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April 13, 2021

Best Places to Visit in Verbier

The ski resort Verbier is located in Western Switzerland. It’s known for amazing skiing opportunities and breathtaking off-piste terrains. People from all over the world flock to Verbier for unforgettable winter sports adventures that the weather in Verbier surely provides.

However, while skiing, ski touring, and of course, après-ski activities, are the main attractions for people who visit Verbier, that doesn’t mean inexperienced skiers won’t have anything to do in the resort. In fact, Verbier abounds with various hiking trails and other places you can enjoy without ever needing a pair of skis.

Lac des Vaux

Lac des Vaux Verbier during summer

Fishing and hiking enthusiasts will fall in love with Lac des Vaux, a mountain lake above Verbier which is also flanked by two somewhat small but still gleaming lakes. This spot is ideal for those who want to have a quiet picnic, an invigorating swim or a relaxing fishing stop.

The lake is an hour and a half walk from La Croix de Coeur. But if you want a longer route, you can take the Grand Tour of Lac de Vaux to reach the lake after a four-hour walk that takes you through the great wilderness of the Vallon d’Arbi.

Keep in mind that if you want to fish at this lake, you will have to acquire a permit at the tourist office in the ski resort La Tzoumaz.

Mont Gelé

Mont Gelé

Mont Gelé is just one of Verbier’s limitless peaks and it crests at 3,022 meters. If you want to get a full view of the Four Valleys ski area where Verbier is located, this is the perfect place to do so, as it has a 360° view of the area.

To reach the summit, you can take a cable car from Les Attelas. This is one of the favorite Verbier tourist destinations for experienced skiers, as it allows you to get the lie of the land or even take on some off-piste runs.

Mont-Fort

If you’re looking for an adventure and are willing to go the extra mile, Mont-Fort is the perfect place for you. This is the highest peak in the Four Valleys and to get there, you need to catch four cable cars. Keep in mind that those trips usually get gradually more dramatic and adventurous, so it’s not for everybody.

When you reach your destination, you will climb a stone stairway and be met with a breathtaking view. You’ll see the Matterhorn in the east, the west is graced by Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi, and finally, the Rhône Valley will be to the north.

Verbier Bike Park

Man jumping with bike on a mountain

We can’t talk about Verbier tourist destinations without mentioning the famous Bike Park, which is the ideal place for people looking for mountain biking adventures. All hardcore fans of downhill biking and lovers of speed will adore the 700m vertical drop in altitude.

There are various trails for mountain bikers of all levels so even those who aren’t so confident or skilled on mountain bikes can find a trail for them. If you want to enjoy the thrills of downhill biking amid breathtaking scenery, this is the perfect spot to do so.

Verbier Festival Academy

If you’re a lover of classical music and want to have a fun evening, this event is perfect for you. The Verbier Festival Academy is a classical music event that lasts for two weeks, from the end of July to the beginning of August. The event is a learning experience for as many as 50 budding soloists who are paired up with luminaries.

The festival has been around since 1994 and many famous names in the world of classical music have performed there. Some of the soloists who performed in 2017, for example, were Lera Auerbach, Evgeny Kissin, and András Schiff.

La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes

La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes in Verbier

La Réserve du Haut Val de Bagnes is the second largest nature reserve within Verbier’s boundaries and it has been around since 1968. It’s a hiker’s paradise and if you want to explore it on foot and enjoy the beautiful scenery, the best time to do that is during the summer months when there is no snow.

During your visit, you can take in the breathtaking landscape that includes bare peaks, lush pastures, and crystal-clear lakes. If you want to glimpse the Alpine wildlife, you can take the six-hour Chamois Trail and if you’re quiet enough, you’ll have a chance to spot them picking their way along the rocks.

Clambin

Nestled just above Verbier in a secluded forest, Clambin is a hidden hamlet where time seems to stand still, surrounded by serene mountain views. This tranquil spot is a 20-minute walk from Le Carrefour or a quick 10-minute ski from Les Ruinettes.

While there, don’t miss “Chez Dany,” a restaurant offering traditional cuisine with a creative twist, all made from fresh, local ingredients. 

Vallon d’Arbi

Between Verbier and La Tzoumaz lies the enchanting Vallon d’Arbi, a haven for nature lovers. Skiers can take on a challenging descent that begins just below Lac des Vaux, while hikers can start from La Tzoumaz and trek to the Chassoure mountain pasture. With its magical atmosphere, this hidden valley is a must-visit on your holiday itinerary.

Toboggan run

Another one of the best-known Verbier tourist destinations is the toboggan run, which is a popular activity anyone can enjoy, even non-skiers. You don’t need any training or special skills to go on the toboggan run, and you can even take your entire family to enjoy the run together.

This is the longest toboggan run in the entire Western Switzerland with an impressive 10 kilometers of length and descent of almost 850 meters. The trail itself is very well-groomed and the slopes are twisted in a way so they can’t ride without adult supervision, so a fun and safe time is guaranteed.

3D sculpture park

3D sculpture park in Verbier

Enjoy a gentle walk that combines nature, culture, and modern art along the path between Les Ruinettes and La Chaux. Located at an altitude of 2300 meters, this park is a collection of unique sculptures that are created by artists from all over the world.

This park is definitely something that both kids and adults can enjoy. It showcases art installations by international artists, blending creativity and nature into a unique experience for all visitors.

These artists are invited to visit Verbier every two years and create sculptures that are truly something unique. While they might not be to everyone’s taste, nobody can deny that the sculptures in the park are true works of art.

Verbier Chapel

The plan to build a chapel in Verbier emerged around 1680, yet its exact location was hotly debated. Finally, with a donation of 200 florins from Mathieu Bruchez, construction was completed in 1686 with a clerestory roof. 

In La Crettaz, daily rosaries were recited, though local lore suggests that residents of Bry and La Luy were not allowed to attend Mass there until 1787.

With only 15 seats, the original chapel soon proved to be too small. In 1866, through the generosity of the community and the guidance of Euchariste Besson, a new chapel was inaugurated—warm and welcoming, built entirely of stone.

This updated chapel retained the original chancel, altar, and paintings of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Bartholomew, accompanied by Saint Francis and Saint Mary Magdalene, honoring the chapel’s patrons, François Bruchez and Marie-Madeleine Courten. 

In 1874, a 274kg bell crafted by Treybaux in Vevey was added, and it still rings in the chapel today.

Cabane de Mille

The hike to Cabane de Mille in the Bruson region is both invigorating and scenic. The path to Mont-Brûlé offers stunning views all along the way, with Mont Blanc visible from the summit. 

After taking in the breathtaking vistas, stop by the Mille mountain hut to sample some authentic mountain specialties, and maybe even encounter some of the local Hérens cows.

Louvie Mountain Hut

Perched beside the serene, turquoise waters of Lac de Louvie in the wild Val de Bagnes, Cabane de Louvie invites you to explore the beauty of the Upper Val de Bagnes nature reserve. 

Take the lift to La Chaux and set off toward Col Termin on a steep path that brings you to the reserve, where chamois and ibex are often seen roaming freely. Once at the hut, pause to savor a hearty polenta gratin before descending to Fionnay.

Mauvoisin dam

If you’re interested in mega-structures, you can find one in the Upper Bagnes Valley near Verbier. It’s 250 meters high and is the tallest dam in the world. It also has a width of more than half a kilometer and can trap as much as 190 million cubic liters of water.

The dam was built way back in the 1950s and its primary use was to generate hydroelectric power, but it was also used to prevent floods and control how much sediment courses down the valley. If you climb to the top, you will be able to get photographic views of the entire reservoir.

There is a tunnel that leads to the top of the dam which has been turned into an exhibition/museum to explain how the dam was created. There, you can see many photos of men working in difficult and dangerous conditions that wouldn’t be acceptable today.

Via cordata

Man on the mountain via cordata

If you’re on the lookout for a destination that allows you to enjoy summer activities in Verbier, look no further than Via cordata. This two-kilometer long route was devised by local mountain guides and it allows you to ascend the last few hundred meters of Mont-Fort on foot.

Keep in mind that you need to have good hiking and climbing skills to handle Via cordata and if you want to ensure you’re on course, hire a guide to go with you. However, don’t be discouraged, since the Via cordata is a much safer environment than most mountain climbing spots.

Fondation Gianadda

The final entry in our list of the best Verbier tourist destinations is Fondation Gianadda, a somewhat big exhibition hall located in Martigny, east of Verbier. To get to it, you’ll need to drive through some beautiful mountain scenery.

The hall was constructed in the 1970s and it’s home to numerous temporary art exhibitions from influential artists. In 2017 alone, the hall showcased the works of Munch, Hodler, Monet, and Cézanne.

But there’s much more to the hall than just paintings, as visitors can also see a permanent collection of vintage cars as well as a sculpture garden that features pieces from many 20th-century artists.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that Verbier has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best and most popular tourist resorts in the world. Not only does it offer premium skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding for people of all skiing levels, but it’s also filled with so many tourist spots that there is something for everybody to enjoy.

No matter if you’re looking for some snow fun, hiking trails, art, music, sledding, biking, or some tranquility, there’s definitely a tourist spot for you. If at least one of these spots has caught your eye, make sure to find real estate for rent in Verbier quickly and have a holiday of a lifetime.