Skiing the Alps at Verbier

This winter saw little snow. Verbier, one of the most famous ski areas in Switzerland was no exception, until heavy snowfall brought 30 to 50 cm of fine powder. It can all happen in a blink.

Verbier lies in the French speaking part of Switzerland, in the Region of Valais, not far from Geneva, about 1 ½ hours by car or coach. The village itself is on a plateau at 1500m with views of both the Swiss and French Alps. The ski region goes up to 3300m onto the top of Mont Fort. From there you can choose your way down by intermediate or difficult passages down to the village – in all, there are 200 km of ski ways.

For the last several years, I rent a small studio for one week and spend a ski holiday in Verbier. I love Verbier. Not only for the fantastic skiing but also for the fantastic views of the Alps, and the excellent restaurants in the village and its international atmosphere. Besides Anglo Saxons there are French, Russians, and a few Swiss.

When we arrived, the outlook of our balcony looked green even though there was a way to ski down to the village – on artificial snow. Up at 2000m to 3000m there was just enough snow to ski, but much of it was hard and icy in patches.

However, the weather changed dramatically and heavy snow fell during the night. The next morning, the outlook was totally changed.

The chalets and the trees now covered in a thick blanket that invited skiing. My outlook also changed. I hit the slopes!
Even if some of the big rocks where not entirely covered by snow, I could always find a run. I wanted to explore the mountain a little, but free riding remained dodgy from poor visibility and the danger of avalanches – so I stayed close to the lifts.

During the next few days I had a few good runs, but even when visibility was low, I made new friends at the mountain chalet. Of course, I loved the views even when the skiing is not at its best. I am always inspired by fresh snow in the trees.

For those interested in knowing more, Verbier hosts events nearly every weekend. During my visit, “X-treme” brought some the best professional free riders to show their turns and jumps down the steep hill of Bec des Rosses (see www.xtremeverbier.com/en/gallery/galleries/index.php take a look at the gallery or the whole slideshow. The amazing downhills are shown at the first pictures and in the third part, whereas in the middle there are too many pictures of the price delivery.)

As I finished this year’s ski holiday, I realized I had enjoyed the wintry slopes in springtime! I would have enjoyed a few more sunny days. Perhaps next year and maybe still enjoy a new fallen snow!

For all skiers coming to Verbier after me this snowfall was necessary. It also means more springtime skiing – especially for ski trekking – and why Verbier is a fantastic suggestion for visitors to Switzerland!

For more information about Verbier see: www.verbier.ch

Written and Photographed by Aschi Haas

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Last 3 posts by Aschi Haas

• Aschi Haas - November 29th, 2006
• Trekking in Switzerland from Zurich to Geneva - November 24th, 2006

Written by Aschi Haas

Last 3 posts by Aschi Haas

• Aschi Haas - November 29th, 2006
• Trekking in Switzerland from Zurich to Geneva - November 24th, 2006

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