Verbier. The Freeride Capital of The Alps.
Verbier is a ski resort located in the Val de Bagnes, a valley located south of Martigny, in the Swiss canton of Valais. Perched on a sunny plateau at 1,500 meters facing the Grand Combin massif, Verbier has carefully maintained its charm as an alpine village. The town's houses are built in the typical Swiss chalet style.
Verbier is the gateway to the “4 Vallées”, one of the largest ski areas in Europe. The ski area connects the resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. Comprised of 92 lifts and 412km of ski runs, it is the largest ski area located entirely in Switzerland. The "4 Vallées" attracts snowsport enthusiasts of all ages and levels, and offers a magnificent setting thanks to its unparalleled sun exposure, and great snow quality. From Mont-Fort, the ski area’s culminating point (3,330m), visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc.
Verbier is known for its off-piste and itinerary runs. The ski resort is one of only a few resorts to contain a mountain with no pistes coming down it (Mont Gelé, 3023 m). The peak is accessible by cableway from Les Attelas. Amongst these are popular mogul fields Tortin, Gentianes, Mont Fort and Plan du Fou as well as more advanced itineraries Vallon D'Arbi and Mont Gelé. Notable off-piste runs are the Backside of Mont Fort, Bec des Etagnes, Stairway to Heaven, Highway, Marlenaz, Croix de Coeur, Bacombe, Col des Mines, Creblets, Couloir de la Banane, Col de la Mouche, The Rocky Garden, The Hidden Valley (down to Auddes-sur-Riddes), Couloir des Dix, Col de la Banane, and the less accessible Bec des Rosses, annual host for the finals of the Freeride World Tour.
Since its inception in 1996 the "Xtreme" has been considered the most prestigious Freeride competition in the world. For the grande finale of the Freeride World Tour the elite of Freeride went to the mythical North Face of the Bec des Rosses, a dauntingly steep and frighteningly jagged 500m rock-face. In places, the Bec des Rosses presents 55 degrees of slope. In an upright position one can almost lean on the face with ones elbow. With steep and narrow couloirs, high rock cliffs, changing snow and terrain, it demands technical skill, great physical conditioning and a connection with the mountain that only experience can bring.
