While Verbier is famous for skiing, it also offers various winter activities for those who don’t prefer skiing or are new to it. If you’re not into skiing, fret not, as there are many other experiences in Verbier that you can enjoy without hitting the slopes. Here are some top non-skiing experiences in Verbier for you to explore.
What to do in Verbier if you’re not Skiing
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing offers stunning mountain views with trails for all abilities. Rental snowshoes are often included in guided tours.
Snowshoeing or hiking is free if you go alone, but guided tours can range from CHF 50 to CHF 150. We recommend Verbier Summits for guided walking experiences. You can book online or pop in and see their team inside the Ski Service Shop in the main town of Verbier.
Our favourite trail is the Ruinettes to Le Chaux Walk. It’s an easy yet scenic route where we often spot paragliders against the breathtaking backdrop of the Combins massif.
With only 123m of vertical ascent, it’s accessible for most. It’s pisted, and the loop is around 2.5km, which will take about 1 hour to walk. You can always return home via the bubble if your legs are weary after walking in the snow.
Or you could even stop for a crepe and a drink. Great for family members or friends who prefer to avoid clipping into skis but like to enjoy the beautiful nature and tranquillity the Swiss mountains offer.
Winter Hiking
Another winter walk in Verbier we recommend is a stroll through the Clambin forest. Start at Medran and walk to the Chez Dany restaurant.
On the way home, it’s a 6km return walk via the Carrefour, a good stop for another drink. With slightly more ascent of 360m+ and taking around 1.5 hours to walk, it’s for those who are more adventurous.
Our top tips for winter hiking in Verbier:
Dress warmly and wear good grippy boots with ankle support. Always check the weather conditions before heading out, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s always better to be prepared.
Mont Fort Zipline
Summit Mont Fort 3330m via the cable car. On a clear day, you can see views of the Matterhorn. You can buy a pedestrian pass to use the lifts, which is cheaper than a standard ski pass.
For those seeking an adventure, we recommend taking the Mont 4 Zipline instead of getting the cable car back. It is the highest zipline in the world and the longest in the Alps. This is an epic experience, especially for non-skiers visiting Verbier.
The zipline journeys down from Mont Fort to the Col de Gentianes. You take off over the Tortin glacier, looking down over the ice at 130km/h for a whopping 1.5km.
Paragliding
Experience the breathtaking views of the Alps from the air on a tandem flight. Flights start from around CHF 170, and we highly recommend Verbier Summits. Flights take off from Les Ruinettes (2191m) and can descend as far as Le Chable. You can buy a lift pass that will take you from Le Châble to Verbier and from Verbier to Les Ruinettes (designed especially for anyone descending via paraglider.)
Book in advance and check the weather forecast for optimal flying conditions.
Spa, Wellness and Fitness in Verbier
Relax and rejuvenate at one of Verbier’s luxury spas. Each spa varies in price by the facilities and service, but for example, a day’s pass to a spa can range from CHF 50 to over CHF 100.
We highly recommend W Hotel Verbier and Spa and Le Chalet d’Adrien. Booking treatments in advance is essential, especially during the peak holiday season.
If you have a car or transport, visit the Va de Bain spa, 30 minutes from Verbier, a natural hot spring. If you’ve already bought a lift pass, you get a reduced rate in the spa, so take it with you!
There are also daily yoga classes, as well as Pilates classes throughout the week, on the main street in Verbier town. Find out which fitness classes are on when you’re next in Verbier, for non-skiers.
Dog Sledding
A trip through the forest on a sledge is a unique way to explore the snowy landscapes of Verbier, led by a team of huskies. If you’re after a magical forest experience, check out La Tzoumaz, dress warmly and remember your camera!
Most commonly, the huskies run on the pisted track from Ruinettes to Le Chable, and prices range from approximately CHF 120 to CHF 200 per person. Read more here.
Ice Skating
Verbier has a beautiful outdoor ice rink that you should make the most of on your next visit. Entry is typically around CHF 5, with skate rentals for an additional CHF 5. The rink can get busy at the weekends, so we recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Culinary Experiences
One of the biggest highlights for choosing Verbier as a resort is that most of the main restaurants and cafes on the mountain can be accessed by gondola or bus without ski boots. So, if you’re with a group of expert skiers, you can always join them for lunch on the mountain. Here are our favourite mountain restaurants in Verbier.
Enjoy the gourmet side of Verbier with wine-tasting at Caveau de Verbier or cooking classes at La Table d’Adrien. Wine tastings start at CHF 30 per person, and cooking classes vary by group size or meal.
These classes are enjoyable for spending a day or evening in Verbier. We often enjoy a cooking or wine-tasting class in our pre-season team social.
Still, like everything, they get booked up, so reserve in advance and specify any dietary restrictions.
Shopping
Explore a range of boutique stores and luxury shops, like Peak Performance, Bogner, and Number 1, the leading shops in town. There are also local markets to browse for unique souvenirs and local products if you’re in Verbier looking for non-skiing activities.
If you have skiers and snowboarders in your group who need to hire equipment, we recommend Ski Service and have a unique discount code for friends of New Generation. Take advantage of the Ski Service discount here. And if you’re wondering whether to give skiing or snowboarding a go, read more about beginner skiing in Verbier.
Top Tips for Non-Skiers in Verbier
Explore the Village:
Take time to walk around Verbier village. It’s charming and has a lot to offer in terms of cafes and boutique shops. Utilise the free local bus service to get around, which is especially useful for reaching different activity locations. Otherwise, the extensive lift network is available on a pedestrian pass.
Try Local Cuisine:
If you’re not skiing, buy a pedestrian pass or walk up and take advantage of the delicious Swiss cuisine in the mountain restaurants.
Verbier often hosts music festivals, torchlight descents, the FreeRide World Tour and much more. It’s worth checking the local event calendar.
Ask locals like us for recommendations. We’re usually happy to share our favourite spots and activities in Verbier for non-skiers! Verbier offers a rich and diverse experience for non-skiers, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time in this beautiful Alpine destination, regardless of their interests. Contact our team if you need ski or snowboard lessons for other group members or need to quiz our local knowledge!
