Verbier Attractions and Activities
>> ExcursionsSummer SportsGo OutShoppingEventsMuseums
Verbier offers many activities and attractions in summer and in winter – some are even world-famous. Sport enthusiasts as well as music fans visit this picturesque chalet-style resort. A unique atmosphere is guaranteed.
Excursions: >> Mountain ExcursionsCity Excursionsother Excursions
Mountain Excursions:
Mont-Fort (3,330 m /10,922 ft):

A panoramic view awaits you from the top of the Mont-Fort encompassing Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn and Combins ranges. Ascent by cablecar. Sunrise and breakfast excursions arranged in summer.
From Verbier, several mountains are easily accessible by gondola: Les Ruinettes (2,200 m / 7,216 ft), Savoleyres (2,354 m / 7,721 ft), as well as La Chaux (2,260 m / 7,413 ft) and Col des Gentianes (2,950 m / 9,676 ft) which are stations of the Mont-Fort Gondola. They all offer fantastic views of the valleys and the peaks of the Swiss Alps - and restaurants for refreshments. Consider going down the slopes on a mountain scooter: from Ruinettes to Médran / Verbier, and from Savoleyres to Verbier or La Tzoumaz.
City Excursions:
With its remote location in the Valais Alps, Verbier is not exactly the ideal place from where to make city excursions to the larger Swiss Cities.... Feasible are visits of smaller cities located in the Rhone Valley or the Lake Geneva Region, such as:
Martigny:
Half-or Full-day excursion (approx. 45 minutes by gondola & train from Verbier). Martigny, the small town located on the Rhone elbow, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, is famous for its gastronomy. Martigny's history stretches back two thousand years and today, a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters can be admired. Visit the Pierre Gianadda Foundation, the most important cultural attraction in Martigny, the Gallo-Roman Museum which also houses a car museum, or the St. Bernard Dog Museum - breed and history of the dog but also of the Great St. Bernard Hospice.
Sion (Sitten):
Half-or Full-day excursion (approx. 1 hour by gondola & train from Verbier). Sion, the capital of the Canton of Valais, is known as the most sun-blessed town of Switzerland. Sion is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities boasting a 7,000-year history, particularly charming are the many historical monuments in the Old Town with its shops, as are the city's landmarks, the high towers of the Tourbillon Castle and the Castle of Valeria, which can be recognized from afar.
Sierre (Siders):
Half-or Full-day excursion (approx. 75 minutes by gondola & train from Verbier).The area around Sierre is one of Switzerland's most important wine-growing regions - take the Vineyard Trail to find out more about the region's fine wines. Visit the Rainer Maria Rilke Museum – in the Maison de Courten (the famous German writer spent the last years of his life in the medieval stone tower called the Château de Muzot in Veyras), or enjoy a day at the "Happyland" - Switzerland's biggest theme park.
Aigle:
Half-or Full-day excursion (approx. 75 minutes by gondola & train from Verbier). Surrounded by vineyards, Aigle is located at the entrance to the Rhone Valley. Its 12th-century castle controlled the valley and the access to Pays-d’Enhaut. Aigle Castle has been painstakingly renovated and presents the collections of the Vine, Wine and Label (of wine bottles) Museum.
Montreux - City of the Swiss Riviera:
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 80 minutes by gondola and train from Verbier). This attractive excursion takes you to the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the mild climate and the beautiful terraced vineyards of Lavaux that are part of the UNESCO world heritage.
While in Montreux, you want to consider visiting one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland, the Chateau de Chillon: in the 13th century this castle was built in a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, and today also serves as a typical postcard souvenir from Switzerland.
Vevey:
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 90 minutes by gondola and train from Verbier). The Old Town of Vevey is dotted with historical monuments and museums bearing witness to its rich heritage. In addition, a large variety of boutiques and craftsmen can be found in the narrow paved streets, displaying their know-how and wares. The pedestrian zone of the Old City, the lakeside, and the market (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) in the Grande Place (the heart of the old city), are well worth a browse. On the Quai Perdonnet you will find the statue of the famous Charlie Chaplin, who lived at Corsier-sur-Vevey for 25 years.
Lausanne - Olympic Capital:
Full-day excursion (approx. 100 minutes by gondola and train from Verbier). Lausanne is one of Switzerland's secret destinations, renowned for its elegance, the historic Old Town with the well preserved Gothic Cathedral and the Olympic Committee headquarters. Lausanne is a city waiting to be discovered at every turn: monuments, architecture, flower-bedecked quays, parks and gardens. The city hosts two dozen museums of note - remarkable certainly the Collection de l'Art Brut and the Olympic Museum.
other Excursions & Sights:
Mauvoisin Dam:
At the bottom of the Val de Bagnes, the Mauvoisin Dam rears up in spectacular surroundings overlooked by the Grand Combin (4,314 m / 14,150 ft). Built in the 1950s, with its 250 m (820 ft), this is the highest arched dam in Europe, the 3rd highest arched dam in the world, and the 8th highest dam overall in the world. Used for energy production, it also serves as a measure of protection against natural disasters. Take a walk along the educational trail and enjoy a spectacular view of surrounding Alpine peaks, and the Mauvoisin Lake with its steep waterfalls.
Verbier Castle:
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Count of Savoy, this castle overlooking the Val des Bagnes was destroyed by citizens from the Upper Valais region in 1475 after the battle of La Planta. The ruins of this medieval castle are a great target for a walk.
Medran Parc - Tree Adventure:
The supervised Medran Parc offers an 800 m (2,600 ft) adventure trail with hanging bridges, Tyrolean traverses, rope ladders and a 11m (36 ft) climbing tower. Assisted climbs are also available.
Sled Dogs: (summer & winter)
Experience life beyond the polar circle and allow yourself to be carried away by Canadian huskies, malamutes and Inuit during a walk offering a complete change of scene and affording spectacular views of the Combins mountain range, at the heart of the Verbier ski area.
Summer Sports:
Hiking:
The Verbier- St.Bernard region offers 950 km (590 miles) of footpaths that will take you to the heart of nature. Whether you’re on holiday with your family, looking for sporting action or the chance to take part in a grand tour, the region caters for all levels of walker. Colourful and rolling landscapes await you, in a natural setting brimming with new discoveries. From bisses (irrigation canals), to footpaths, traditional villages and nature reserves: whatever route you choose, you’re guaranteed an exceptional view of the treasures of the Alps.
Biking:
Verbier has it all when it comes to mountain biking, and the Verbier bike trails can proudly hold their own against other world-class mountain bike venues. Descend over 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) on fast single track with endless switchbacks or pick your way through rock gardens and gnarled woodland mountain bike trails. Biking in Verbier offers 200 km (124 miles) signposted biking trails and 28 groomed cross-country trails through epic scenery, hidden valleys and secret bike trails and there is a good chance you will not see another
rider all day. Finally, the rapidly developing Verbier/La Tzoumaz Bikepark park is serviced by an excellent lift system, and experts and beginners alike can pit their skills in this challenging arena. Various trails for all levels of difficulty will lead you to discover the delights of downhill biking amid exceptional scenery. Some tracks feature a difference of 700 meters (2,300 ft) in height.
Golf:
For a fun day out, try your hand at a round of golf in Vebier. You can choose between two courses, each with a majestic backdrop. The 18-hole (par 69) Esserts course tests your skill and tactics - a challenge for even the most experienced players. The 18-hole pitch and putt (par 54) Moulins course is suited to all abilities.
Climbing:
With 850 routes, 64 climbing sites and 7 types of rock, the Verbier - St. Bernard region offers some breathtaking climbs. In this magnificent setting, seasoned climbers can conquer new peaks, while beginners practice new skills on the outdoor climbing walls. Contact the Verbier Mountain Guides for detailed information.
Mountaineering:
Verbier - St.Bernard offers experienced mountaineers a number of legendary ascents, including Mt. Vélan (3,727 m / 12,225 ft) and Mt. Dolent (3,820 m / 12,530 ft). The most legendary climb is the Grand Combin, culminating at 4,314 m (14,150 ft). The region is also crossed by the Haute Route, which connects Chamonix to Zermatt. Both spectacular and demanding, this tour will take you to the most beautiful 4,000 m (13,120 ft) mountains over several effort and emotion filled days. Contact the Verbier Mountain Guides for detailed information.
Verbier Sports Center: (summer and winter)
The recently renovated and extended Sports Center of Verbier offers numerous indoor and outdoor activities: swimming (indoor and outdoor swimming pool), tennis, squash, ice skating / ice hockey, curling, wall climbing, beach volleyball and pétanque. In addition, the sports center also features a restaurant and a wellness area with sauna, solarium and turkish bath.
other Summer Sports:
include walking (400 km / 249 miles of walking paths), horseback riding (guided hacks through the unspoilt landscape or horse-riding lessons at the Verbier Equestrian Center), fishing and boating, and adventure sports such as paragliding, canyoning and river rafting.
Go Out: (Dining / Entertainment / Nightlife)
A wide choice of restaurants caters to the international visitors of Verbier. Over 60 restaurants offer anything from traditional cuisine including local specialities like fondues, raclette and rösti, to Japanese and American fare. Most of the best restaurants are connected with hotels; the main square is surrounded by cafés, patisseries and coffee shops.
Verbier offers some of the best après-ski in the Swiss Alps. The road running from the main ski lift to the town center is the heart of the après ski action and there are plenty of bars and cafés around the town square. After dinner, numerous bars, discotheques, clubs and pubs make sure the village comes alive at night - Verbier has one of the wilder and more exciting nightlife scenes among the European winter ski resorts.
Shopping:
The shopping in Verbier is excellent but can be expensive with numerous exclusive boutiques catering for the wealthier sector of the "ski-set". However, there also are shops for the more modest pocket offering souvenirs, sports clothing and accessories, handcrafts and food, including local specialties. Since many of the visitors of Verbier engage in alpine sports, summer or winter, you'll find half a dozen sporting-goods stores in the resort.
Events:
Verbier Ride: in January
The Verbier Ride is a European level pro/am Big Air event. Some of the world’s best known free-style skiers come to Verbier to compete in two disciplines.
Freeride Worldtour: in March
The world's best freeride skiers and snowboarders meet at the spectacular North face of the Bec des Rosses, where rocky outcrops, extreme slopes and narrow corridors are the most normal playground.
XSpeedSki: in April
The Mont-Fort ski run is the venue for the final of the speed skiing World Cup. Hardly surprising, since it was on this steep slope that the speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) was beaten for the first time in Switzerland.
Verbier Beach Volley: in July
The beach atmosphere is brought to the mountains during the Verbier Beach Volley weekend, staged in the central car park of Verbier. The event features renowned national and international teams, as well as entertainments, stalls and a great atmosphere.
Verbier Festival & Academy: in July / August
Some of the biggest names in classical music come together for the Verbier Festival, for two magical weeks. The festival offers a whole range of musical performances, from the pomp of symphonic masterpieces to the intimacy of its recitals. Whilst the festival is mainly dedicated to classical music it also provides a glimpse onto jazz and other word music. Free concerts abound in the bars and cafés around town, open rehearsals and workshops, conferences and presentations of concerts.
Grand Raid: in August
The Grand Raid is the oldest mountain-bike event in Switzerland and attracts thousands of bikers every year. The race of 131 km (81.4 miles) from Verbier to Grimentz is one of the hardest races in the bike scene: the ride goes through six valleys in the Valais with 4,700 m (15’420 ft) in altitude.
Verbier Bike Fest: in September
Three days of high-octane festivities to celebrate motorbikes in Verbier, punctuated by concerts and demos of all kinds. Thrilled by the freedom of wide-open spaces where eagles reign supreme, you will discover some of the region's hidden sports amid spectacular scenery.
Link to other current Verbier events
Museums:
The Alpine Museum / Espace Alpin:
More than 3,300 objects that testify to three centuries of the history of alpine civilisation (living conditions, work, culture) and the changeover to a modern society (e.g. transportation, hydroelectric power).
Fondation 3-D:
The 3-D Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, founded by New York-based artist Madeleine Paternot and Verbier-based sculptor Kiki Thompson. Its mission is to promote contemporary art and culture, to focus on nature and community and to provide educational workshops. The curatorial premise of Verbier 3-D is set by Paul Goodwin, in his capacity as an independent curator. All sculptures in the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park are for sale.
St. Bernard Dog Museum, Martigny:
The museum is home to an array of artefacts that tell the story of the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Pass, and the legendary St. Bernard dogs form an integral part of the museum. Using state-of-the-art museography, the exhibition is dedicated to highlighting this legacy and promoting the famous St. Bernard dog as a universal icon.
>> Verbier Destination Overview
>> Verbier Winter Sports
>> Verbier Hotels