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Life on the rocks

Located in the foothills of the Swiss Alps is a business destination that can quench even the most avid enthusiast’s thirst for sport – Verbier is our Best Destination for Sports Tourism, Europe, 2012

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Rock climbing at Verbier St Bernard
 

Whether it be adrenalin or relaxation you crave, all the pleasures of mountain life can await you in Verbier St-Bernard – a new tourist area that encompasses Verbier, Val de Bagnes, Pays du St-Bernard and La Tzoumaz. The resort’s exceptional amenities and amazing scenery appeals to all kinds of visitors, from mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers, to those seeking an active break or simply a chance to relax. While Verbier is a winter sports paradise with the four Vallées ski area, the surrounding family resorts offer some great alternatives from the slopes. From snowshoeing, to cross-country skiing and tobogganing, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this unspoiled natural setting.

If you like discovering new things, then a wealth of fascinating cultural attractions awaits you, notably the Grand-St-Bernard pass – with its hospice and dogs – is an opportunity to discover the legendary spirituality the route is known for. Another highlight is the region’s famous gastronomy, spiced up with a few flavours from more distant lands to create some truly unforgettable cuisine.

Verbier resort
From its sunny plateau, Verbier offers some amazing views set in the shadow of the Mont Blanc and Combins mountains. It offers the perfect combination of nature and culture; and the resort has a wide range of sporting and tourist attractions.

Located at the heart of one of the largest alpine skiing areas – 4 Vallées – Verbier delights all winter sports enthusiasts as soon as the first snow falls. The resort is a freeride paradise and a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Verbier offers a broad range of accommodation that has maintained the charm of a village with its slate-roofed chalets. Ideal for active holidays, Verbier is also the perfect place for a relaxing stay enlivened by some shopping. The après ski sessions and the aperitifs on its many terraces are an institution in themselves, where you will meet a cosmopolitan, cross-generational clientele.

Aficionados of fine cuisine will find excellent restaurants serving regional dishes as well as a number of prestigious gourmet eateries. And for more festive evenings, there are plenty of bars and discos open all night long.

A number of important international events will make a stay even more memorable, including the famous Nissan Xtreme Verbier by Swatch, which attracts some of the best international freeriders; and the XSpeedSki which annually witnesses new attempts to break world speed ski records. The Trail Verbier St-Bernard mountain race features over 900 runners covering the distance between Verbier and the Grand-St-Bernard mountain pass. On the cultural side, Verbier hosts its own festival, which is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most prestigious musical events.

Ski area
The crown jewels of the resort are the two ski areas – the 4 Vallées and Ski St-Bernard. The resorts consist of Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson in the 4 Vallées, and La Fouly, Champex-Lac, Bruson and Vichères-Liddes in the Ski St-Bernard area.

With 410 km of runs and 89 lifts covered by a single lift pass, the 4 Vallées ski area is seemingly infinite. Its wealth of activities, reliable snow cover and sun-kissed slopes make it an exceptional destination in more ways than one. Freeriding can also be booked, although we strongly recommend that a mountain guide accompany any guests.

Culminating at the top of the Mont Fort glacier (3,330m), the ski area is suitable for all winter sports enthusiasts, whether expert or beginner. Open from November right until the end of April, it links the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson, as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon.

Furthermore, heli-skiing is also available at the resort, which provides the ultimate opportunity for skiers or snowboarders to escape all traces of human life and experience the untouched snow of a mountain summit.

When summer comes
In the summertime, Verbier St-Bernard offers a beautiful setting to discover the many delights of mountain hiking, mountain biking, golf and paragliding. Coupled with this are a classical music festival, an international horse jumping competition and the opportunity to visit traditional parts of the region. The villages near the region’s nature reserve offer opportunities for authentic encounters with locals. Verbier enjoys a reputation of being unspoilt due to the efforts of local people in protecting and conserving traditional customs.

Time for business
Whether the group is three or three hundred, what better way to focus on strategy, motivate employees or launch a new product then to hold your next meeting, convention or exhibition at Verbier Saint-Bernard. The unique convention centre, Le Hameau, is equipped to handle all types of functions. Located in a quiet setting, overlooking Verbier, it is the perfect place to work and to play.

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