Verbier

Ask anyone who's ever been to Verbier and they'll tell you it's definitely got something special.

It could be its excellent snow record, varied terrain and the fact that it enjoys one of Europe's longest seasons, or perhaps it's the resort's famously friendly atmosphere, breathtaking setting and picture-postcard architecture. Whatever it is that makes it so unique, Verbier's a resort people love coming back to year after year.

Located just two hours from Geneva on a sun-soaked plateau in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Verbier offers spectacular panoramic views encompassing the Grand and Petit Combins, the Dents du Midi and the legendary Mont Blanc Massif. The town itself was developed in harmony with its beautiful setting and in keeping with the alpine traditions of the surrounding region. Strict local planning laws ensure Verbier's chalets and buildings respect traditional design styles and make great use of natural materials like stone and timber. The end result is a uniquely picturesque resort oozing charm and character.

Snow sports

The Verbier ski area is vast, and includes 400km of varied and well-maintained pistes as well as a modern lift system comprising 100 lifts, the highest of which reaches the dizzy altitude of Mont Fort at 3330m. While nursery slopes and ski schools cater for absolute beginners and novices, more experienced skiers and boarders can choose from dozens of clearly-marked graded runs and a staggering selection of challenging off-piste terrain. There are two 10km toboggan runs which anyone can enjoy and for the real thrill-seekers and adventure junkies, professional guides and heli-skiing tours deliver serious backcountry action.

Other activities and facilities

Those of you who don't ski or snowboard, or who just need a break from the slopes, don't despair – Verbier enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a lively resort packed with distractions. As well as a tantalising range of bars and restaurants, the resort offers scores of independent shops and boutiques as well as a superb public leisure centre complete with ice rink, squash courts, swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium and sauna. There's also a central cinema and a number of museums and galleries in Verbier and its surrounding area. For more information, please check the tourist information centre.