Family Hikes in and Around Verbier
For all nature lovers, Verbier offers so many things besides skiing. One of them, of course, is hiking. There are so many trails like Sentier des Mines, La Planie, Barefoot Path, Marmot Path, and so on. These family hikes in and around Verbier will make your family vacation unforgettable.
Verbier is famous for being one of the best skiing resorts in the world and there are many things to do in Verbier. It’s an ideal destination for people who want to enjoy a holiday alone and for those who want to bring their whole family and enjoy the beautiful Alps together.
If you’re a nature lover, there are many things Verbier has to offer besides skiing, one of which is hiking. If you and your family are looking for family hikes in and around Verbier that will provide you with all of the health benefits of hiking and take you through unforgettable places, you’ve come to the right place.
Sentier des Mines
The Sentier der Mines is a family hike that takes place on the Mont-Chemin which is on the northern extremity of the Mont-Blanc range. It’s 4.3 km long and lasts for 1h 30 min. It’s a circular walk and isn’t challenging so it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced hiker or not.
An interesting fact about Mont-Chemin is that it’s made out of marine sediment and crystalline rocks. Just beneath the surface, there are nearly 150 minerals.
This is a truly historical trail as lead, iron, and silver have been extracted from this area from as early as the beginning of the middle ages. You can see traces of these activities as you follow the Sentier des Mines which is a beautiful and natural environment.
Sentier des Sens
For a fun walk and an opportunity to learn something, take the 5.3 km long Sentier des Sens hike that loops around the forest of La Tzoumaz. The name translates to the Senses Trail and it puts a lot of focus on connecting all of your senses and providing you with a didactic experience.
On this trail, you will be taken back through time to the roots of the forest while you have discoveries around the five senses. Children can follow along with the five senses adventure booklet provided on this hike and learn facts about this trail.
Additionally, Sentier des Sens is accessible to people in wheelchairs and parents who want to bring children in strollers. The walk lasts for 1h 30 min.
La Planie
This hike is perfect for people who want to enjoy the scenery above the tree line but don’t want to deal with high differences in altitude. It starts at Croix-des-Ruinettes upper cable car station and ends at the Savoleyres upper cable car station while providing you with amazing views.
During this 6 km hike that lasts for 1 h 45 min, you will be presented with an unobstructed view of the Trient Valley which is located in the Swiss Mont Blanc region. Anyone who is looking for a walk with a panoramic view theme, look no further than La Planie as it will leave you breathless. It is one of the best family hikes in and around Verbier.
Panorama Path in Nendaz, Tracouet
As you can probably guess from the name, this walk provides you with a 360° panoramic view and it’s one of the most popular hikes in Valais since it’s very easy and only 2.5 km long. The panoramic view is of the Rhone Valley on one side and Mont Blanc and the French Alps on the other.
While on the hike, you will also learn a bit of information about the flora and fauna of that region so your children will be able to gain an appreciation for the nature surrounding them.
Barefoot Path
Get ready to be in touch with your natural senses again as you walk barefoot on sand, stones, grass, and through cold mountain water. To get to this trail, you need to go to the car park in Siviez and start your walk behind the first building where you’ll see a sign that indicates two bare feet.
At the end of the hike, you will reach a river that is an amazing place to have a picnic or just let your kids run around and explore nature. The trip there and back is only 2 km long, so it won’t be a strenuous activity.
Around Lake Tseuzier in Valais (Barrage)
This is a slightly longer walk and it’s a 4.6 km round trip, but it isn’t challenging at all. The hike starts across the dam where you can reach the lakeshore path. From there on, all you have to do is walk around and enjoy the scenery of waterfalls, rugged mountains, and magnificent trees.
While this trail is beautiful all year round, if you want to see an array of colors and enjoy the cleanest mountain air you ever experienced, it’s best to go during the autumn.
Chemin du Bicentenaire
This 2.5 km educational trail was created in 2015 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Valais joining the Swiss Confederation. It is located in one of the largest woodland pastures in Europe and takes you through captivating larch forests.
During the hike, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the canton and visit the 34 stations which are dedicated to exploring the flora, fauna, and geography of the bicentenary trail.
Marmot Path
If you’re an animal lover, don’t miss out on this family-friendly Valais hike. The hike starts at Siviez Tortin which you can reach by chairlift. While you’re on the lift, make sure to keep your eyes open for mountain marmots as these animals love to sunbathe on the alpine rocks.
When you reach the end of the chairlift, you can start your hike which is 3.5 km long and only goes downhill. On your way to the marmot area, you will pass a local cow barn where you might be able to buy some fresh Serac cheese this area is famous for.
The ending point of this tour is the marmot trail, but you might not be able to see any of them while you’re there because they don’t stick around if they smell people nearby. But you can still see these local animals from your chairlift.
Bisse de Torrent Neuf
If a regular hike sounds boring to you and you’re looking for a little bit of an adventure, then the Bisse de Torrent Neuf is perfect for you. This is a historical path that is very easy and child-friendly but not for the faint-hearted as it takes you through wobbly suspension bridges.
The length of the entire hike is 8 km one way and it’s filled with historic photographs that explain how the Bisse was made and show various interesting facts.
You don’t have to complete the entire hike if you’re not up for the task. But if you do, you will cross a total of four suspension bridges, each approximately 100 meters long. There’s no need to worry as they’re safe but if your children are really small, it’s best to keep a close eye on them while crossing the bridges.
It’s important to note that the hike isn’t available from November onward as well as during any wet weather and heavy rainfall as those are dangerous conditions.
Lac Derborence
Get away from the city noise and crowds and visit Derborence Valley in the Valais region. This area is a hidden treasure that is located between high mountain peaks and even getting there by car can be an adventure as there are many beautiful sceneries to enjoy.
When you reach Derborence, you can start your 1.3km around the lake and you can go in any direction you like. The path around the lake itself is breathtaking and filled with places that will make you want to stop and enjoy the nature reserve.
The lakeshore is perfect if you want to sit down and enjoy a peaceful day with your family and forget about all of your problems.
Part of the Bisse du Levron, Verbier
Finally, we have another easy and kid-friendly hike with incredible panoramic views for you and that is the hike around Bisse du Levron. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge as it involves taking a couple of cable cars and chair lifts, but the spectacular views are worth it.
This hike is 2 km long one way and it’s only possible if the cable car system is working. This is the only way to access the trail, so make sure to check the timetables of the cable cars.
Final thoughts
Verbier may be one of the best places in the world for skiing and snowboarding, but if you truly want to experience the beauty of Verbier and its surroundings, you need to do it on foot. There are many amazing family hikes in and around Verbier, and if you choose to visit them, it will be an unforgettable experience.
And while you’re in Verbier, your family will need a place to stay. One option is to rent, but if you plan on coming to Verbier often or even moving there, you should take a look a Verbier real estate for sale and find the perfect place for your family to stay.
