Why Verbier Is a Swiss Ski Resort for Everyone, From Beginners to Pros | National Geographic

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World-class freeriding may have helped put Verbier on the map, but this Swiss resort has plenty to offer first-timers, too.

Despite its glamorous rep, Verbier has a surprisingly low-key appearance. Of course, there’s an exclusive side that’s hard to miss, but above all, Verbier is serious about skiing — notably freeriding and ski touring.

At the heart of the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest ski area, Verbier has 410km of pistes, many of which sit above 2,000 metres, putting them among Europe’s most snow-sure slopes. Linked to five neighbouring ski areas, the resort sees the completion of a major new lift to Savoleyres this winter, making it even easier to explore more affordable ski areas such as as La Tzoumaz.

Though renowned for challenging terrain, Verbier’s beginner areas such as Les Esserts are ideal for building confidence before progressing to the slopes of Savoleyres and Lac des Vaux. Beyond skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy, too, from zip-lining to traditional cheesemaking. Whether you’re chasing untouched powder or taking your very first turns, Verbier has pistes to please all.

Verbier is synonymous with freeriding — off-piste skiing on unmarked slopes. The Freeride World Tour was founded here in 1996 with the Xtreme Verbier, today the series’ final stop, see the world’s best battle it out on Bec des Rosses’ north face. Experienced skiers can tackle seven marked routes or hire a guide for the classic backside of Mont Fort. Youngsters can also hone skills at the Freeride World Tour Academy.

Trade the adrenaline of freeriding for the endurance of ski touring, where every descent begins with an uphill hike. Verbier’s physically demanding Haute Route to Zermatt involves a guided tour passing the peaks of Rosablanche mountain to reach Cabane Mont Fort, a historic mountain refuge where overnight stays start from CHF135 (£125), half board. Five marked ski touring routes also branch across the resort.

Even without venturing off-piste, Verbier offers some seriously challenging slopes for keen skiers with 39 red and 14 black runs to explore across the 4 Vallées.

One of Verbier’s most…

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