Verbier Switzerland - The original Charm of A Big Mountain Village
Many Swiss Ski Resorts market themselves as the biggest, or even the mightiest. Verbier Switzerland is indeed not only the largest Swiss ski resort but also one of the largest luxury ski resorts in Europe with 412 km (256 miles) of ski pistes. This chic and cosmopolitan village is ideally located on a terrace at an altitude of 1,500 m (4,921 ft). The houses built in the traditional chalet style, lend the place the original charm of a big mountain village with magnificent views of the Swiss Alps. Verbier Switzerland connects to the Four Valleys Ski Area, an Eldorado for winter sport lovers. That means that when you have the appropriate Ski Lift Pass, you may also use the facilities at the ski resorts of Bruson, Evolène, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Thyon 2000/Les Collons and Veysonnaz. The highlight forms the Mont Fort Glacier situated at 3,300 m (10,826 ft) above sea level. Three quarters of the one million annual overnight stays in Verbier Switzerland are during the winter. That is no reason to visit only during the winter. In fact, the region offers 400 km of hiking trails that lead you through valleys and to mountain tops. 
At the edge of the forest of Verbier is a demanding 18-hole golf course (par 70) as well as an 18-hole approach golf course.Besides, this exclusive Valais resort is a paradise for Para gliders. In the middle of the town, there is also a sports centre with indoor swimming pool and a heated outdoor swimming pool, a covered ice rink, curling rink, tennis courts, fitness centre, squash halls, parapenting, ice climbing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, walking trails, golf, mountain biking, kids corner, sauna, solarium, Turkish bath, and a vast array of tempting shops and boutiques. This charming village is one of the Swiss ski resorts that attracts celebrities from all over the world. Singer/songwriter James Blunt bought a property at the resort; I predict that he may relocate there soon to escape the heavy UK tax burden. Diana Ross, another popular celebrity owns a Swiss chalet in Verbier. Also regularly seen is star chef James Martin since his retirement at the young age of only 35. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark celebrated her 35th birthday not long ago together with her husband Crown Prince Frederik and their 2-year-old son Christian. Last season in February 2007, Princess Beatrice, 18, and her mother Sarah Ferguson enjoyed again some time skiing on the biggest Swiss ski resort. Après-Ski in Verbier Switzerland Bars & Clubs Verbier's nightlife is as legendary as its skiing, maybe a touch quieter than St Moritz or Zermatt. I do not know the bar scene that well like in Zermatt where I was employed as a helicopter pilot. However, to mind come the Pub Mont Fort (027/771 48 98) and the discotheque Farm Club in the hotel Rhodania which both are fully in British hands. The Farm Club caters more to an older and more sophisticated crowd. Others are the Fer à Cheval (027/771 26 69), Farinet (027/771 66 26), located at the Hotel Farinet at place centrale, Le Millénium, rue de Médran (027/771 99 00) or La Marmotte (027/771 68 34). Restaurants in Verbier Switzerland In Verbier, one eats like in a post card idyll during the winter season. Firs are standing in the snow and all around the village overlooking the beautiful mountains with blue skies. Unfortunately the best restaurant with regional and international specialties, Le Rosalp (027/771 63 23) is now closed until the summer 2009 for renovations. At the same location, you can also enjoy La Pinte du Rosalp. Until in April of 2007, award-winning chef Roland Pierroz was the owner of both restaurants and the Hotel Le Rosalp. Now retired, he sold it to a former Swiss soccer player in the hope that it stays the best gourmet restaurant in the area. The dining room of the Hôtel Montpelier also attracts a very international clientele in the style of a Swiss chalet. Chef Stéphane Favel only cooks with luxury food products, which is somewhat normal when serving high-end guests. As is the case in the trendy King's restaurant with stuffed leather couches, arched windows, and a roaring fireplace. The restaurant Au Vieux Verbier (027/771 16 68) also has exquisite gourmet food and good service. If you like the typical Swiss dishes Raclette or Fondue, La Channe Valaisanne (027/771 15 75) serves you in a very comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Hotels in Verbier Switzerland There are only 23 hotels, in fact it is a feature of the resort that chalet accommodations out-numbers hotel beds ten-to-one. Therefore, it is not advisable to arrive in the village without a hotel reservation. The best way to get around that, is to book a ski chalet booked from home. Closed for renovations until 2009 is the Hotel Le Rosalp, a picturesque chalet is located in the hearth of the village. The former owner and star chef Roland Pierroz retired in April 2007. Also in chalet style is the hotel Le Chalet d'Adrien with magnificent views overlooking the Swiss Alps. It is situated about 15 minutes from the village centre close to the ski lifts. These are the only two 5-star hotels in the resort. As an alternative I recommend one of the 4-star hotels, like the Kings Park Hotel (027/775 20 10), Montpelier (027/771 61 31) or Vanessa (027/775 28 00). Events The Kings Fashion Show (027/775 20 10) takes place every year in mid December. For this year (2007), it takes place on Friday and Saturday December 14/15 on the opposite side of the Nevai Hotel. The horse friends of this resort together with Yves Luginbühl organize the International tournament of Verbier (027/771 11 47) on January 11, 2008. The Concert des Amis, this festival is on Saturday, February 9, 2008 with Marie-Stéphanie Janecek and Gérard Wyss. The church of the resort organizes the concert of the Kammerensemble of Cologne (027/775 38 88) on January 22, 2008. You hear music from J.S. Bach, G.D. Händel, A. Scarlatti, A. Vivaldi, and G.P. Telemann. The concert starts at 8:30 pm. The Grand Concour Hippique (027/775 38 88) is on August 2, 2008 where some of Europe's best riders compete with a majestic scenery in the background. How to get to Verbier Switzerland By Car By Air Return from Verbier Switzerland to Swiss Ski Resorts Return from Verbier Switzerland to High End Travel Switzerland Home Page
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From the European royals Prince William and his ex-girlfriend Kate Middleton from the UK visited regularly this resort. 