Verbier is arguably the chicest ski resort in the world, attracting the rich, the famous and royal families from around the globe. Grazia’s Sarah Fitzmaurice paid a trip to the resort to explore the slopes, the style, the chalets and the all-hours après ski.
Within mere minutes of arriving in Geneva I found myself in the comfort of the CK Verbier transfer, being presented with my first glass of champagne. It was a sign of things to come. A little over two hours later (and a little tipsy) we arrived at Chalet Hiver to be welcomed by our personal chef Nick and hostess Karen, a roaring fire and yet more champagne. From start to finish the break was indulgent, luxurious and incredibly stylish. Verbs is the resort to see and be seen - it is to winter what St Tropez is to summer. So if you want to ski with the jetset or party with Prince Harry – here’s my guide.
**Where to stay: Our home for the trip, **Chalet Hiver (located opposite Richard Branson's 'The Lodge') is managed by **CK Verbier **and the company have eight impressive and distinctive chalets located centrally. Each residence offers a stylish haven to eat, drink and rest, in between hitting the slopes and all the partying you’ll no doubt be doing. From the award-winning Bella Coolla property which boasts a swimming pool and sauna, Matisse sketches and pre-historic elk antlers (yes, really) to the traditionally rustic feel of Le Ti, each chalet is impeccably turned out with an emphasis on pure and unadulterated luxury. Think cosy furs to snuggle up to, log fires to stare into as you sip from a champagne flute and balconies to admire the beautiful snow-capped mountains. They are also pretty big on art. Each chalet comes fully staffed – with a host, a private chef and a 24-hour chauffeur – which comes in handy particularly after a late après ski session. We wanted for nothing during our stay – our host Karen seemed to anticipate our every need, while chef Nick cooked up the most delicious and creative dishes for breakfast and the three-course evening meals.
The sumptuous cakes that were waiting for us post ski are worth breaking even the strictest of diets for. The hosts don't live in, so after the last aperitif has been served guests can relax and really enjoy the property, plus there’s an extensive bar should a nightcap prove tempting. With CK, all the niggles that can come with skiing are taken care of, no lugging around your equipment or queuing for ski passes – the concierge services are so seamless you can make the most of your time in the mountains.
If you’re staying for less than three nights the W Hotel located opposite the Medran lift is a great alternative to a chalet. The rooms are sleek and modern with an alpine twist and the spa is a welcome nicety after a hard day’s ski.
**Where to apres: ** Step out of your skis and into Le Rouge for immediate apres-ski revelry. If you’re in resort on February 17th head here for an epic 24-hour Mardis Gras party if you can handle it. For post dinner partying check out the cocktail menu at Le Farinet(espresso martinis highly recommended) or for a supperclub dining experience with entertainment head to Etoile Rouge to party until the early hours.
What to wear: Bogner, Moncler, Chanel and lots and lots of fur. Carry around some LaCroix skis to really look the part. Heels are necessary for evenings out and skirts and sequins appear to be pretty normal too. Pack to party. (In resort you can visit **Mountain Air **to get kitted out like a regular)
Where to ski: Verbier sits in the largest ski area in Switzerland, the 4 Valleys. There’s 410km of marked runs plus plenty of off piste and itinerary trails to explore making Verbier a popular choice for confident skiers. We were lucky enough to have Tom from Performance Verbier Ski School to help us get our bearings for the first morning & we appreciated the advice. The view from Mont Fort, which sits at 3300m, is a must-see (even for inexperienced skiers – you can get the cable car back) but the vantage of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn is really something special.
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