Verbier, Switzerland

* Some of the greatest advanced and off-piste skiing in the world...

* Lively but sophisticated après-ski...

* Spectacular setting...

Beautifully positioned on a sunny shelf high above the Rhône valley, Verbier is a world class resort with a reputation for some of the toughest skiing in the Alps.

Composed almost entirely of chalets, it is also an attractive resort with a lively but sophisticated après-ski scene.

Verbier at a glance...

Resort height:	1500m
Slopes:	1400-3025m	(1400-3330m - 4 Valleys)
Pistes:	203km	(410km - 4 Valleys)
Snow rating:	☆☆☆☆☆

Suitability			Skiing
Beginners	☆☆☆☆☆		Blue runs	●	49%
Intermediate	☆☆☆☆☆		Red runs	●	27%
Advanced	☆☆☆☆☆		Black runs	●	24%

Resort			Transfer time
Charm	☆☆☆☆☆		Sion	1hr
Convenience	☆☆☆☆☆		Geneva	2hr
Après-ski	☆☆☆☆☆
Family	☆☆☆☆☆
Non-skiers	☆☆☆☆☆

Snow reliability

General snow cover	4/5
Snow quality – upper	4/5
Snow quality – lower	3/5
Resort level snow	3/5
Powder potential	4/5

The skiing

For expert terrain, particularly off-piste, Verbier is up there with the very best of them. The slopes also have considerable attractions for intermediates, with over 400km of pistes spread across a multitude of ridges and valleys that encompass many other resorts.

The upper slopes of Verbier offer a real high mountain feel and exceptional panoramic views that add to the sense of drama and adventure. Complete beginners have a reasonable choice of village level nursery slopes, but this is definitely a resort best appreciated by the more experienced.

The resort

Verbier is an attractive chalet-style village with an impressive setting and sweeping views over the Rhône valley. An animated town centre and vibrant après scene draw in an ever more sophisticated international crowd.

Although essentially a resort for serious skiers, there are plenty of off-slope activities include swimming, dog sledding, tobogganing and plenty of winter walking.