Verbier Late Than Never
A guide to slopes, fondue, and après.
Sitting pretty at over 1,500 metres, Verbier is that sweet spot between serious skiing and serious fun - noticeably less Courchevel flash, noticeably more people who can actually ski. I only counted a handful of designer ski goggles (which is shockingly restrained for Europe), and the village hums with the rare combination of effortless style and genuine alpine know-how. It’s a place where your morning runs feel cinematic, your lunch feels earned, and your evening drinks feel like the natural continuation of the day’s adventure rather than an obligation.
With the season about to kick off, Verbier transforms into a glamorous snow globe where the slopes, restaurants, and après all demand attention. From cosy chalets and legendary fondue to buzzing bars and cocktails that feel a little like discovering a secret, there’s a rhythm to the town that somehow balances sport, style, and just the right amount of chaos. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate it like a local - or at least like someone who looks like they could be.
WHERE TO STAY:
Experimental Chalet
Think: chalet-but-make-it-Parisian. Experimental’s Verbier outpost is cosy, playful, and cool - the kind of place where the bar makes you feel like you’ve accidentally stepped into a GQ editorial. Rooms are warm, minimalist, and designed for the two types of guests Verbier attracts: the early-to-bed skiers and the absolutely-not-going-to-bed-yet après enthusiasts. (You already know which one you are.)
WHERE TO EAT:
Le Caveau
An institution - and not in the “old and dusty” way, but in the “this place has been feeding Verbier since the ‘70s” way. Le Caveau’s cellar-like stone interior and long tables make it the fondue spot of the village, the kind of place where you feel obligated (in a delightful way) to order the traditional moitié-moitié and surrender to cheese-induced bliss.
Chez Danny
A Verbier rite-of-passage tucked into the trees, Chez Danny feels like stumbling upon a secret alpine clubhouse - dimly lit, cosy, and buzzing with that “everyone is exactly where they want to be” energy. The raclette is legendary, the kind that melts into perfect lava and makes you swear you’ve briefly ascended. Getting there requires a mini adventure (a ski in, a ski out, maybe a little wobble), but that’s half the charm.
Cabane Mont Fort
Perched high above the world, Cabane Mont Fort delivers the kind of views that silence a table. It’s classic mountain dining at its best: hearty, comforting and very Swiss. Think bubbling gratins, velvety soups and rösti that could ruin other rösti for you. If lunch could be a hug, it would be this.
Shed. Burgers
A cult classic for a reason. Shed serves up juicy, messy, unfussy burgers that taste especially euphoric after a day on the mountain. Locals swear by it, Australians treat it like a pilgrimage, and your ski instructor has probably eaten there twice this week. Go early or be prepared to queue - the hype is very real.
Goomah
Modern Italian with swagger. Goomah is where the young cool kids in Verbier go for crisp-edged pizzas, steak tartare and a buzzy dining room that doubles as a people-watching sport.
Le Carrefour
Your go-to for a long, satisfying mountain lunch. The terrace views hit, the service is warm, and the fondue is something of a local celebrity - exactly what your legs need after a morning spent convincing strangers you “definitely ski reds.”
Boca
*Apologies in advance. I forgot to take pictures while I was here…!
When you need a strategic break from dairy-based decision-making, Boca swoops in with bright, modern Mexican-inspired tapas.
WHERE TO DRINK/APRÈS:
Le Rouge
The beating heart of Verbier après. The place where the sun sets, the champagne flows, and everyone suddenly forgets they have skis to get down the mountain. If you only do one après session, make it here - ideally with the reckless abandon of someone who has travel insurance.
Again… forgot to take pics. That’s when you know I had too much AIX.
Experimental Cocktail Club
For when you’ve survived the slopes and need something stronger than hot chocolate - ECC serves inventive, impeccably mixed cocktails in a chic, intimate setting.
WHERE TO SKI:
Verbier is part of the enormous 4 Vallées ski area, meaning you can spend an entire week chasing perfect pistes and still not tick them all off. Plus you can get a pic with the iconic PRADA Ski Lift. Lol.
Mont Fort: For big, cinematic, “I am in an après-ski advertisement” energy. Also, the views will make you emotional.
La Chaux: Wide, friendly, cruisey runs - ideal for warming up or nursing a mild Le Rouge-induced fragility.
Savoleyres: Underrated gem. Cute tree skiing, quieter slopes, and less chaos.
Attelas → Ruinettes: A classic Verbier descent. Very fun, very scenic, very “I should’ve worn more layers.”
HOW TO GET THERE:
The best (and least painful) way to reach Verbier? Fly into Geneva → hop into a car transfer → arrive in Verbier.
Transfers take about 2 hours, the scenery is beautiful, and you avoid the chaos of navigating Swiss trains with winter luggage. It’s worth every franc.
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
If you’re in town for NYE… good luck. Verbier becomes a swirling carnival of sequins, faux fur, fireworks, and wildly optimistic resolutions. The streets are absolutely feral - in a euphoric, champagne-covered, “my Ray-Bans were not designed for this” way.
Everyone spills out onto the snow-lined roads, DJs pop up where you least expect them, and the whole village turns into one giant alpine block party. It’s magical, ridiculous, and worth experiencing at least once (preferably in waterproof boots).
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Verbier is for people who love skiing but also love the theatre of European après. It’s cosy, glitzy, high-altitude hedonism with breathtaking views and enough fondue to challenge even your strongest self-control.
And whether you’re here for the slopes, champagne, or Shed burgers, you’ll think about this town all year long. <3