Winter Family Activities in Verbier
Verbier is a ski resort famous for amazing off-piste skiing and great nightlife, but it’s also a perfect place for a family vacation. There are so many activities you can enjoy with your loved ones, from husky åsled rides and winter hiking to hut sleepovers and snowshoeing.
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Family ski holidays in Verbier are extremely popular among adults and kids because there is a long list of things to do there. And when you spend such a holiday in Verbier, you’ll always want to come back.
Delicious Family Dinner
If you’ve talked with people who have been to Verbier, you know that there’s a great family-friendly restaurant in Verbier that you have to visit. It’s called Chez Dany and it’s a slope-side restaurant hidden away in the woods of Clambin.
This place is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Verbier thanks to its delicious food, cozy lodge interior, and warm atmosphere that never fails to deliver. The food is made from locally sourced and fresh ingredients.
Pick up your little ones and your significant other and walk the 15-minute walk from the town center to Clambin. There you will be collected by the snowcat and transported to the Chez Dany restaurant.
However, there is something you absolutely need to try on your way back. Bring a head torch and toboggan and make your descent from the restaurant with an amazing ride back into Verbier. You and your loved ones will never forget this experience.
Hut Sleepover
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Spending a night in a traditional mountain hut in Verbier can be a really nice event for all the family. Imagine climbing up and staying in a secluded mountain hut where you get to share your thoughts in front of a warm fireplace while you wait for your food to be cooked.
Cabane Mont-Fort, sitting at a whopping 2,457m, offers a little more luxury than other traditional mountain huts while providing its guests with a pretty rustic experience. It is located below the Bec des Rosses and can be reached from both the Verbier or Nendaz ski lifts and the La Chaux-Gentiannes gondola.
Pack your things, take the last lift, and ski down to the cabin or try snowshoeing to the place.
Ski School
Skiing can be a great hobby and a winter activity that will keep you and your family in good health. But if your children are still not familiar with skiing, they should go to a ski school and learn how to do it.
To take full advantage of your Verbier family ski pass, you first need to graduate from skiing school. The instructors are familiar with working with kids at several ski schools, including European Snowsport, Altitude, and Swiss Ski School.
Allow your children to learn how to master the slopes of Verbier early on and you’ll surely come back every year for a ski holiday.
Husky Sled Rides
Husky sled rides or TakiTrek rides are something kids simply adore. They are the good old dog sled rides that are always fun and one of the relaxing activities where you get to take in the beauty of Swiss nature.
As a family, you can book a tour that will take you from Ruinettes through a cross-country 5km course with just a sled and your team of dogs. The adrenaline will be pumping and you’ll get to see the beautiful scenery of winter Verbier. This is indeed a must-do activity if you want to experience the best family ski holidays Verbier can offer.
However, keep in mind that there is a half-day initiation process where your guide will introduce you to the dogs and show you the ropes so that you can harness them and ride with them on the snow.
A quick stop for a break or a chat is available and you can get a photo with the whole pack of dogs ‘powering’ the tour. Keep in mind that some adults find it a bit physically demanding, but kids won’t have such troubles since they can ride in your lap.
Snowshoeing
Did you know that Verbier has some stunning ranges and winter trails that cover the whole valley? That’s where you can really do some great snowshoeing.
If you do snowshoeing, you and your loved ones will get to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the mountain. You’ll get to see this world-famous place from a different perspective and you’ll definitely like it.
So, buckle up and bring your little ones with you. There are guided tours of these trails that suit groups of all abilities. You can even choose a nightfall track if you want to see what this magic looks like when the sun goes down.
Ice Skating
The skating rink in Parc de Loisirs is a winter wonderland for all ages. Begin with a thrilling ride down the giant ice slide, where you can hop onto a large inflatable ring and zoom along, everyone laughing and cheering together.
Afterwards, lace up your skates and take to the spacious 450m² rink, perfect both for beginners and pros. For a magical finishing touch, glide along the enchanting ice path under a canopy of twinkling stars. It’s a delightful way for the whole family to embrace the season and create unforgettable memories.
Climbing (Indoor)
In the winter, it’s very unlikely that you’ll want to make a change of scenery and take a break from winter activities. But just in case, you should know that indoor climbing is a great option for your family if you decide to step back from the magical outdoors.
Verbier has a sports center that features great indoor climbing facilities. It has a 600m2 wall designed for climbing where you and your loved ones can pick from more than 50 climbing routes for a range of abilities.
Keep in mind that children under 14 need to be accompanied by their caretaker. The equipment is available there for rent and if you need a climbing course, you can also take one there.
Experience Verbier Spas
This is not a winter activity per se but similarly to indoor climbing, it is worth considering.
When you get tired from skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring the magical mountain range and Verbier, wouldn’t it be lovely to take a few hours off your day and get a rejuvenating massage?
Verbier has a lot of day spas, massage parlors, and treatment facilities if you want to unwind and relax for a moment.
There are even sports therapists and professional masseurs available who can cater to your specific needs if you need to address a particular pain point on your body. Wellness and spa centers are easy to find since almost all hotels have them and they are open to outside visitors.
Cross-country Skiing
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Verbier takes special pride in its four designated cross-country skiing circuits. These vary in length from 2.4km to 6km and they are suitable for skating or classic-style cross-country skiing.
You and your loved ones can rent XC ski boots, light skis, and poles at an affordable price from most sports stores in Verbier.
If you guys are not familiar with this activity, you can book a group or private lesson where you’ll go through the basics before you embark on your own journey. On top of that, various companies offer Nordic skiing guiding, tours, and lessons too.
Winter Hiking
Hiking in Verbier is always great, but it becomes very special during the snowy season.
If you like going on a good hike, this just might do it for your family. Leave the buzz of Verbier and hike on foot to the ruins of Le Chateau along a winter trail through the woods with stunning views of Valais and the Rhone Valley. You will appreciate the amazing landscapes and you can rest assured that your family will never forget them.
Discover the Alps Through Heli-skiing
This activity is a bit expensive, but it’s worth every penny you’re going to spend on it.
Discovering the Alps through heli-skiing is an amazing experience. You’ll get to experience everything from above on a helicopter and you should take in as much as you can.
You and your family can fly above the famous summits of Mont-Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Les Dents Blanches. You can then take a descent when you feel like you have reached a comfortable track.
Childcare Services
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that during the winter months, a range of childcare options is available. Moreover, local ski schools often accept children aged three and up, offering half-day or full-day sessions. For an additional fee, they can also provide lunch.
Final Thoughts
Verbier can be amazing if you manage to pick great activities for your family. Fortunately enough, you can’t make a mistake when choosing, but make sure to head to the tourist office for more information on each activity.
If you want to have a family ski holiday in Verbier, you’ll need a place to stay while you’re here. So, take a look at available Verbier real estate for rent. Finding great accommodation will only add to the adventure for your family.
