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© copyright Verbier/Bagnes Tourisme
Verbier / Ski area
The Four Valleys are complex for newcomers to navigate by lift and piste rather than by following a guide. Even when frequently consulting the piste map, it’s confusing. You might not locate the four individual valleys at a glance - they neither radiate from a central point, nor sit conveniently parallel to each other, meaning they’re of limited use as a navigational framework. Whether you’re trying to work out piste itineraries or where the best off piste routes are to be found, you need to be switched on.Mont Fort and Mont Gele
The domain is made up of two distinct skiable peaks and three winding ridges that separate the four valleys. Mont Fort and Mont Gele are the big summits, both over 3000 metres, each with a cable car to the top. The terrain between them and Verbier – Attelas, La Chaux and Chassoure – makes up much of Verbier’s skiing, on and off piste. This falls mainly in the Verbier valley, as well as the very top of the second valley (La Tzoumaz) and the upper end of the third valley (Siviez/Nendaz). Access is via the Medran gondolas to Les Ruinettes, the staging point for onward travel: to Attelas and points north west by two parallel gondolas; or to La Chaux by chair and onwards to the highest terrain by two cable cars.
From the top of 3330 metre Mont Fort is a genuinely big, steep, very black mogul run which descends the north face. All other routes from the peak are off piste, many of them legendary. To skiers in the know, ‘off the back of Mont Fort’ speaks volumes. Mont Gele is a similar proposition though it’s all ‘off the back’, with no pisted runs at all. Two itineraries are the official routes down but plenty of couloirs are also on offer.
Thyon
Onwards from Chassoure, via Tortin and Siviez, to the fourth valley (Thyon). It’s a long haul by piste and lift back to Verbier. One of the main reasons for ending up this far over is to ski the itinerary from the Greppon Blanc that drops to the far valley road, from where you can catch a bus back to Les Collons to return to Verbier via the lift system.
Savoleyres
Almost completely separate from the main skiing, Savoleyres to the north of Verbier provides lower altitude, sun-drenched intermediate skiing, accessed by gondola at the opposite end of the village to the main lifts. When everyone’s chasing fresh tracks up high after heavy snow, it’s a great spot for gentler pitches without the crowds. Over the top, on the north face of Savoleyres, are more challenging runs down to La Tzoumaz.
Verbier
| Base | 4,921 ft (1,500 m) |
| Summit | 10,925 ft (3,330 m) |
| Elevation | 6,004 ft (1,830 m) |
| Snowmaking | |
| Ski area | 521 a (211 ha) |
| Beginner | 36 % |
| Intermediate | 45 % |
| Advanced | 19 % |
| Number of trails | 70 |
| Longest trail | 6 mi (10 km) |
| Snowfall | 177 inch (450 cm) |
| Season start | early Nov |
| Season end | late Apr |
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