February 2025

Thoughts.

Having never skied in Switzerland, it only felt right to … ski in Switzerland this winter break. Due to the lack of significant snow, the skiing was surpassed by the proliferation of melted cheese and sundown spritzes shared with some great friends. But those bluebird days on the mountain watching my kids effortlessly surpass all of us in skill was my true highlight.

To orient, Verbier is in the Val de Bagnes and part of the 4 Vallées ski area along with Thyon, Veysonnaz and Nendaz. Verbier has a vibe, but the other towns are much smaller. But you can ski to all of them to mix things up: one day we actually traversed all four valleys with backpacks and stayed the night with friends in Les Collons. All in, a great week and an easy drive from Geneva.

Stay.

• Airbnb. Central, easy, comfortbale. There is no shortage. 
   

Eat.

• Cabane Mont Fort. The best meal of our trip. You can only ski or hike to this spot, which makes it feel even more special. The views are spectacular and the food is even better.  
• Le Dahu. Definitely make reservations here for a nice on mountain lunch. I dropped the ball in calling early enough to get a table. But the food is meant to be delicious and the casual cafe downstairs is decent too.
• Le Fer a Cheval. Favorite apres for the centrality and sunsets. Didn’t eat there but wanted to. 
• Le Rouge. Any apres to avidly embrace Bon Jovi, I embrace right back. Also great hats (I still regret not getting one) and a delicious restaurant downstairs. 
• Restaurant Le Caveau. Fondue and raclette in a little cave! Highly recommend. 
• Restaurant Les Chottes. Midway between Verbier and Les Collons. Eat inside in the chalet for a cozy vibe.
• Burgers! Both Shed (in town) and Black Tap on top of the world (on Mont Fort) had delicious burgers. Although I’ll always remember the price tag more.
• Le Metropole. We ate here on the way home from Verbier. It’s right on the lake in Montreaux, which we really enjoyed strolling through. 

Play.

• Boit’askis. Family run ski rental shop that offered truly exceptional service. Every single staff member was friendly and chatted with us every day we picked up the skis. Right in the center of town.
• SKI SKI SKI. Verbier is world class for a reason. The skiing is good, and I imagine when it’s actually snowing, it’s excellent. If you are an off-piste skier, there are even more options, with many “yellow” runs – in-bound, ungroomed and too wild for me.