Verbier 6 Day Snow Forecast

JT from United Kingdom writes:

There has been a sudden flurry of very negative postings about Verbier. I would like to give some context.

4 Valleys - someone has commented on how badly linked the 4 Valleys are, including the quality of the lifts. I think this is fair - but NOT in a posting on Verbier. To be clear, Verbier is resort with a modern lift system and access to some of the most challenging skiing in the world. It has exceptional lift-accessible off-piste possibilities. It is PART OF the 4 Valleys pass system including a number of other villages, the biggest being Nendaz. The quality of lifts and skiing in those resorts does not match Verbier standards, but they are generally much cheaper for accommodation. Unfortunately, there has been some very dubious marketing. Because of the attractions and reputation of Verbier, "Nendaz (4 Vallee)" has become "Nendaz (Verbier)" has become "Verbier (Nendaz)". This is nonsense, and very unfair on people who book one thinking they are getting the other. This is especially true because when the snow is very heavy, and Verbier has an amazing powder day, the connections to Nendaz, Siviez etc might well be closed. However, it has nothing to do with Verbier's attractions and Verbier gains little from it. Very few skiers come to Verbier with the plan to roam over the 4 Valleys - if they do, they are missing the point.

There are also some very negative postings about the parking situation. Verbier has been growing and developing and has now reached the point where it is not realistic to drive to the lifts. The car parks have been closed for redevelopment, but also to stop people making the lift area congested. There have been discussions in the Commune about becoming pedestrianised etc - everything has been democratically debated and decided (by those who have a vote in the Commune). Unfortunately, there are some people who don't like it and consider it their human right to drive up to the lifts. Unfortunately, that's life. For me, the Commune is being too restrained in enforcing the new rules - but for sure they are tightening. For those who find the buses "unpleasant", they will need to find a solution in the future that works for them. But expecting to drive up to the lift like in 1971, in a village which is now many times bigger, was never an option. None of this has anything to do with alleged arrogance, greed or nastiness of Verbier people - I think those comments are very unkind. There's always room for improvement - but my experience (as a chalet owner) is that Verbier has wonderful people who are managing to deal with the popularity of their village rather well.

If you are an expert (or at least ambitious) skier, and can cope with the strong Swiss franc, come and enjoy an amazing resort. You won't be disappointed.

2012-03-13