FAQ
Verbier in summer, a few figures
Verbier in summer is :
A bike park with 17 km of DH trails and 23 km of enduro trails
+500 km of enduro/cross-country trails around Verbier
23 charging points for e-bikes in the valley
6 mountain restaurants open july-august
2000m of ascent possible in one descent.
What are the summer lift schedules in Verbier?
In Verbier, the summer season begins in June with the opening of the lifts to the Ruinettes and Tzoumaz sectors. A few weeks later, the rest of the ski area opens up to Fontanet and Mont Fort. From mid-July to mid-August, the Bruson gondola will also be open for bikes and walkers. The lifts generally close at the end of October.
From November 2021, the cabins between Le Châble and Verbier will become public transport. They will remain open 7/7 and from 8.45am to 10pm. It will therefore be possible to ride all year round in this sector.
Table of openings : https://www.verbier.ch/ete/remontees-mecaniques/horaires-des-remontees-mecaniques-ete-2021/
lift fares :
https://www.verbier.ch/ete/remontees-mecaniques/tarifs-des-remontees-mecaniques-ete-2021/
Where and when to ride in Verbier?
As soon as the snow melts in the valley, the Verbier Ride instructors get back in the saddle. The ski lift at Le Châble already offers an excellent playground for the start of the season. It’s not long before you’re pedaling along the sun-drenched hillsides.
From June onwards, the resort opens its lifts above Verbier, providing access to the Ruinette sector. It’s here that paradise opens up to DH riders, eager to explore the Verbier Bike Park, and to enduro bikers, enthusiasts of the hundreds of singletrails that criss-cross the Valais region.
As Verbier is one of the last resorts in Europe to close, the lifts will remain open until the end of October… just before the new winter season begins.
What type of bike should I choose?
It all depends on the type of terrain you want to explore.
The downhill (DH) bike is designed for the Bike Park and technical trails accessible by ski lifts. Ultra-sturdy, it excels downhill… but forget uphill: it’s heavy, hard to pedal, and not made for climbing.
Enduro bikes are the ideal choice in Verbier if you like to go up as well as down. Lighter than a DH, with high-performance suspension, it lets you ride all over the valley. With a little stamina and motivation, it can even take you all the way to the summit.
The cross-country (XC) bike, very light with small suspension, is perfect for uphill riding… but not very well suited to the region’s technical terrain.
Finally, the electric mountain bike (E-bike) is an excellent compromise. It makes climbing easier and lets you take full advantage of descents. But beware: heavier than a conventional bike, it depends on its battery. It’s best to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid running out of power… in the middle of the mountains!
What protection should you wear when riding in Verbier?
Headset
In the bike park, it’s best to wear a full-face helmet. As soon as you leave this playground, riders use Jet helmets. They protect the head and make it easier to breathe. Some helmets are multi-purpose, allowing you to detach the chin strap when riding uphill to breathe easier, and put it back on when descending.
Protections
Protective gear is highly recommended when learning to ride a mountain bike. Basic protection includes gloves and knee pads, a back protector or backpack and, of course, a helmet. Shin guards are recommended in the early stages to avoid pedal kickbacks. Elbow pads and shoulder pads come in handy in the Bike park, as you can quickly make a mistake when jumping at speed.
Clothing
To start out with mountain biking, a simple pair of stretch shorts and a comfortable long-sleeved T-shirt will do you just fine. Later on, you can start wearing special cycling shorts that are a little more resistant than those for other sports. It’s advisable to wear high socks, and a biking pad if the saddle warms you up quickly, especially on electric or enduro bikes.
Shoes
It’s better to start with flat-soled shoes than running shoes with an arch. Flat soles give you better grip on the pedals. If you want to invest in a pair specifically for cycling, the 5/10, ION and other brands have a soft rubber sole for excellent grip on the pedals. Some are also a little high to protect the malleoli, especially on DH bikes. For enduro bikes, you can use flat shoes or shoes with clips underneath for better climbing performance. And for e-bikes, flat shoes are just fine.
Sunglasses
To protect your eyes from the sun and branches, it’s best to wear glasses. Preferably clear ones if you’re riding in the forest. For DH (downhill biking), you can even use a goggle like for skiing, to avoid dust and mud splashes. Some photochromic goggles change very quickly to adapt to highlights or dark areas. And don’t forget your sun cream: at altitude, as in winter, the sun shines a lot.
How do you store your bike at the hotel?
Most hotels offer a secure place to store it, such as an enclosed ski room or even your balcony.
To avoid getting mud everywhere, water jets are freely available next to the Médran and Le Châble ski lifts. Handy for cleaning your mount after a great day on the trails!
How can I get my bike repaired in Verbier?
Verbier offers several reliable options for getting your bike serviced or repaired, whether it’s a classic mountain bike, an enduro bike, a DH or an E-bike. Here are the main addresses you need to know:
In Verbier
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Médran Sports
Located in the lower part of the resort, this store offers a fast, efficient workshop service. Perfect for last-minute repairs or a check-up before hitting the slopes. -
Backside Verbier
Right next to the Médran lifts, Backside is ideal for riders in action. They know the demands of the local terrain inside out, whether it’s the Bike Park or the enduro trails. -
Mountain Air
Located next to the W Hotel, Mountain Air offers a complete workshop with specialized technicians, a rental service and a wash area. Their team is renowned for its expertise, particularly on E-bikes and suspensions.
Au Châble
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An independent workshop is also available at the bottom of the valley. This is a good option if you’re staying in the area or arriving by train, as the station and lifts are close by.
Good to know
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Brands and parts: Each store works with different brands (Trek, Scott, Specialized, etc.), but they are generally able to work on all types of bikes, including brakes, transmission and suspension.
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E-bike: All these workshops have the tools needed to diagnose and maintain electric mountain bikes, including Bosch and Shimano batteries and other common systems.
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Express services: In high season, remember to call ahead or come early in the morning if you need fast service.
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Replacement bikes: Some stores can offer you a replacement bike in the event of prolonged immobilization of yours (subject to availability).
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Where to eat during the day?
As in winter, you have a choice of restaurants on the slopes or in the village.
On the slopes, you’ll find riders’ menus and the usual restaurant menus. Le dahu, le mayentzet, le Carrefour, la marmotte and la cabane mont fort.
In the village: Snack à Medran, le fer à cheval, la brasserie du Bec, le off shore, and of course the montfort pub.
Do you have to tie down your bike in Verbier?
In high season, as everywhere else, it’s best to keep your bike next to you, or at least not too far away, so you can always keep an eye on it. Bicycle theft is rare, but it does happen. It’s best not to tempt thieves, and to be sure of being able to ride the next day. If you’re going for a drink after the ride, drop by your house or car to pick up a lock.
Quick anti-theft tips when you put your bike down somewhere: Putting the bike into a difficult gear, turning it upside down, tying your helmet to the wheels, derailing the chain. For electric bikes, you can remove the speedometer and battery.
Which tire to use in Verbier?
In general, the weather in the Val de bagnes is quite dry, with rocky terrain. If you’re going to ride in the bike park, it’s best to use tires with fairly resistant treads, so as not to burn them out after a day. The super-soft Magic Mary tires will be more useful on Bruson, however, in case of bad weather. At Verbier ride, we keep a Magic Mary on the front and a High Roller on the rear, for example.
Where to park when driving to Verbier?
If you’re coming for a day, the best solution is the Le Châble parking lot at the bottom of Verbier. In summer, there’s no problem parking there. You can buy your lift pass directly at the cash desk and take the cabins from there up with your bike. There’s a kiosk next door if you want to buy something to eat or drink. At the end of the day, all you have to do is get off your bike and pick up your car.
Can I take my bike to Verbier by train?
If you’re coming by train from all over Switzerland, Geneva airport or even Europe, you can reach Verbier by rail. Download the SBB app for timetables and fares. You can put your bike on the train as far as Le Châble, then take the cabins up to Verbier. Easy, isn’t it?
How do I transfer from Geneva airport?
You arrive by plane, with or without your bike. There are 3 ways to get to Verbier.
Opposite the exit after baggage claim, you’ll find cabs and direct public transport.
The two main bus companies are Alpibus and Alpine express, and it’s best to book in advance. Depending on the time of day, it’s a 2-hour drive.
The third option is to take the train. The station is in the terminal on the left after you have collected your luggage. Trains generally leave every 30 minutes to Martigny before changing for Le Chable.
You can find timetables on SBB.ch or on the SBB app. Good to know. The train goes in the direction of Brig, so this is the destination to follow when you board the train in Geneva. Sit back and relax with the train.
I never ride a bike. Is it possible to mountain bike in Verbier?
Verbier isn’t known for being an easy resort in winter or summer, but there are plenty of trails for you to explore. The aim at first is to familiarize yourself with cycling on wide paths, to get into the right habits and start to get the feel for it. Taking on an instructor will be a real asset for you. Not only will he teach you the basics of mountain biking, but he’ll also help you find the right trails for your level. So don’t hesitate, you’ll love it.
What level of fitness do you need for the Flow trail?
In order to descend the entire flow trail, you need an intermediate level. You’ll need to know how to brake correctly, hold a basic position and be able to negotiate short, steep sections.
The advantage of the flow trail is that the upper section is simpler than the lower. So you can get used to the trail before you get to the lower part. Given the length of the trail, if you start to get tired, it’s best to get out and take one of the wide downhill paths before reaching the bottom.
What is the right level for red runs?
The red runs in Verbier are well prepared. The easiest is the “tu çuci” below the Ruinettes resort. The “Wouaiy” is more difficult, especially in wet weather. No jumps are required, but the hairpins are technical.