Verbier Overview

There are two spectacular skiing events held at Verbier: XSpeed and Verbier Ride. The XSpeed ski races where top-speed skiers go from 3330m on the Mont Fort hitting speeds of 200km an hour are held in April. Verbier Ride, one of the top freeskiing competitions in the world, is held in the La Chaux snow park in January.

Not to be missed is the 10-kilometer-long toboggan run at La Tzoumaz with a drop of 848 meters - crash helmets required and children accompanied.

A must-do is a visit to the top of the Mont Fort with its unforgettable view so even if you are a beginner get up there before you leave and enjoy it. If you have a Four Valleys ski pass you will not have to pay extra for the cable car. For competent skiers there is the possibility of staying in the somewhat Spartan Cabane Mont Fort at 2457 meters. The only access is on skis. Julien, who has been staying there for years told us "Amazing, you're on top of the world, sunset and sunrise over the clouds, the world of the every day are little specks of light far below. You should come and see for yourself".

Verbier has an excellent reputation for the quality and range of cuisine available through its 60 or so restaurants.

Breakfast

The Mont Fort Igloo is the highest igloo bar in Europe at 3,300 metres. For the breakfast of a lifetime take the cable cars to the summit of the Mont Fort and have coffee while you take in the 110 different peaks from Wildhorn, via the Diableret, the Jungfrau, the Weisshorn, the Matterhorn and of course Mont Blanc.

The Cristal offers an excellent brunch from 8 a.m until 10 a.m at a mere 2,200 metres. This is the much revamped Les Runiettes restaurant.

In the resort itself non-residents can breakfast on the rather smart terrace of the Chalet Adrien where they serve breakfast from a very business-like 7.30 a.m until a more leisurely 10.30 a.m.

Lunch

Chez Dany offers the best authentic mountain cabin restaurant with a fine terrace. Dogs, children and vegetarians welcome and well catered for. Specialities pumpkin soup with cream and country bread, fondue, fillet steak with morel mushrooms. Chemin de Clambin, 1936 Verbier +41(0)27-771-2524

The King's Restaurant in the King's hotel in the village centre. Recommended by Gault Millau. Specialities include a delicious Burratta - a mozzarella case round a soft cream cheese centre - or the risotto with truffles and mushroom sauce. Rue de la Poste, 1936 Verbier +41(0)27-775-2035

Dinner

La Table d'Adrien with a Michelin star, where Marco Bassi has recently won the final of the Taitenger culinary competition. It is the ultimate Verbier dining experience. The menus have a strong Italian flavour with eight different ways of eating sardines and venison with sangria.

Le Carrefour is not to be confused with the supermarket chain of the same name. The Carrefour is perfect for lunch while on the slopes and when you want an evening fine-dining experience. Known for its range of cheese fondues and traditional Valasian specialties. You can hire a room for a private party if you want. Route du Golf 95, 1936 Verbier +41(0)277-715-555.

There is a more relaxed atmosphere at the Fer a Cheval pizza restaurant and bar  in the centre of town with a terrace in the sun by day and a lively atmosphere at night. Rue Medran, 1936 Verbier +41(0)277-712-669.

Harold's Burger Bar, also in the centre, is the ultimate refuge from the expensive Swiss Franc whilst at the same time eating well. Fine hamburgers are cooked to order for around CHF 10. At the same time you can use the internet connection and watch important sporting occasions on the wide screen.

Apres-ski

If it is celebrity spotting that concerns you and money is no object  then try the genuinely world famous and seriously expensive Farm Club.

Otherwise the best dancing is at the Casbah nightclub. Located at the Hotel Farinet. Open every night, it is decorated to look like a Bedouin tent, with the award-winning Rock-Bar (hosted by DJ de Douche) next door.

The Pub Mont-Fort (named after the local peak) is a short trudge towards the top of the resort and is probably the best 'sessioning' venue for the younger set (under 30s). Party goers have been known to try to ski down the short flight of stairs to basement area which requires a very sharp parallel turn before the wall beckons.

As you leave the Mont-Fort at 4 a.m you can stop by at the side window of the local bakery and buy a croissant or fresh bread on your way home.

Airports

The resort is serviced by two airports - the local Sion and the international Geneva, with destinations all over the world. 

Sion Airport (40km) 60 minutes by road. Mainly a military airport and is principally served by lowcost Snowjet from London Stansted.

Geneva Airport (160km) 1hr50 by road; +41(0)227-177-111. A third of the flights to this international airport are by easyJet. United Airlines serves Washington- Dulles, JFK and Toronto.

Trains

There is the super-efficient Swiss railway network that takes you to Martigny linked via the international rail network to London and Paris. Swiss national railway (SBB) times are on www.cff.ch. Traveling on public transport in Switzerland is pretty easy.

Transfers

There are a host of taxi firms that arrange transfers of varying degrees of luxury from shuttle buses at CHF 49 alpineexpress.com to the new prestige service www.alpinecab.com. If you want to combine thrilling views of the Swiss mountain scenery and a quicker journey, private helicopters are available for upwards of CHF 3,000 for an exclusive service from Geneva. A gondola takes you straight from the heliport to the heart of the resort. Shared helicopter services are also available at www.whitetracks co.uk

Getting around

There is a public bus system within the resort with free shuttle buses every quarter of an hour. The resort is relatively compact and walkable. It is not car-free but car use is restricted so walking in the center is a pleasure.