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| VERBIER - SWITZERLAND Verbier is a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais. It is part of the "Four Valleys" ski area, which includes the ski resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, and Thyon. Verbier is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" resorts worldwide. Many top skiers have settled in the resort in order to take advantage of the steep slopes, varied conditions and vibrant nightlife. Verbier is also a popular holiday destination for celebrities, including Sarah Ferguson, Diana Ross, James Blunt and The Crown Prince Couple of Denmark: Frederik and Mary. It caters to many British customers, but it receives a lot of German, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Belgian, French, Austrian and American visitors too. SKIING Verbier’s ski domain ranges from 1500m (the town itself) to 3330m (Mont Fort).The ski area is divided into four sectors: Les Ruinettes, Les Savoleyres, Bruson and the resort itself. Verbier forms the western section of the 4 Valleys ski area. A common ski pass allows to tour all the way from Verbier to La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, to Thyon and back. The Verbier section of the 4 Valleys ski area has lifts made by Leitner, CWA, Poma and Garaventa AG; they are operated by Téléverbier SA. Most lifts were constructed during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. In Verbier alone there are 35 lifts (within the Verbier, Savoleyeres/La Tzoumaz and Bruson sector). A standard Verbier pass gives access to this entire sector, 33 standard ski runs, two snow parks, one "Jardin de Neige" (a relatively flat area that is used for small children learning to ski), four cross- country pistes and two walking areas. Verbier's Official website offers lots of valuable info, including booking hotels, finding jobs, winter rentals, etc. Verbier has seven snowsport schools, three companies that organise Mountain Guides, plus a few independent Mountain Guides. HOW TO REACH Verbier actually comprises two villages. The higher one is called Verbier, and the lower one is called Le Chable. Le Chable is probably where you will arrive first, no matter how you get in. Train access is provided by the Swiss Federal Railway, with hourly service to Le Chable from main-line Martigny in the valley below. The journey takes 20 minutes, but is perfectly timed for the arrival of the main-line train between Geneva Airport and Brig (or Milan). During the winter there is also direct access (to Martigny) by TGV from Paris and Dijon. For the trip up to Verbier village from Le Chable you can either take a bus or, if you have a ski pass, the cable car. If you are flying in for a ski holiday you will probably use Geneva Airport. If, however, you are flying into Zurich take the train to Brig and transfer there for the train to Geneva, transferring again at Martigny. The A9 autoroute runs along the floor of the Valais. From Martigny a local road takes you up to Le Chable. From there you can take public transportation or, if you are brave, the winding mountain road up to Verbier. |