Verbier

Ok, whos been and can give me some tips on where the best runs are, which part of the 4 valleys is best to ski, what time the first lift is out of town, and some tips on a couple of good drinking holes?

Tony_H wrote:Ok, whos been and can give me some tips on where the best runs are

With current conditions, the best runs are all over everywhere... 8)

Montfort for steep and deep (steep and nasty if the snow's hard). Itineraries likely to be in superb condition (but need caution sometimes); col des Mines and Tortin are great runs. Savoleyres (sp?) has some good fun freeride areas as an alternative to the main Verbier sector, and Bruson is worth the trek (gondola down to le chable and then short bus/taxi) as there are great slopes and few people.

Worth getting hold of a piste map before you go and planning your first day or two.

Tony_H wrote:what time the first lift is out of town, and some tips on a couple of good drinking holes?

Main lifts start with Medran at the top of the village - bit of a bottleneck first thing on busy (or powder) days but you should be fine; it moves lots of people fast. Or grab a bus down to Savoleyres and start there.

Offshore bar by the Medran lift is the place for a swift one straight off the slopes, Farinet in the centre for loud-n-lagered apres; often have good bands or DJs. Pub Montfort popular and varies from mild to wild and back. Many other places but be careful of prices.

If you go to my apartment rental website at www.laforet35.com click on the 'Skiing Guide' link and this has a run-down of the skiing around Verbier. If you're travelling via Geneva and want directions, I also have maps of the airport, carhire pickup and autoroutes to La Tzoumaz - click on the NEW GUIDE link above.

Note that the Skiing Guide is best read alongside a map of the ski area (which is probably downloadable from www.verbier.ch). Plus I disclaim all liability re. the guide - it's not meant as a substitute for the official piste map and common sense.

La Tzoumaz is linked to Verbier via Savoleyres and considerably cheaper, but definitely is more of a family resort. Verbier has more night-life but can be pricey. There's a new fast telecabine out of La Tzoumaz, opens around 8.45am. Personally, I'd recommend contacting an Agency in Verbier, La Tzoumaz or Veysonnaz and book yourself an apartment - In La Tzoumaz this'll cost around £650 for a week, for a 2-bedroom apartment with parking.

Hi

If you fancy getting away from the crowds you may wish to try the Thyon area, lots of great skiing and off piste. This is the area to head to if you are looking to experience the more traditional Switzerland, try the piste de L'Ours or stop at Chottes for lunch. This is the more relaxed end of the 4 valleys which has a great atmosphere.

All sounds good advice, thanks.

MSEJ449 - already got travel and accommodation sorted, thanks )

Just wanted to know where to head to for the best skiing, quiestest slopes, and cheapest cafes. Sounds like I now have something of a plan....

OK, so if you're in Verbier, then for eating: avoid the new Carlsberg chalet (bang in the middle of the main slopes down to Ruinettes) as this seems pricey to me. The buvette (outdoor cafe) at La Chaux is Ok for a snack. I like the cafe at the Cole de Gentianes which is reasonably-priced and you can warm your clothes on the radiators. There are fantastic views from the Cabaine du Mt.Fort on the run down from the Col de Gentianes, but it's mainly outdoor and can be busy.

On the Savoleyres/La Tzoumaz side the cafe at Savoleyres is reasonably-priced and quite pleasant. My favourite is Chez Simon, on the northern side, which is just above the 6-man chair up to Savoleyres. The Baratin is a boarders cafe with good views but mainly outdoors, but I've been short-changed there more than once.

Skiing-wise, the La Tzoumaz side is good for the afternoon, when the main Verbier slopes get busy. I love the long run down from the top of Savoleyres (exit the side with the 6-man chair and go across the slope) which. if you keep left and go under the 6-man, takes you right down to the telecabine at La Tzoumaz - about 800 vertical metres in one run.

If you prefer to ski around a bit, don't go right down to the telecabine at La Tzoumaz: turn left just before the road goes in a tunnel under the piste, right below the 'baby slope' and catch the 2-man chair back up. At the top of the 2-man turn right and either take a break at Chez Simon, or ski to the 6-man back up to Savoleyres. Walk out the reataurant sode at Sasvoleyres and take either the red (ahead, to the left ) or the blue (to the right) for more gentle skiing.

Thanks for the advice people. I assume that you recommend the 4 valleys pass then, in order to get to Thyon etc?
Is it easy and fairly quick to get about between the valleys - for example, how long would it take from the Medran lift to get to Siviez, Thyon, Nendaz or Veysonnaz?

Hi

If you are a ok skier, yes buy a 4 Valleys pass, it should take you between 1.5-2.5 hours to ski from Verbier to Thyon, this is a very rough estimate, dependent on ability and how many people are on the slopes. If you do get to Thyon La Cambuse is also a great place to eat.

Have a great holiday.

Helen