What’s new in Verbier this summer?
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps as Verbier invites you to discover a world of exhilarating outdoor pursuits, cultural delights and gastronomic wonders.
Home to more than 500 km of walking trails, 800 km of biking trails, plus 21 km of running trails, climbing routes, zip lines and Via Ferrata opportunities, Verbier attracts many travellers keen to enjoy the great outdoors.
On the flip side Verbier has a surprising number of cultural activities in this mountain haven from the much-loved classical Verbier Festival, the UNLTD off the wall music offering, outdoor art exhibitions, film screenings, and traditional Swiss celebrations, providing visitors with a taste of local culture.
This summer, Verbier has introduced a selection of brand-new activities and events to its intriguing portfolio – all of which showcase the very best of the region. Indulge at the new Grand Market of Alpine Terroir, learn how to be a beekeeper, whilst nature lovers can enjoy a night in the mountains under the star-strewn sky on a Basecamp adventure.
Read on to find out what’s new in the Verbier for the up-coming ski season. If you would like any more details or images, or wish to talk about potential press trips, please just let me know. This is the link to Verbier’s press pack: here.
The region comprises six villages with different vibes: Cultural Le Châble, cosmopolitan Verbier, wild Upper Val de Bagnes, authentic Bruson, discreet Vollèges or family-friendly La Tzoumaz: each has a unique quality that you can use as a starting point for your immersion in the Bagnes region.
Must-do activities…
NEW: Basecamp
Unleash your adventurous spirit without compromising on comfort with Basecamp Events, a brand-new summer offering. Experience the thrill of mountain camping in comfort – think cosy tents, warm comforters, and delicious, on-site chef-prepared meals. Enjoy eco-friendly camping with minimal impact, while participating in nature activities and workshops led by local photography expert Melody Sky. Top it all off with a magical night under the stars. Dates: June 15 – 22, July 27 – August 3, September 28th – 5th October 2024. www.verbier.ch
NEW: Be a Beekeeper
The creation of a Beekeeping Skills Centre is opening this summer in the very heart of the region, offering visitors an immersive experience into the fascinating world of crafting local honey and delving into the intricacies of beekeeping. Along the banks of the Dranse River, the Beekeeping Competence centre will serve as a hub for research, beekeeper education, apitherapy, and the sale of honey and hive products. The year-round visitor destination will be fostering awareness and knowledge about beekeeping. Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystems and agriculture, serving as vital indicators of environmental health. In response, the Société apicole d’Entremont has initiated a pioneering project in Switzerland. Beekeeping Competence Centre
NEW: The Grand Market of Alpine Terroirs
Bruson is set to host the inaugural Grand Marché des Terroirs Alpins market from 15-16 June 2024. This groundbreaking food festival promises to be the largest in the Alps, uniting producers from Slovenia, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Join fascinating workshops, stock up on delicious produce, discover new recipes, meet top chefs, sample local wines, and learn about the regions through their cuisine. All set in the festive and welcoming atmosphere of PALP. Expect music, dance and cultural delights while engaging in debates about the Alps’ significance as a unified region. Tickets are free and will be available from 22 April 2024. Verbier: www.verbier.ch
NEW: Grand Tour Hiking Born from the merger of the Tour des Combins and the Tour du Saint-Bernard, this brand-new nine-day trek around the majestic Combins massif (which peaks at 4,314 meters) explores lesser-known alpine trails, offering a unique experience between Switzerland and Italy. With possible departures from both the Swiss side (Valais canton) and the Italian side (Aosta Valley region), this new trek allows hikers to visit typical villages in both regions. It then traverses vast territories including the Val de Bagnes and Entremont, crossing various mountain passes including the famous Grand-Saint-Bernard at 2,469 meters, the Fenêtre Durand at 2,797 meters, the Col du Basset at 2,772 meters, and the Col de Champillon at 2,709 meters. Between these passes, cosy mountain huts await hikers. While the entire tour typically spans 9 stages (10,000 meters of positive elevation gain over 160 km) for avid hikers, it also adapts well to the available time of the hiker, thanks to various route variations or the use of public transportation. It can even be completed in as little as four days.
www.mongrandtourdescombins.com
NEW: Verbier Music and Cinema Festival
Rencontres Verbier Musique & Cinéma is poised to captivate audiences from July 12-14, as it brings together the mesmerising worlds of symphony orchestras and cinematic masterpieces. Hosted at the prestigious Salle des Combins in Verbier, this unique event promises three unforgettable evenings of music and film. The inaugural evening on Friday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m. will enchant audiences with “the greatest film scores in concert.” Highlights include well known compositions from beloved films such as Star Wars, The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia. On Saturday, families are invited to immerse themselves in the bewitching melodies of Disney classics during the “Family Concert: The Disney Universe.” Starting at 5:00 p.m., audiences can expect to be whisked away by the magical tunes of Frozen, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. Continuing the festivities, Saturday evening brings a celebration of Broadway to Verbier. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the dazzling lights of Broadway, audiences will revel in the melodies of West Side Story, Singing in the Rain, Chicago, Hello Dolly, and more. Prepare for an evening of jubilation and delight as “New York swing comes to Verbier. https://www.verbiermusiquecinema.com/
UPGRADED: Inspire Mountain Festival Immersive Experience
Excitement is mounting as the sixth edition of the Inspire Mountain Festival has announced a refreshing makeover for the 10 – 11 August. Departing from its traditional focus solely on yoga, organisers have announced a transformative shift, turning it into a vibrant hub for consciousness with a diverse array of activities. Attendees will be captivated with an enriched program, featuring ventures such as sound healings, ecstatic dances, outdoor adventures, and immersive explorations of the picturesque surroundings. The expansion reflects the festival’s increasing popularity and the desire to create an inclusive space where individuals can come together to celebrate mindfulness and well-being. Plans have been unveiled for a sustainable market, showcasing local crafts and culinary delights. This initiative not only supports the local community but also aligns with the festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility. www.inspireyogafestival.com
ON TREND: UNLTD From interactive performances to emerging talent showcases, UNLTD caters to all generations, providing an eclectic mix of entertainment from buskers to drag queens that perfectly complement the Verbier Festival programme (18 July – 04 August). It’s really a festival within the Verbier classical musical festival, it isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of artistic exploration across various disciplines and musical styles. Programme – Verbier Festival
FREE: For every night spent in Verbier-Val de Bagnes – La Tzoumaz this summer, visitors will receive a free Verbier Infinite Playground Pass ( VIP Pass ) that offers discounts and 50 free activities to the entire area all summer season. This includes pedestrian lift access in the region. www.verbier.ch
