Sam Scott's Verbier

Verbier: where we party hard, ski harder. While the 250 miles of piste areas offer plenty for intermediates, Verbier attracts those who like a challenge – whether on the hairy black runs or ample freeride terrain. Thanks to its high altitude, microclimate, and snow-making, Verbier is one of a handful of places that enjoys a six-month ski season. Add in some of the world’s top slopeside restaurants and luxury brands, and you have a resort that royalty, popstars, and locals covet in equal measure, all year round. I’m so lucky to call it home.

01 - On top of the world

In 2022, Verbier was voted Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort for the fourth time in five years, and the World’s Best Ski Resort for a second year running, in the World Ski Awards. What makes the resort so attractive? We could attribute, broadly, two things: location and longevity. Verbier is just two hours from Geneva by train. In Savills index of global ski resorts, Verbier ranks as one of the most resilient to climate change.

02 - For all seasons

There’s more to Verbier than skiing. As the snow melts away, people flock to the green hills to hike, bike, and climb. In the summer, you’ll find paragliders soaring through the air, buoyed by the thermal columns at Les Ruinettes. For those seeking a more cultural affair, Verbier Festival hosts great and aspiring musicians from around the world – culminating in the orchestral concert at the top of Mont Fort, the highest summit of the Four Valleys.

03 - Bringing it home

Every March, the Freeride World Tour sees the best skiers and snowboarders compete in individual events and for the title of World Champion. Verbier is where it all began in 1996 and, fittingly, where it all ends each year. Following an ultimate test on the north face of Bec de Rosses, which towers at 3,222m and is peppered with rocks and steep shots, the season’s winners are rightfully crowned.

04 - The height of haute cuisine

There’s a rather decadent food scene in Verbier. In the heart of the town, La Table d’Adrian boasts a Michelin star and refined French fare. Meanwhile, at Eat-Hola, chef Sergi Arola puts a creative twist on tapas, with signature dishes such as sea bass tiradito and paella martajada. Elsewhere, there’s a range to suit every taste and budget, from traditional pub grub to on-piste pizza. Shed does an unbeatable burger.

05 - Brand-new company

The latest luxury brands have arrived in Verbier – including French fashion house Zadig and Voltaire and German sports brand Bogner – and more are following in their trail. At the foot of the slopes, La Maison Valmont Verbier reaches the height of aesthetics, offering luxury skincare surrounded by fine art curated by Didier Guillon. Here, a signature Energie des Glaciers starts at CHF200 for an hour’s treatment. Meanwhile, the W Residences offer one of the best spots to bed down, as guests can request whatever they want, whenever they want – from state-of-the-art ski equipment to private jet service.

06 - Off the slopes

Grab a bulletproof coffee from Arctic, laden with coconut oil and plant butter, and browse the many galleries. In AIFA, you’ll find contemporary Japanese art from the likes of Namika Nakai – known for her unique technique of stretching clay by hand and rolling it into exquisite ribbons. If you haven’t tired of the fresh air, the newly opened platform on Mont Fort offers panoramic views of the entire Alpine chain, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

07 - A bright future

I prefer to live in the moment – that’s a big part of the culture here, after all – but there are reasons to be cheerful. Visitor numbers are up, and we’re investing in Verbier’s year-round appeal. The world’s highest zipline opened in 2020, which carries passengers at rocketing speeds over the Tortin glacier. The number of overnight stays in chalets and flats during the summer has risen by almost 10% in just seven years. Meanwhile, Téléverbier has set out an ambitious 15-year plan to sustainably develop and improve the ski lifts, slopes, and snow-making facilities, which will cement Verbier’s position as a world-class ski destination for decades to come.