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Switzerland is a winter playground and Verbier is where the big kids go to play. The resort is part of the 4 Vallees combined ski area which means that the terrain on offer is some of the largest available in Europe. Stretching from the south of Verbier in the quieter Bruson, the 4 Vallees goes as far as Thyon-Les-Collons and all resorts are accessible on the same lift pass.
Be warned that skiing in Verbier comes at a price and you can expect to pay for some pretty expensive accommodations and lift pass options. However this is part of the beauty of being able to ski in a linked ski area. Cheaper accommodations are available in the resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz and Thyon or at the base of the main Verbier gondola in the village of Le Chable.
Wherever you base yourself you have access to 410KM pisted runs not to mention the incredible off-piste available. There are slopes to suit all abilities and numerous well renowned ski schools including New Generation and Altitude if you fancy brushing up your technique. In addition to the pisted terrain there are two terrain parks with increasing difficulty of features and even an airbag that you can practice your backflips without fear of pain. Verbier however is a mecca for off-piste enthusiasts with ample terrain to quench the needs of even the most die hard skier or snowboarders. Be warned though its a serious place so come prepared and have the correct avalanche equipment with you.
The competition for fresh snow can be quite substantial with runs becoming tracked out pretty early in the day so if your a powder chaser be sure to make the first lift or start your skinning process early. For a quieter experience and some great terrain check out Bruson which offers great tree skiing and is definitely much quieter than the slopes in Verbier. Access to Bruson is possible by bus or the newly installed Gondola.
Verbier is mostly suited to advanced level skiers and snowboarders which is clear when you reach the summit of the Mont Gele. From this peak all routes are left unpisted leaving the way for large mogul fields to form but also allowing for powder stashed to be found following a dump. However there are areas suitable for learners and plenty of choice for intermediates who can progress well in Verbier as there is always challenging terrain to try.
Apres Ski is nearly as big as the daytime activities in Verbier but be warned you will need deep pockets to fully endulge. Pub Mont Fort is a good place to start as they offer a happy hour and are located near the main gondola base station.
My favourite fact about Verbier is that James Blunt paid for the installation of a new chair lift! How true that is I am unsure, what I do know is that the singer now lives in the resort he spent four winters training in when he was with the British Army. Also be sure to check out Pub Mont Fort after a long day on the slope for some great apres atmosphere.
Verbier remains one of the worlds most renowned ski resorts and is certainly a gem of Switzerland, a country with so many great ski resorts. Verbier is close to Geneva which is great for transfers but can mean the resort is crowded by weekend warriors.
Pros
Linked area is huge meaning 410km of pistes to keep you busy
Easily accessible from Geneva Airport (Transfer, Bus, Train, Taxi)
South Facing Slopes meaning plenty of sun
Easily accessible expert terrain.
Cons
Not a huge annual snowfall between 3-4 metres
Can get really busy meaning large lift cues
Expensive
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