verbier.
The resort is the gateway to the 4 Vallées, Switzerland's largest ski area, linking Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Bruson, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. In summer the same mountains become a huge network of hiking trails and bike routes.
When should you come for a first visit?
- Winter (December – April): the 2026/27 season in the Verbier – La Tzoumaz sector runs from 5 December 2026 to 25 April 2027. Christmas, New Year and the February holidays are the busiest and most expensive weeks.
- January and March: fewer people, quieter pistes and often better prices. March also brings long, sunny days.
- Summer (June – October): from June to October, the tourist tax gives you the VIP Pass, with free pedestrian lifts and valley buses.
For a first trip, a week in January or March is often the best balance between snow, crowds and budget.
What to do in Verbier in winter
Ski the 4 Vallées
Verbier 4Vallées advertises 410 km of pistes between 1,500 m and 3,330 m. Beginners tend to stay on the gentler, sunny Savoleyres – La Tzoumaz sector, while confident skiers head for Les Attelas, Mont-Gelé and Mont-Fort. For lift pass prices, see Verbier ski pass prices 2026/27.
Ride up to Mont-Fort
The highest point of the area at 3,330 m, Mont-Fort looks out on a clear day over the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc massif. A panoramic platform at the top lets you take it all in.
Try something other than skiing
- Zip line: the Mont 4 Zipline drops 383 m over 1.4 km.
- Snowshoeing, sledging and ski touring on marked routes.
- Ski lessons for children and adults — book early in peak season.
Watch the Xtreme Verbier
Every year in late March, the Freeride World Tour final takes place on the Bec des Rosses face. It is the highlight of the season, so book your accommodation well ahead if you are aiming for those dates.
What to do in Verbier in summer
- Hiking: from easy family walks along the bisses (historic irrigation channels) to the summit of the Pierre Avoi. Ideas for every level in The best hikes in Verbier.
- Mountain biking: the bike park and hundreds of kilometres of trails across the 4 Vallées.
- Verbier Festival: the major classical music festival returns from 15 July to 1 August 2027 (34th edition).
- Free lifts: the VIP Pass covers six pedestrian sections, including Le Châble – Verbier and Verbier – Les Ruinettes.
How do you get to Verbier?
From Geneva, allow about 2 hours by car (161 km), or 2 h 30 to 3 hours by train to Le Châble followed by a 10-minute gondola ride. The Verbier Express runs direct from Geneva to Le Châble at weekends. All the options are compared in How to get to Verbier from Geneva.
Once there, you rarely need a car: free shuttle buses serve the resort (see our getting around Verbier FAQ).
Where to stay on a first visit
- Near Médran: right by the main gondola, ideal for skiing without a car.
- Around the Place Centrale: shops, restaurants and après-ski within walking distance.
- Les Esserts: quieter, and linked to the Savoleyres sector from this winter by the new Télémixte.
- Le Châble: down in the valley, handy if you arrive by train.
To choose between a chalet and an apartment, read our guide Chalet or apartment in Verbier, then browse our holiday rentals.
Tips before you go
- Book early for Christmas, New Year and February: at those times our rentals run by the week, Saturday to Saturday.
- Buy your lift pass online: it is cheaper bought in advance.
- Reserve your ski hire ahead in peak season.
- Budget for the tourist tax (CHF 4 per night per adult — see our article on the tourist tax). In our rentals it is already included in the price.
- Consider cancellation insurance, explained in our dedicated article.
Frequently asked questions
Is Verbier good for beginners?
Yes. There are plenty of blue runs, especially on the Savoleyres – La Tzoumaz side, and several ski schools teach all ages.
Do you need a car in Verbier?
No. You can take the train to Le Châble, ride the gondola up and use the free shuttle buses in the resort.
How many days should you plan for a first visit?
A week lets you explore the area without rushing. In peak season, rentals are by the week anyway.
Is Verbier worth visiting in summer?
Yes: hiking, mountain biking, the Verbier Festival and free lifts with the VIP Pass from June to October.
Sources: Verbier 4Vallées / Téléverbier, Verbier Tourisme (press kit), Verbier Festival, SBB. This article is for information only and may change: the dates, prices and conditions published by the providers are binding, and no liability can be derived from the content of this page.