Visitor reviews for Verbier

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• April 20, 2009
  Mark wood from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Went to Verbier for a day trip from a week in Chamonix. My impression (comparing with Chamonix and 3 Vallees)is that there is a terrible lift system; it kept stopping. The valleys are badly linked and impossible to fathom out (in a day at least). Not particularly good restaurants and poor customer service (not the people - the set up). Skiing is ok at Verbier but poorly signposted pistes and bad layout meant we kept ending up back at the same place. French skiing is so much better.

• April 05, 2009
  James Kelsey from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I first skied at Verbier when I was 5 years old and I have re-visited the resort regularly over the last twenty years. Like all resorts it has its pros and cons but, overall, I find it a very enjoyable place to be. There is no need to moan about the company here. Wherever you find a gathering of people you will find good and bad. The skiing here at Verbier is certainly sufficient for all levels.

• April 03, 2009
  faye mcadamy from SWITZERLAND
  

  Verbier is definitely overrated. I wouldn't bother going if I were you. Go to France with all the rest of the intermediate Brits who think caning red pistes for a week once a year makes them expert skiers. The 3 valleys is a much better option.

• February 22, 2009
  Manson from AFGHANISTAN
  

  Verbier has great terrain & awesome gradients. It's just a crying shame about the English speaking locals, they are mostly horribly spoiled and care nothing about anything but themselves.
  My honest advice is to just go to Verbier for the day.

• February 05, 2009
  A Johnson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  How can the off-piste of Verbier be compared with the trois vallees, Val or Tignes? (Chamonix not included.) I revisited the 3 Valleys in 2007 after a long sojourn away. The apres-ski is fantastic but the pistes suddenly seemed very tame. You can ski a long way but it's all a bit cruisey. When friends, who regularly ski Courcheval, came to Verbier with us their comment was 'wow, we just don't get terrain like this' and as for Savoleyres on a powder day, no one else seems to know about it at all. Then there's Bruson and Vicheres. Last year I skied for a day all by myself; every time in fresh powder tracks
  The Medran does get busy, especially on a powder day. I'm all for keeping Verbier the best kept ski secret in the Alps.

• January 25, 2009
  James Collingwood (13) from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I have been to Verbier for the past 2 years and will be going again this Feb. It tends to get very busy in half-term so it is good to get up to the Medran or Savoleyres lift at 9:00. Also the main run back to Verbier can get extremely busy in late afternoon and get quite treacherous. There are some great runs over at Nendaz and Veysonnez especially the world cup run, though it takes a while to make your way across the lift system because there are a few drags and you have to go down if you want to get across. There are a few challenging blacks including Tortin (an unmarked run in the bowl above Tortin itself) and the run down from Mont Fort. Both holidays I have been on, we have gone across the valley to Bruson which is a small ski area, but is good for escaping the crowds of Verbier. Overall, it is a good resort with plenty of challenging runs, and enough of them.

• January 23, 2009
  Martin from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Due to the fact that Verbier is a very popular resort and only 1hr 45min from Geneva and with a glacier you are always going to find that there are times when it is busy. The only answer I have is to make sure that you are at the lift station early and you should be fine. Verbier is clearly different from the rest of the 4 Valleys and yes, the lift system is pretty awful when you go down towards Thyon; too much time traversing and not enough skiing time. Hopefully the lifts will improve over time.
  The run down to Verbier from Ruinette is bad: it does funnel and can get scary for those not used to it. I take the lift if I am coming down; no point in doing the path. The other way down to avoid this area is to bear right and ski off to Carreforre and then ski down the golf course (le rouge) and catch a bus (free) there.
  Savoleyres is fabulous. Unsung and actually more scenic than the main mountain. It offers great off-piste through the trees and the longest run in the resort down to La Tsoumaz. It's north facing and can get icy but is good for all skiers.
  If you are of a good standard the off-piste is some of the best in Europe. Having skied there for 9 years I am constantly amazed at the new off-piste runs that are available.
  Also the ski pass covers Super Grand Saint Bernard so if you want to get away from the crowds it is worth the 35 minute drive.
  Now it is fair to say that Verbier is for skiers and not in anyway like Aspen or Gstaad. No fur coats and a great deal of apres-ski. Also the food has little to offer either on or off the slopes. You would have thought that a resort like Verbier would have food like Zermatt. Sorry to disappoint but the food is generally very boring; the same no matter where you eat and very expensive due to the exchange rate as well as them putting the price up. On the Savoleyres side there is the best Tarte aux Pommes in the resort at Chez Simon. Marmotte and Nameste on the south side of Savolyers has food that is good and they are friendly. Carrefore is always good but is pricey. On the Medran side it is a disaster. Ruinette has been redone and upstairs is more posh than it should be. Olympic is too expensive but the food fair.
  My advice would be to get a baggette and cheese and ham and have lunch on the go. Save your money for going out in the evening.
  All said and done - go for the skiing not the food. But a better off-piste resort in Europe (than Verbier) I do not know.
  Martin

• January 21, 2009
  Lewis family from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Go to any big name ski resort at main holiday times and you will experience long lift queues and unruly behaviour on the pistes. As for 'Ruperts and Tiffanies' well I'm afraid you can find them everywhere and doesn't that make you the snob for complaining about them - I have skied with worse types and not all English. We were in Verbier early January and for only 4 days. We stayed in Le Chable - we're a bit past the nightlife scene. We have been skiing for the past 30+ years and found Verbier had a great variety of pistes, both on and off and a good place to try off-piste and 'itineraire a ski' some of the trails were fun. I agree, not the choice or the links of the Trois Vallees but for a few days there was more than enough choice. The Portes du Soleil is linked very well. The lifts were fine, I didn't come across one drag or t-bar and nearly half the chair lifts took more than 2. Although some do need upgrading. The beauty for me was the ability of getting to the top of the mountain and being able to ski back to the village a variety of ways without having to take another lift. The Savoyleyres area is brilliant for beginners through to intermediate, there is not a big choice of pistes, but they are long enough to warm you up. The down side could be to get from the Medran to Savoleyres, but the bus link was almost every minute. The ski from Savoyleyres to the Medran lift was lovely and skiable for most skiers. The other issue is that all the runs into Verbier seem to end on one piste and chanelled to a 'funnel'. I can see that being a problem at peak times. Also the lift pass is expensive and food on the pistes pricey, but that wasn't helped by the exchange rate, if we could have got the usual 2.2 francs to the pound it wouldn't have seemed too bad. A tip - get a Nationwide card, don't select the pay in sterling option and you will get a better rate. On arrival home found we'd got a rate of 1.67 instead of the 1.47 that was on offer at the banks before we left the UK. Also if you draw out cash you don't get charged commission, but remember you do need to have the money in your account before you go. Its a debit not a credit card.

• January 21, 2009
  Gspot from ITALY
  

  Verbier is the Jackson Hole of the Alps. It gathers skiers, boarders, telemarkers, riders of any locations from the UK to Italy and Scandinavia and the US; in short it is a Mecca, a special place blessed by the Mountain gods. Amazing scenery, great heli terrain, sensational off-piste and the Nevai and the Farm club. Go to Courchevel or concrete galore in Val Thorens to be abused by overweight French waiters but leave Verbier to all of us, from 18 year old to senile. We just love the place. By the way, Verbier has the best guides in Europe, like in Jackson Hole. They should twin these 2 resorts in an eye blink. Whistler, Jackson, Squaw, La Grave, Chamonix; Verbier is part of this exclusive club for real mountain people who like to have fun.

• January 18, 2009
  nikke smith from FINLAND
  

  Verbier is so fun. I came here 8 years ago and now I cannot leave. I love to snowboard and this is the best place I have been. I work at Number 1 Sports which is a great ski rental and retail shop near the main lift. If anyone needs any help in Verbier I am always available and feel I have a lot of useful information to give.

• December 11, 2008
  Dan woods from SWITZERLAND
  

  I have just spent an amazing couple of days in Verbier where the snow conditions were some of the best I've experienced for this time of year.

  I was lucky enough to have a snowboard lesson with es-ride snowboard school. They are a new school and really seem to be pushing snowboard coaching in Verbier.

  The bars in town seemed to be better than ever with lots of new watering holes. Verbier really is the best place to ride.

• December 05, 2008
  Lottie from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I am absolutely amazed at the amount of negative comments about this amazing resort. True, Verbier is full of snobs but surely that is better than a selection of unruly yobs, like you can get in so many resorts. The skiing at Verbier is awesome, off-piste especially, as it has a wide range of routes. The nightlife is also incredible, dancing on the bar in Farinet apres-ski on to Pub Mont Fort and then down to Casbar. It just doesn't get any better. I did a season here at Verbier and ran a top chalet so trust me there are plenty of idiots around the resort but don't let that take away the true charm of the place. It's fantastic and I would give anything to go back for longer than a week.
  Seriously, ignore some of those negative comments. Rubbish.

• August 23, 2008
  Shirley & Jackie from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Ok - many skiing / winter reveiws for beautiful Verbier - we thought it was high time for some summer positivity. We have been very fortunate to be able to come to this wonderful hoilday venue for the past 4 summers.
  August in Verbier provides the fantastic extremes of experiences. One day you can be lazing, swimming and sunbathing by the amazing outdoor pool - viewing spectacular diving displays by the young - the next day attempting to scale the scary heights of Pierre Avio. In between are many miles of extraordinary and peaceful walking during which there are welcoming, friendly restaurants (a special thank you to Le Carrfoure and Le Marlena to name just two).
  In addition the superb activiteis - cheesemaking (the best), valley tours, bread making (even though it was actually for children, sunrise at Mont Fort (what a breakfast) - are all part of what makes Verbier very special.
  It is, of course, primarily a high class skiing resort, but my skiing days are way over, I therefore feel very privileged to be able to enjoy the summer pleasures of what Verbier also has to offer.
  All in all, I can think of few places on earth where the soul is so healed by beauty, peace and challenge.
  Thank you Verbier - we love you!

• April 15, 2008
  Verbierexpat from SWITZERLAND
  

  The author of the rather inflammatory April post should remember that Verbier, like much of the Alps, is not purpose built to get one from point A to point B the quickest way - that in part is the charm of the Swiss Alps. Head to North America if you want a decent purpose built resort. Also avoid Easter if you don't want to wait in line or get to the Medran lift early like the rest of us. For the most part Verbier is not crowded outside of Christmas/New Years, February Ski Week and of course Easter.

• April 03, 2008
  verbier resident from SWITZERLAND
  

  Regarding the previous comment - You can't slag off Verbier for having too many 'Ruperts' and in the same breath tell people to go to 'Val'! It's Val d'Isere,and there you will also find unpleasant, spoiled sloanes, the ridiculous nouveau riche and the new wave of skiing chavs like any resort nowadays in Europe. Most people are unpleasant here - rude Norwegians, pushy French and loud Aussies to name but a few. There is no way to escape it, It's the Alps.

• March 30, 2008
  Phil Davidson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Whilst I agree that the skiing potential is as good as it gets this really only applies to off-piste and the quality number of itinerary routes. For piste skiers, the lift system is woefully inadequate for the number of skiers that Verbier can attract, the Madran lift, for instance, had a queueing time of around 1 hour on Easter Monday! Then there is the way the resort is linked, or more precisely, the way it isn't! Many of the 4 Vallees require such a convoluted route to reach the unlinked valley floors that it is nigh on impossible to reach the outer limits of the resort when compiled with lift queues. Where, in France, one would expect and usually receive a four/six man express lift one finds a 1960s two man which barely moves, or outdated drag lift the length of the mountain. Alley this with no bus linkage between Nendez or any of the other smaller villages and if one were to run out of time then the only way home is a very expensive taxi ride. Even the bus to Bruson only runs every half hour and stops altogether at 4.45pm: once again a possible expensive taxi ride. The clientele too perhaps are worthy of mention, precocious, loud mouthed and poorly behaved children adorn the place and the overall feeling is one of too many Ruperts and Tiffanies who are clearly surplus to requirements!! So whilst I have hankered to ski here for years and I am a competent skier on Mont Gele coulouirs etc, this is not a resort I would recommend or will be visiting again. The 3 Vallees in France, Tigne, Val or Chamonix are much better alternatives and with significantly cheaper lift passes, are cheaper too!

• February 12, 2008
  martin from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Well the sun is out and it is cold so the conditions are really good. It's the best off-piste that you can get and it is here and although there can be crowds, best bet is to shake off that hangover and get to the Medran or Sav. before 9.00.
  Yes, it is expensive and I think not welcome or necessary. If the food and drink were as good as Zermatt then I would not worry but the food on the mountain is pretty average. Sure, no issue if you are a ski expert and want nothing but snow but they should cater for others as well. Best things guys is to take your own food and water with you. I do and you can save 200 CHF a day by not paying up for average food. (family of 6!!)
  But as for the skiing - you have the best conditions and best slopes in Switzerland - go for it.

• February 09, 2008
  waspy from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just back from a week snowboarding in Verbier (02-09/02/08). Had great conditions thanks to a big dump of snow on the Fri/Sat of our arrival, then another dump on the Tuesday. Not nearly as snobby or stuck up as feared. It is well worth buying the four valley pass as there are some great runs over by Tortin/Combatsaline.
  Savoyles also has a couple of belting reds and the itineraries all over the range are breathtaking in their exposure; a big leap of faith.
  Night wise, we stayed in a catered chalet but the night off we ate at Al Capone's which was fantastic.
  Beers are similarly priced to home, Mont Fort Pub is good; 4-5pm is happy hour.
  ENJOY! It ain't like they say.

• February 07, 2008
  Amy Green from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Going for my second time at the end of March and cannot wait. Went 2 years ago with my now husband (I think I impressed him with my snow boarding skills, not).
  We went to St Anton last year & it didn't have the same buzz for us.
  We fell in love with Verbier, the snow, accommodation, bars, restaurants, holiday reps, everything was fab. I would definately recommend the resort.
  As with all holidays there will always be some who have a bad experience, I would find it hard to think of something bad to say about Verbier. Yes, it can be expensive, but not anymore than you would pay in the UK. It's brilliant, go for it.

• January 28, 2008
  SAM from SWITZERLAND
  

  Verbier has super views, good snow and is a short drive from anywhere in western Switzerland. It is also Brit infested and the mountain restaurants are hopeless compared to Cervinia, Zermatt, Cortina. Lately, the Brits and Russians have arrived and they are very arrogant and unpleasant.

• January 25, 2008
  GW from SWITZERLAND
  

  Having seen and heard several positive reviews about Restaurant des Chottes (up on the slopes between Verbier and Veysonnaz), we thought we would give it a go. What a mistake!
  We were served by a surly bearded youth who looked like he would rather be elsewhere. I had the dish of the day, salmon, which was tough and overcooked. My wife had Gratin des Montagnards, which was cold and completely uncooked in the middle. She politely sent it back, but the surly youth seemed displeased that we thought the dish wasn't quite up to scratch. Certainly no apology was forthcoming. After 15 minutes of waiting for the dish to reappear, we decided that we had had enough and walked out, paying for the things that we had actually eaten and drunk.
  There are many good restaurants on the Verbier side of the mountain (Marmotte, Vieux Verbier, Carrefour, Sonalon, Chez Dany, Cabane de Montfort, Au Mayen, Marlenaz, Chez Simon). It was a shock to have such a bad meal, especially after we had skied for miles to get there. My advice: avoid this one like the plague.

• February 12, 2007
  Adeline from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just come back from Verbier. Went there with my friend and stayed with a friend...haven't had that much fun in sooo long!
  Skiing was amazing. If you're a beginner, I'd even say have lessons before you go if you've got a dry slope nearby just to pick up the basics. Because once you're there, it can be pretty frustrating not being able to do your own thing on the slopes!
  I agree with someone else who commented on it being expensive, you spend as much as you've got. If you've got money to burn, go crazy! It you're budgeting a wee bit more, then drink b4 you go out (big bottle of smirnoff 19 CH francs, BARGAIN!) and just find the right paces to go!
  Casbah Saturday nights-hedkandi! Wicked music, and everyones really cool and chilled out. People aren't really snobby or stuck up, just get so people with a ridiculous amount of money so hey, what ya gonna do!
  Meet as many people as you can, because guaranteed they'll be the maddest and most fun people you'll meet in a long time!!

• February 11, 2007
  Patrick Donoghue from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Me and 10 friends just got back from a week in Verbier and it is fair to say that the resort must rate as one of the best in Europe. We went just after a medium snow fall so I guess we didn't see the very best of the conditions, non the less there is plenty to go at and plenty of hits and drops to play around on.
  There is a lot of talk about this being an expensive resort and I guess if you want to get rid of your money it can be!! If you go to the right places food and beer is only the same or slightly more expensive than home. Hit the Wonderbar for all the footie and rubgy matches with decent priced drinks.
  I'm a boarder who loves North American resorts for the terrain and general feel when you're riding (no pushing in lines and no crazy skiers hell bent on going 5 times faster than their ability). Verbier is the closet I've seen to The US Feel with a good quality of rider and lack of rude people. We bumped into Richard Branson whilst we were there so I guess if it's good enough for him its good enough for us mere mortals. Go if you can. You'll love it.

• January 01, 2007
  Fiona Smith from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Well after readng other peoples feedback i am a amazed. Verier is one of the best Ski resorts in the world. There is a good mixture of people and americans love it there which says something. We stayed close to the main lift which is a must. The walk up the hill almost finishes you off especially if you enjoy the nightlife. I have never queued and I have been there 3 years in a row. I agree that sometimes the people there can be a bit snobby but live and let live. We are fortunate today that package deals allow us the opportunity to stay in these top resorts. I love the chalet we stayed in the host tried really hard to please and it is great fun living with strangers for a week,its abit like Big Brother. December is cold but Verbier never dissapoints and the Farinet Bar is a must.I would highly recommend it to anyone. Suits all ages and pockets,something for everybody.

• November 23, 2006
  Robert Perris from SWITZERLAND
  

  Great skiing, but if you want to get away from the crowds start at Veysonnaz or Nendaz, or even Les Collons. The furthest of these resorts (Les Collons) is about two hours skiing away from Verbier. It doesn't have much nightlife at all, but it's a great family place where the snow and slopes are great, but if you want to head over to Verbier and ski, you can, although it's worthwhile to stay the night in Verbier if you choose to do this.

• October 24, 2006
  sixpack from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  There's just something about this place that makes it a great place to go. It just has a combination of ski & apres-ski that works incredibly well.
  I'm a western canadian skier - the north west pacific is probably the best ski region in the world - and am not easily impressed. Chamonix is a bit of a pain, has bad weather and is so so busy; espace killy is a bit mild and unadventurous; maybe val d'isere has good local stuff, but its full of brits; meribel is excellent but again too full of brits and not as 'international'. Southern alps and italy is just dull skiing.

  The multi-national aspect makes verbier better than most places. Sorry, but I don't really want to go to a resort full of Brits when I'm on holiday. It is however getting more pricey now, and some of the many rich-kids are becoming a serious pain in the a*s in the evening (generally at weekends).
  Can anyone tell me what the snow is like at New Year ?

• August 02, 2006
  Robin Q from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Done 2 seasons in verbier and returning in december for number 3.... its an epic place to be - a vast amount of skiing, still after 2 seasons there is plenty i haven't had the time to do. Nightlife is great, atmosphere is great, life in verbier is always great.

• February 20, 2006
  Grant B from SOUTH AFRICA
  

  I am at Verbier at present on a 10 day holiday, was last here in 1991. I have skied Madona in Italy, St Moritz, St Anton, Sela Ronda Italy. Today was some of the finest skiing I have ever done, conditions were perfect, new snow, sun shining, does it get any better? Night life is great, people friendly, and not crowded. This is the only resort I have returned to in 25 yrs of skiing. Give it a try you will not be disappointed.

• February 15, 2006
  Paul M (Romford, UK) from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I've read all these reviews and believe me the people who slate the resort obviously are too stuck up and don't know how to have a good time on ski/board holiday. Me and my mates are going back (for the 9th time on Feb 25 '06) and we cannot wait. It is without doubt the best resort for everything....skiing & boarding, off-piste, apres, nightlife etc etc that we've ever been too. Skied for 22 years and for the past 6 years, boarding, and I can honestly say I've been most places, Zermatt, Whistler, Saas Fee, Chamonix, Meribel, Mayrhoffen etc etc and no where even comes close to Verbier. I cannot rate it highly enough and is the only place I've been back to more than once. DO NOT hesitate in taking your hols there if you're young (I'm 35 now though and still love it) and are looking for a great time both on the slopes and into the early hours!!

• February 07, 2006
  ian robinson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from skiing Verbier but stayed in a litte gem of a place called Nendaz. Check out the report I've put on there, you can ski the Verbier area without the high costs (and the busy bars if you are family orientated). The area is just great. But do look up Nendaz!