A skiers “seventh heaven”

As one of the world’s premier ski resorts, Verbier itself needs little introduction. This skiers “seventh heaven” across the 4 Vallées in Switzerland, is recognized as one of the most prominent "off-piste" resorts in the world.

With steep slopes, varied conditions, incredible snow quality and the glitziest resort culture in Europe, Verbier has thrilling opportunities for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Glide down over 410 km of runs as you feel the rush of alpine air hit your body. Come face to face with the mountain as you snowboard down some of the best off piste in the Alps. For an adrenaline rush off the skis, let your inner thrill seeker out, and soar through the sky as you enjoy a bird’s eye view of Verbier on a paraglider. Buzz round the ice track on an ice kart, go tobogganing, husky sledging or shoesnowing. For a real treat, take a helicopter ride around the Verbier valley and stop at the top of the mountain to enjoy a picnic served by a talented chef.

During the month of March, a true spectacle is Xtreme Verbier, the finals of the Freeride World Tour. Watch from half way up Mont Fort, as riders throw themselves down the impressive face of the Bec des Rosses.

Don’t be put off if you can’t visit Verbier during the winter season. During the summer months the resort is home to the Verbier Festival, a classical music festival of international acclaim, the Grand Raid Cristalp mountain biking competition and the Grand Concours Hippique horse show.

There is no doubt that Verbier is famous for what a ski resort should be famous for: skiing. However, it is said that you haven’t done après-ski until you have done après-ski in Verbier. On your way down the mountain, stop by La Rouge, order a burger and a beer and relax as you watch the sun descend behind the mountain from the restaurant’s terrace to the rhythm of grooves by resident DJs and guest artists. Let your ski boots turn into dancing shoes when you make an appearance at Pub Mont Fort and enjoy some champagne, Verbier’s signature drink.

After a full day of skiing and extreme sports, a soak in your chalet’s jacuzzi  -champagne flute in hand of course- is a must, before you throw on your most fashionable outfit and hit the town. Discover the contemporary gourmet menu featuring Swiss flavours with a distinctly Spanish edge at Arola. Enjoy dishes like carpaccio of langoustines, oxtail ravioli and the signature patatas bravas Arola. Enjoy delicious traditional local food at La Marmotte, or melt-in-your-mouth filet steak, or any of the chef’s international, modern and original dishes at Millenium. For fantastic traditional Swiss cuisine in a beautiful surrounding, book Chez Danny for dinner. After a meal of fondue, burn the calories off by tobogganing down the mountain to continue the party.

The nightlife in Verbier is as legendary as the skiing. Mingle with retired international Rugby players, millionaires and members of the British Royal family while sipping mojitos at Farinet Lounge Bar. Public Verbier, owned by Prince Harry’s pal, Guy Pelly, is the ultimate trendy spot. The younger crowd tends to head to either The Loft or the Farm Club, a partying institution in Verbier. T-Bar provides locals and returning seasonaires a nice refuge from the glam and glitz of Verbier and is a nice place to have a beer and listen to some live music.

In a town that contrasts luxury and ruggedness in the most glorious of ways, what you wear and what you drive can leave as deep a mark as your skis in the snow. Color-blocking is in, on and off the slopes. The main color schemes and tones for this season are inspired by the arctic as well as the deep woods. Contrasting colors, striking blues, pale greens and the never-out-of-style black, come this year accented with fur accents, beading, laser cut designs and other decorative details. Baggy pants and XXXL jackets are being evacuated right off the mountain and replaced by slimmer, more flattering skiwear.

To add the ultimate statement piece to your Verbier vacation, arrive in the ever powerful BMW X5. This season, ride on and off the mountain with panache.