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Tom Dean's Ski Review
e4s's very own seasonaire has taken time out to give you guys the best possible information about where to ski this winter....
A few years ago, a friend recommended I work a season while I thought about the possibility of uni and proper jobs. I went ahead and applied for a job working as a chalet host (having never been on skis or a snowboard before) and a few weeks later I had arrived in the Swiss Alps. Once I found my feet I knew that health permitting, I would spend every minute I could strapped into my snowboard. For me, there's no other place anywhere I'd rather be.
The following reviews are based on my own personal experiences, and those of some of my close friends. We share a genuine love of the mountains, the snow, and the alpine lifestyle.
I have attempted to cut through the flannel, and provide you with objective reports on several ski resorts, all of which I have spent considerable time in. I endeavour to show you where to find the best off-piste, the sickest snow parks, the nightlife hot spots, as well as the factual data you require.
I spend as much time as I can exploring resorts worldwide. Hopefully I can help you make informed choices about where will suit you best, whether it be for a holiday with friends, or to work a season in the snow. If you have any questions at all regarding the resorts on this page please e-mail me at tom@e4s.co.uk
Verbier
Overview- Verbier is a genuinely quality resort. Something for everyone here; part-timers can enjoy swimming, saunas, cinema, paragliding etc. while the more hard-core have the terrain of their dreams. Heli-boarding is also an option well worth considering, unfortunately banned in much of Europe, but in the right weather conditions it's unbeatable. Switzerland is regarded as an expensive country, the resorts often costing more to book, but once there, I found it to be cheaper than many of the French resorts, a pint of beer for example costing about £2.50. Transport is also excellent, a reliable free bus service runs all over the resort during the day making travel one less thing to worry about. Unlike some French resorts, the locals here are all very friendly and speak impeccable English. As with almost all places, the best time to visit is late Dec-Feb, but it’s always worth checking the weather reports / webcam before you go. The powder days are a must!
Piste- Verbier's pistes are well maintained and well marked. There is only one nursery slope, and not a green run in sight. This shouldn't put off learners though; I learned here, and I dare day it did me no harm.
Off-Piste- If you have looked into European off-piste, you will already be aware of Verbier’s reputation as being one of the finest resorts for high quality, diverse off-piste terrain. Everything you’ve heard is true. For beginners and intermediate skiers, Savoleyres offers plenty of quality runs between the south-facing pistes on the way to Toumaz, including lovely tree runs and rock-drops. Across the valley, accessible via the Medran cable car and short bus ride is Bruson (45 mins). Powder days are well worth spending here. Off the beaten track, Bruson almost guarantees solitude on the slopes, a slow lift network the only downside.
Click on Piste Map to enlarge
Verbier
Statistics
Resort Height: 1,500m (4,921ft) Highest
lift: 3,300m (10,925 m)
For the more advanced rider, the back of the Mount-Fort glacier, 'Barry's Bowl' (ask locals) and the couloirs and tree runs under the Medran lift provide genuinely gnarly experiences. The only downside to this fantastic Mecca to off-piste is the reputation it has; superb skiers and boarder's alike flock to the mountainside, and by lunchtime the slopes are tracked out. In order to enjoy the best of what is on offer, you must be 'up with the crows'.
Park - Officially, Verbier boasts 4 snow-parks, but in reality there are 2 to speak of, (Savoleyres and La Chaux). Compared with many other resorts, these are far from spectacular, there is no half-pipe, only a couple of rails and box's, and kickers far too big to progress quickly. The resort does host various park exhibitions including the 'Carlsberg High Five', but these cater for advanced park riders only. During my season there, construction wasn't completed until late January, although to be fair by March things were looking much better.
Safety! - Mountains are immense fun but you must treat them with the respect they deserve at all times. Check out my brief safety guide on how to keep you safe and having fun on the slopes - SAFETY GUIDE
Nightlife / Après ski- Verbier has an incredible nightlife and great choice for afternoon après ski. Offshore is worth a visit, a funky little cafe with delicious food and quality milkshakes, (found at the bottom of the Medran lift). The Big Ben bar is the place to meet for a game of pool and the cheapest internet in town. In terms of après ski, look no further than the Hotel Farinet in the centre of Verbier (left), which hosts an array of rocking live bands on Wednesday nights, coinciding with most of the seasonaire's day off. Always a blinder! All nights out should start at Pub Mont Fort, which guarantees a big night out, with cheap shots and good beer, the place is packed every night, definitely the seasonaire's pub of choice. When the pubs close (around 1am), the Caz Bar or The Farm club provide drinking until around 4am, with everything you expect from a night club
