EUROPE VERBIER DESTINATIONS


denying it. But when the blankets of white melt away, these glorious landscapes transform into something entirely different – pine-forested slopes rolling into deep-cut valleys, purple willowherb fringing mirror lakes, cows grazing in the meadows, bells jingling in the distance – and Verbier is no exception. When I visited in summer,


W


it was peaceful and nigh-on empty – I could walk for hours without encountering anyone


inter in the Alps is magical, there’s no


or anything other than the odd cow, and the air was so crisp, it felt like swallowing a pack of menthols. But while there are adventures


galore here, you needn’t limit it to super-active types. Remote and peaceful surroundings, excellent local food and a cluster of vineyards make the resort an excellent spot for anyone wanting to tune out for a few days, whether seasoned explorer or take-it-easy wanderer. Here are some of the highlights for anyone tempted by the warmer months.


 EXPLORE ON FOOT Visiting the Alps in summer without embarking on a hike or two would be sacrilege, and Verbier is blessed with scenic trails criss-crossing cow-strewn meadows, serene lakes and trickling waterfalls. They range from easy, paper-flat strolls along Les Bisses, a network of canals used to transport water to vineyards, to strenuous clambers up near-vertical slopes, with rewarding views at the peaks. For some of the best hikes,


suggest hopping on a cable car to Les Ruinettes, where


routes of various lengths and difficulties spider out. My highlights included a gentle walk to La Chaux via the Verbier 3D Sculpture Park, a collection of contemporary outdoor works, and a slightly more challenging hike up to Les Attelas via Lac de Vaux, a pool of perfect cobalt nestled deep in the mountains. But just as rewarding were the


carefree ambles I took following no specific route. I found myself strolling for hours on end along scree-covered slopes cloaked in jets of mist, and it was so utterly silent and remote it felt like


28 February 2019travelweekly.co.uk55


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