Verbier, an Alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, is set to deliver one of its most ambitious ski seasons yet. From November 2025 right through to the end of April 2026 – a total of 151 skiable days – winter sports lovers will have half a year to carve up Switzerland’s most iconic terrain.
Weekend-only access starts the season in November before the full lift system opens daily from early December. High-altitude pistes up to 2,700m and extensive snowmaking (63% coverage) make for reliable conditions from the first snowfall to spring’s final après-ski.
Two rapid gondolas whisk skiers from the 1,500m village to summit terrain in under 11 minutes – meaning powder laps before breakfast are practically a given.
Verbier anchors the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest linked ski area, with 410km of pistes and six contrasting bases to explore: stylish Verbier, peaceful Bruson, wild Haut Val de Bagnes, authentic Vollèges, family-friendly La Tzoumaz and easily accessible Le Châble – connected directly by lift from the train station. With over 6,000 beds and the UK still its No.1 international market, Verbier blends scale with soul.
It’s also the birthplace of modern freeride. From the rebellious Team Clambin movement of the 1970s to the world-famous Xtreme Verbier on the fearsome Bec des Rosses (returning 28 March to 5 April 2026), the resort remains the spiritual home of big mountain skiing.
What’s new for winter 2025-2026
Verbier isn’t just coasting on its reputation – it’s reinventing for the next generation of skiers and adventure lovers. Here’s what’s fresh:
- End of an era – the Savoleyres Gondola retires: Switzerland’s oldest operating gondola (dating from 1970) runs its final winter. Its colourful cabins – icons of vintage Verbier – will be auctioned off in summer 2026. Its replacement, the new Les Esserts–Savoleyres Télémixte, launches this season, combining gondola cabins and chairlifts for faster access between Verbier and La Tzoumaz – a major connectivity upgrade for both skiers and families. The upper section opens this winter; the lower section follows in 2026.
- New Lac des Vaux chairlift: The aging Lac II lift has been replaced with a modern high-speed chair. This improves access to the Col de Chassoure – one of Verbier’s most beloved freeride itineraries – cutting queues and opening up fresh powder faster.
- Le Chaman – Verbier’s new après-meets-gastronomy hotspot: Opening December 2025 on the site of former Chez Martin. A chic “bistronomic” concept: elevated cuisine without the formality. Expect local seasonal produce, rotating menus, live events, après-ski cocktails and elegant dinners. A vast, sun-soaked terrace overlooks the Alps, while the interior blends rustic charm with surprising design touches.
100 years of Cabane Mont Fort
Sitting at 2,457m overlooking glaciers and jagged peaks, Cabane Mont Fort – one of the Haute Route’s most iconic refuges – celebrates its centenary in 2025.
Built in 1925 by the Swiss Alpine Club, it remains a living museum of mountain culture. To mark the milestone, a ceremonial mass will be held on 13 December, led by the Canons of Great St. Bernard and accompanied by 100 uniformed mountain guides, ending with a torchlit descent of 100 skiers — a fiery tribute to a century of adventure. See more at cabanemontfort.com/evenements
April 2026: Verbier’s season-ending festival month
From 1-30 April 2026, the resort transforms into a month-long festival of skiing, music, gastronomy and culture. Expect slope-side DJ sets and closing parties; kids’ events and immersive games; culinary showcases and pop-up tastings; and flagship events like the Verbier Art Summit and Ultime Session.
For more information see verbier.ch
Image: verbier4vallees.ch