This Swiss Mountain Town Offers Some of the Best Skiing in Europe — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Luxury chalets, epic skiing, and dog sledding await you in Verbier, Switzerland.

There’s skiing, and then there’s skiing in the Swiss Alps. Seasoned skiers and riders dream of carving down some of the best-groomed trails in Europe at ultra-high altitude, and there may be no place more exciting to do that than Verbier.

This alpine village in the southwest corner of Switzerland is one of six resorts that make up the 4 Valleys. The famous ski zone has long beckoned serious shredders to explore more than 250 miles of linked trails, and Verbier is its main resort.

Perched at about 5,000 feet, Verbier offers direct access to Mont-Fort, the highest peak in the 4 Valleys. There, you can ski or ride at 10,800 feet with panoramic views of Mont-Blanc and the Grand Combin massif. This resort is known for its expansive terrain, home to some of the finest backcountry skiing you'll find anywhere.

Verbier has been a repeat winner of the world's best ski resort in the annual World Ski Awards, which calls the 4 Valleys region "a freeride paradise, a must for skiers from all over the world." It also cites Verbier's après scene as "a real institution that welcomes a cosmopolitan clientele of all generations."

Down in the village, you'll find everything from glamorous five-star accommodations to cozy pubs and lively late-night clubs. The dining is fine and the shopping high-end. Needless to say, a trip to Verbier can be very expensive, but it's worth the splurge to experience one of Europe's largest and most sought-after ski destinations.

Related: The 7 Best Ski Resorts in Europe With Deep Powder, Upscale Amenities, and Scenic Views

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect getaway to Verbier this winter.

• Expansive terrain spanning the whole 4 Valleys region.

• World-famous backcountry skiing.

• Off-mountain activities ranging from luxurious spas to dog sledding.

When to Go

Verbier's ski season kicks off in early to mid-November and typically lasts until late April or early May. Be cautious about going too early in the season because the resort is only open on weekends throughout November, fully opening in early December. The end of the season is arguably the best time to plan your ski trip, as the temperatures begin to climb out of the 30s Fahrenheit and spring showers bring lots of fresh powder to the mountains.

If you're hoping to avoid crowds at Verbier, don't go around the holidays or in February, when students around Europe get a break from school and pack into ski resorts throughout the Alps. Also avoid Freeride week, which draws thousands of competitive skiers and riders to Verbier every January. February tends to be the most affordable time to visit.

Where to Stay in Verbier

W Verbier

For the best access to the slopes, book a stay at W Verbier, located just steps from the lifts. The perfect blend of modern and classic, this five-star hotel has 123 rooms and suites, each with its own fireplace. Other highlights include an on-site spa, yoga classes taught by a pro snowboarder, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple spots for dining and drinking.

Experimental Chalet

Those looking for a personalized stay should consider the Experimental Chalet. With just 39 rooms and suites, it offers an intimate experience and all the bells and whistles of a typical ski getaway, including a full-service spa. The retro '70s-inspired decor and snazzy cocktails spiked with vintage spirits from Experimental Cocktail Club are selling points as well.

La Cordée des Alpes

Luxury seekers will adore La Cordée des Alpes, which caters to guests' every whim. The hotel has 32 rooms and suites, along with 17 apartments for longer stays. Many of the accommodations come with balconies and fireplaces. You'll find fine Italian dining in the on-site restaurant, fireside massages at the spa, and a ski concierge with expert knowledge of the mountain. 

Where to Eat

La Table d'Adrien

This Michelin-starred restaurant in the chic Chalet d'Adrien hotel serves contemporary French-Italian cuisine in a cozily appointed dining room overlooking the village. The Pugliese chef presents gourmet seasonal tastings in four, six, or eight courses. Menus of past seasons included veal carpaccio, quail, and burrata tortelli.

Restaurant Le Caveau

Cheese enthusiasts will find some of the best fondue and raclette around at Restaurant Le Caveau. The interior is warm and relaxed, perfect for settling in around a table of melted goodness after a day on the snow. For a special treat, get your fondue with champagne or truffles.

Restaurant La Marlénaz

This mountaintop restaurant is more than the traditional Swiss cuisine it serves. Perched at about 6,200 feet, away from the hustle and bustle of the village, Restaurant La Marlénaz offers breathtaking views of the mountains and ski resort. Take a seat on the terrace, hands down the best place to take it all in.

Where to Après-ski

Bar 1936

Wind down with mulled wine and snacks served out of a yurt or on a mountainside deckchair. This buzzing indoor-outdoor spot at the heart of the resort is the most convenient place to grab post-ski libations and barbecue. If you request it in advance, the bar will even organize a special Mongolian fondue evening for you, available for parties of 20 or more.

Fer à Cheval

For more of a local vibe, head to Fer à Cheval in the village. The lower-level dining room, superbly cozy with its all-wood interior, is where you sit to eat pizza and pasta. The upper level, rather, is where you'll often find live music and a party crowd.

Pub Mont Fort

Pub Mont Fort keeps the après going long into the night. Known for its themed parties and live music, this watering hole just around the corner from the lift station is where the mountain crowd winds up at 2 a.m. Earlier in the evening, you'll find a more casual scene and a food menu of burgers and tapas.

Related: The Ultimate Après-ski Guide — From What to Wear to Where to Go

Off-mountain Activities

Go dog sledding.

Get out and play in the snow with a few of Verbier’s coolest locals, thanks to TakiTrek. The company will take you around the region on a sled pulled by expert huskies who know the area better than anyone. (Plenty of puppy kisses included.)

Ride a toboggan.

Verbier is home to one of the longest toboggan runs in Switzerland, providing more than six miles of thrilling fun. Whip down the mountain as fast as possible for an adrenaline rush, or make a few stops along the way to extend the experience. 

Enjoy a spa day.

Verbier is home to several spas perfect for unwinding after a long day on the slopes. Check out the Away Spa at W Verbier, which offers everything from traditional massages to hair styling services, and the Spa by Biologique Recherche at the Experimental Chalet, which has a hammam, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

How to Ride

Tickets

A range of tickets is available, with single and multiday passes valid for Verbier, La Tzoumaz, and Bruson starting at the CHF equivalent of around $70 per day. Single and multiday passes providing access to the entire 4 Valleys ski area are priced a little higher, starting at $85.

Skiers and riders who plan to visit more often might prefer to opt for a half-year or yearly pass starting at $1,300. Verbier also accepts the Epic Pass.

Related: The Best Ski Passes to Buy This Winter

Rentals

You shouldn't have any problem finding rental gear in Verbier. Ski Service is the only on-mountain rental shop, offering the convenience of storing your rented equipment overnight so you don't have to haul it to and from your accommodations. If you're looking for something closer to your hotel, a larger selection, or lower prices, shop around for rentals in the village. No 1 Sports, Xtreme Sports, and Backside are options. Mountain Air next to the Medran cable car station will even deliver equipment to your accommodations.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Verbier's elevation may sound intense (its highest point sits at almost 11,000 feet), but it's truly a mountain for all skill levels. Opinion regarding the number of beginner-friendly, intermediate, and expert runs vary. Generally, you'll find that about half the runs are intermediate, and the other half is split almost evenly between beginner and expert runs.

Beginners should start somewhere like Les Esserts, the largest of the beginner ski areas in Verbier. It offers gentle slopes and the longest magic carpet in Switzerland. There's also Le Rouge, which has two slopes with a slightly bigger incline to progress, and La Chaux, which sits a little higher up the mountain for beginners looking for more of a challenge.

Expert-level shredders will no doubt want to go to the top of Mont Fort, the highest point, for more difficult runs and epic panoramic views.

Programming

If you want to progress quickly, Verbier has many independent ski schools (though none operated by the resort itself). Apart from skiing, there are other things to do on the mountain, such as soaring on the highest zip line in the world and the longest in the Alps. If you're traveling with children too young to ski, you might want to check out The Kid's Club at La Tzoumaz. Part of the larger 4 Valleys ski area, it offers half- and full-day options with lunch and activities like games and crafts.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.