28 | SKI IN SWITZERLAND
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SKI THE SLOPES IN SWITZERLAND
resort is also known for its off-piste skiing – particularly the testing Mont Gelé – and each year Verbier hosts the finals of the Freeride World Tour. The mountain views are spectacular,
particularly
from the 3,300 metre high Mont Fort peak, one of the few places in the Alps where you can see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains simultaneously. While Verbier remains the destination's main attraction,
comforts with rustic authenticity. Guests have the choice between two double rooms and a family room with bunkbeds, each with a private bathroom.
Fresh produce with its
extensive range of activities and central location on the Verbier and 4Vallées ski area, other villages on the ski circuit offer different ways to experience the region with their own charm, style and choice of accommodation. Plus,
the
villages of La Tzoumaz, Le Châble and Bruson all have the added advantage of being connected to the ski area,
while offering more affordable accommodation than Verbier. Explore Switzerland's largest ski area and still enjoy the experience of staying in a small resort. For those looking for easy access and a more authentic
feel, Le
Châble or Bruson are the best choice, whereas families will be delighted by the warm welcome in La Tzoumaz.
As ever the biggest carbon footprint comes from the movement of clients from their place of residence to the ski resort; train access from London St Pancras to Le Châble is an easy and relaxing way to travel, and the station is linked to Verbier and Bruson by cable cars that leave from the village. Direct flights are also available from Aberdeen, Belfast-International, Birmingham,
Bournemouth, VERBIER
VERBIER had humble beginnings in the 1930’s, when a few adventurous skiers discovered the area's potential for skiing. However, it wasn't until the 1960’s that Verbier began to attract international attention. This season, skiing can be savoured for
six months of the year. From November 2024 to April 2025, winter sports lovers will be able to click into their bindings. Initially just at the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and then, from the first weekend in December, the lift system will operate every day (7/7) until the end of April 2025. Thanks to the altitude of the ski area and
the extensive snowmaking on offer (63% of the area), it’s pretty safe to book early or late in the season. From the resort at 1,500m, skiing at a height of of more than 2,700m can be reached by two consecutive gondola rides that take less than 11 minutes to ride. The abundance of snow at the top guarantees top notch skiing. Verbier has slopes to suit all levels of skiers and boarders and boasts terrain that suits confident, adventurous skiers and snowboarders. The 80 lifts access more than 410km of pistes, these include the Medran with its cruisy blues, Les Savoleyres with lovely sweeping reds, and the more challenging black runs of Mont Fort. The
London-Heathrow, Bristol,
Cardiff, Doncaster, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Liverpool, London-City, London- Gatwick, Luton,
Manchester, Newcastle,
London- and
Southampton. Nestled in the village of Montagnier, Mauricette and Jean-Louis Fellay’s venture is part of the Grand Entremont regional development project, supporting the creation of sustainable agritourism establishments. This new accommodation
combines modern
from the farm will be served daily at breakfast. Nearby, a smallholding with 30 goats offers educational visits and a shop sells local produce. Five minutes from the Le Châble cable car station and ten km from Verbier by road, this accommodation is ideally placed for mountain activities. In winter, visitors can watch the farmers taking care of their cows and goats, and get fully immersed in rural
life.Opening expected in December 2024.
www.agritourismedemontagnier.ch A Ski Touring Mountain Getaway A weekend plan that associates sport with contemplation. Starting at the La Barmasse car park, the trail begins with a climb up a forest path. Halfway up is a small clearing, ideal for taking a break and admiring the
views
of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing “le Pleureur”
which
crowns the far end of the Bagnes valley. With the scenery absorbed and energy restored, the route continues through the forest until it reaches a snow-covered road with a gentler incline which leads to a mountain hut at an altitude of 2,100 m. At the Cabane Brunet, the Corthay family welcomes touring skiers and provides a generous selection of traditional dishes, forgetting
not Grandma’s famous apple
pie. Then it is time to get some sleep in one of the refuge’s recently updated six bedrooms. Following a good breakfast the next morning, the climb goes higher still, to the Col du Rogneux. Those feeling up to it can continue along the ridge to the summit of Mont Rogneux. Hiring a guide is strongly recommended. Food lovers should not miss out on the joy of a picnic at the foot of the Grand Combin massif, before launching down the off-piste descent back to the la Barmasse car park. CHF 180/£160 pp for a guide (based on a group of 4 people)
www.verbier.ch Renowned globally for its vibrant and cosmopolitan nightlife, Verbier, in winter, moves to the beat of its iconic après-ski bars and dynamic nightclubs. Imagine the sun dipping behind snow-capped peaks, casting a golden glow over the slopes as skiers and snowboarders make their last exhilarating descents of the day. As the lifts close and the mountain quiets, a new energy begins to pulse through Verbier. This is the magic of après-ski, an essential part of the skiing experience that blends relaxation, socialising, and celebration in a way that’s utterly unique to mountain culture. Verbier is known as the cradle of Swiss skiing and home to some of the best skiing, luxurious accommodation, and gastronomy in the Alps. People flock to this traditional Swiss resort because it has a heart and soul that lives for snow sports, for the mountains and for adventure.
September/October 2024
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