An at-a-glance guide to enjoy the best of Verbier

Verbier, with its stunning settings is one of my favorite ski-resorts world-wide. And very convenient that I've many friends with chalets & flats here too.  If skiing is not your sport, there are many other activites to enjoy, especially in the summer months when Verbier becomes quite a hot spot. I'll share my tips to ensure you make the most of your time in this alpine resort town.

Other sports/active

Verbier Summits—Paragliding Parapente: Let Stu know I sent you. Up up and away, tandem of course. What an amazing experience—can’t wait to go back up over the alps. (+41 79 313 5677 / +41 79 710 9132; stu@verbier-summits.com)

Husky Sledding—Swiss Mountain Spirit: We were two adults and two little girls—definitely one of the highlights of my trip! The dogs are gorgeous—photos and video can be taken. Just ask! What fun and there’s a secret only those who have experienced this ride can know … Min: 2 Pers Max: 4 Adults Adult: Adult – €80 (+41 27 771 8300  M: +41 279 206 9851; info@swiss-mountain-spirit.com)

Montagne Alternative—Mountaineering & Yoga. (+41 797 35 04 40/ +41 27 783 21 34; info@montagne-alternative.com; www.montagne-alternative.com)

Public Swimming Pool—Centre Sportif on Rue de la Piscine (+41 27 771 6601; www.verbier-sport.ch)

Great Golfing for Summer—Severiano Ballesteros course, known to be one of the finest in the Alps, just 1 hour drive from Verbier Town: par 71, 18 hole course facing 400 meter peaks and Sion 18 hole, par 70 course (www.crans-montana.ch). For a course closer to town (www.verbiergolf.com).

Ski hard, play hard—going out

Off-Shore:  More avant-ski than apres ski, Verbier regulars like Eva Hoeffelman, and early birds, stop here for their breakfast, be it continental or American (French toast, pancakes, eggs any style). Located next to the Medran main station.

Le Rouge: The hippest apres scene in Verbier. See my Verbier Restaurant file.

Farinet Lounge: The lounge of the Farinet hotel has definitely upgraded the apres-ski of Verbier. I’m obviously not talking about the hideous conservatory with live music, but the lounge and bar more inside the hotel, which offers great cocktails, comfy leather sofas and great DJs. It’s so popular that regulars now even go there before the Farm or Coco or sometimes even have a casual dinner of  the Thai and Mexican platters.

The Milk Bar: Above the Chaumiere cheese shop, the Milk Bar is a paradise for anybody who loves big ice-cream 'coupes' deserts, fresh milkshakes, home-made cakes and delicious savory and sweet crepes. Ideal for tea-time, breakfast or a treat for the kids.

Best Shops

La Chaumiere: One of the most exclusive cheese shops my insider Eva has ever seen. It has a very unique cheese selection, their signature yogurts, ice-cream, meringues and a wonderful selection of Swiss wines.
(+41 27 771 25 30/ 79 279 62 63)

Gilles: A lovely boutique at the Place Centrale that stocks Tods, Fay, Custo tops, Anne Fontaine shirts, a fantastic selection of jeans and many other exclusive European casual-wear brands.

Ski Service: An institution for those who want the latest fashionable ski-wear, carrying brands like Jet Set, Prada, Bogner, Arc’teryx and Gant.

Peak Performance General Store: The ski-wear brand of choice by many amateur skiers, both men and women. This Swedish brand has become increasingly popular because of its professional texture and still attractive look.

Fellay Sports: Large ski and apres-ski store with a wonderful lingerie department downstairs for all ages. The best collection of furry apres-ski boots for ladies.

Vinabages & Macbirch Vins: Two great shops I visited to buy champagne and wine as gifts. Vinabagnes being my favorite with its charming & kind owner Bernard, who is incredibly knowledgeable.  Both deliver.
Vinabagnes (Manager, Bernard Verduno +41 79 278 92 39; www.vinabagnes.com)
Macbirch Vins—Vins du monde entier; La Cave: +41 27 771 44 34, La Boutique: +41 27 771 44 12)

Looking after your kids
Eva recommends the Kid’s Club (+41 27 775 3363) run by Verbier Sport at the Moulins nursery slope.  They have their own lift and restaurant.  Les Schtroumpfs (+41 27 771 6585), also at Moulins childcare is offered for little ones aged three months to four years.

Seasonal Events
Verbier Polo Cup: 2010 dates to be announced (2009 dates: January 30 – February 2)

Verbier Festival: July 17 – August 2, 2009 (+41 21 925 90 60 17; www.verbierfestival.com) + 60

Tour de France: The Pelleton rides through Verbier, July 19 – July 21 2009

The Basics
Taxis I found most dependable during my stay.

Edelweiss : +41 79 460 67 60
André Taxi : +41 79 628 46 45
May Taxi : +41 800 771 771
Snow Limousine:  +41 78 625 74 95
Private Taxi Limousine:  +41 76 583 88 68

Pharmacie Internationale—Pharmacy/ Drug Store, when in need of meds, best to be able to communicate well! (+41 277 716 622)