Freeriding
Enjoy freeriding safely
Verbier is considered to be a freeride paradise. It owes its reputation mainly to the Verbier Xtreme and the numerous freeriders who frequent the area but also to the unbelievable variety of marked, secure but ungroomed freeride itineraries.
A leader in this field, Verbier 4Vallées was one of the first resorts to secure large areas of fresh powder snow. There are no less than eight freeride itineraries, which you will find listed below.
To ensure your own safety, stay on our itineraries, which are marked as yellow lines on the piste map and by yellow and orange poles on the slopes. Off you go to conquer the slopes and enjoy the snow of your dreams!
Go further with a guide
If you want to push yourself further, there are several possibilities. Hire a mountain guide and tackle the famous Backside Mont-Fort, have a go at heli-skiing on the Petit Combin or take part in one of the many safety courses designed to teach you how to assess the risk according to the conditions and to evaluate your capabilities. To ensure that the day is enjoyable, the key words are “training”, “patience” and “safety”.
Contact the Verbier mountain guides office or take a look at their site to find out about their offers and the infinite range of possibilities in the area.
Vallon d'Arbi
This magnificent, vast, isolated valley is one of the main reasons why Verbier has such a great reputation in the freeride world. In this untamed environment, you can descend to La Tzoumaz through snow-covered trees.
You can access the Vallon d’Arbi on the left, at the bottom of the Lac des Vaux piste. The entrance is easily recognisable by the large orange netting which indicates whether or not the itinerary is open. For the return to Verbier, make sure that the La Tzoumaz cable car is operating before you set off.
Col des Mines
Visible from Verbier, the Col des Mines offers an unbelievable view over Verbier village and the whole Val de Bagnes.
The itinerary, which is marked, is very popular and promises great skiing. It’s an attractive alternative run back to Verbier at the end of the day.
Chassoure-Tortin
Have you ever tackled the famous Tortin wall? This classic itinerary starts right below the Chassoure cable car. Depending on the conditions, you’ll find a mogul field or a slope covered in powder snow, but either way, you can expect great skiing. As it is north-facing and in the shade, you will find well-shaped moguls and grippy snow.
This is generally considered to be the most difficult itinerary in the 4 Vallées and remains a challenge for ordinary skiers. The first part is very steep and will really put your legs to the test!
Mont-Gelé
Geographically, Mont-Gelé is in the middle of the Verbier 4Vallées ski area, overlooking Les Attelas and the Lac des Vaux. There are off-piste descents from there, in all directions. A brand new cable car brings you right to the top, to an altitude of 3,023 m.
There are two official itineraries: you can either opt for the Grande Journée route, which goes down the east face towards Tortin, or ski down the south face, which leads to La Chaux and the Mont-Fort hut.
Gentianes-Tortin
The Col des Gentianes (2,950 m) is situated at the intersection of the Jumbo and Mont-Fort 1 cable car stations.
This is an ideal spot for watching the freeriders during the Xtreme de Verbier. Starting from the top, the itinerary which descends to Tortin is considered to be the longest mogul run in Europe. An excellent way to measure your endurance and technique!
Clambin
The day is drawing to a close and it’s time to return to the resort to enjoy some well-earned after-ski! This itinerary is a charming alternative to the classic descent on the Mayentzet run. It takes you through Clambin, an idyllic little hamlet, in the middle of the forest. Take time to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere before you carry on towards the Médran cable car station.
Les Otanes
Bruson is well known amongst the locals. This small resort has wonderful, long slopes and provides many opportunities for freeriding in the forest.
The Les Otanes itinerary starts from the top of La Pasay, skirts the edge of the forest and then plunges right into it, giving you a chance to test your skills. And, who knows? Perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot a mountain hare scuttling back to its burrow! This itinerary takes you to the top cable car station in Bruson.
La Côt-Le Châble
When the snow conditions allow it, the descent from Bruson to Le Châble is an adventure not to be missed! You will find yourself skiing through the forest, under the cable car and through fields before arriving close to your car – still with your skis on!
Gallery
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«Verbier is my unlimited playground! It's where I learned to feel at ease in all fields » -
«If I had to describe Verbier in just one word, it would be "paradise". It's an unlimited playground, in winter and summer alike. You're never bored, because there is always something to do.» -
«Verbier 4Vallées, freeride paradise»
Le Bec des Rosses
You have probably heard of the Bec des Rosses, the iconic 3,222 m peak which reigns over the area. Renowned for hosting the Xtreme de Verbier, the famous and eagerly awaited Freeride World Tour final, this imposing pyramid is visible from the Col des Gentianes. It’s on the incredibly steep north face that the best freeriders in the world compete, at top speed, for the coveted title of World Champion. In places, there is a 60° slope and skiers and snowboarders sometimes jump rocky bars of over 10 m. As you’ll have realised, the Bec des Rosses is something else!
