Skiing in Verbier with European Snowsport Ski School

Carve Central: The Secret Blue – Intermediate

Although it has now been around for longer than the name merits, the Secret Blue is a favourite amongst those looking to get some clean, flowing carving in. Best on a cold day when the snow is packed and groomed, the piste offers just enough slope for speed, and some incredibly satisfying rollers to really dig your edges into. The true test of a good slope is building just enough speed for that delicious carve kickback, and the Secret Blue boasts a perfect score.

To access this run, you can choose one of two routes. The first is from the Attelas side, taking a left under La Chaux 2, and then penguin walk up a short hill to reach this exclusive slope. Alternatively, you can ride the Chaux 2 lift from the bottom of the bowl and simply turn right at the top, allowing you to gracefully glide along a short flat.

For those less focused on the skiing, or simply looking for a bit of fun, visit in April as this slope is home to the brand new Ski Ballet competition, held annually at the end of the season. This event features some flips and tricks from ex-Olympic ski ballet competitors, and is guaranteed to draw gasps of awe and amazement from kids and adults alike.

Adventure Away: Les Otanes – Expert

This is a true, local gem for any off-piste fan. Hard to find without the company of knowledgable ski instructors, Les Otanes is an route usually reserved for locals and Big Five challengers. During the peak weeks, lesser-known Bruson is the best way to get away from queues and overcrowded restaurants. Indeed, before heading off to les Otanes, we recommend taking a quick pit stop in the newly renovated Pasay Restaurant, where you will find a designer twist on local culinary favourites (nettle soup, fondue, and Valaisan platters are just a few dishes to highlight).

Located in Bruson, on the other side of the valley, this route slopes off the left of the Pasay, a wide piste visible from Verbier town. A short push along a flat, and you reach the start of this secluded, wooded route. It’s ideal for off-piste skiing, with spaced trees leaving you free to enjoy bouncing through the forest, sometimes all the way down to le Chable. Trails are marked by yellow and orange poles, and these are placed regularly down les Otanes, providing you with consistent reference points on your descent. On a quiet snowy day, we highly recommend taking a moment to stop and soak in the sounds of the snow and forest around you. It’s a silence like no other, and perhaps our favourite quality of les Otanes, while other trails on the Big Five boast moguls, jumps, and adventure, it is Les Otanes’ serene atmosphere and immersion into nature that makes it truly special.

Ski With Mum: Taillay – Intermediate

The Taillay slope is one of the prominent runs In Verbier. It can be found on the east side of the resort and is often associated with a more intermediate level of skiing, offering a combination action of challenging terrain and stunning alpine views. After your thrilling ride in the allegedly Soviet-era telecabine, this piste is the perfect antidote to any increased nervous dispositions in your party. A wide strip of medium slope, Taillay provides an easy descent, but is also delightful for some serious carves in the early mornings. This piste is less intimidating for beginners and can also provide a comfortable choice to help with the more hesitant skier. 

Boogie With a View: Fontenelle – Advanced

If Fontenelle was a song, it would be Californication by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. A steady beat, syncopated melody and the epic drop halfway through, Fontenelle curves off to the left side under the top of La Chaux Express. Obscured beneath the chairlift, Fontenelle provides a sneaky alternative for the knowledgeable skier looking to avoid crowds on the way to après ski. The musical comparison is not made lightly. Indeed, Fontenelle is a symphony of contrasting introduction and chorus – it begins with a deceivingly flat curve off the main slope, before throwing the average, unsuspecting skier into a steep, technical section. Iconic yet underappreciated, Fontenelle also boasts incredible views to the south-east side of the Val de Bagnes. As you ski down, make sure to glance off to the left, especially during the early winter sunsets, and pop the song on, it makes the experience practically cinematic!

Feel The Burn: Gentianes to La Chaux – Advanced

During the winter season, skiers and snowboarders alike flock to Verbier’s ski terrain looking to take on the challenge of its famously technical slopes. One of these is the descent from the Col de Gentianes down to La Chaux. This slope has perhaps the widest range of difficulty in the 4 Vallées. Here, you will encounter steep ice, flat paths, and rollers not dissimilar to the Secret Blue.

The journey begins at its endpoint – the bottom of La Chaux. Take the Jumbo up and over the ridge, then take a right turn when you arrive at the bottom of the exit stairs. A short push along the introductory flat and you reach the beginning of the slope – a steep, often mogul-covered section. This piste, as the freeriders in your group would say, is gnarly. Freshly groomed every night, come here at the end of the day to challenge your technique and balance through the bumps. However, once you reach the glacial cirque (a small valley left by glacier retreat), you’ll be onto a long, gentle flat, that eventually curves into rollers, and then back into a path before reaching La Chaux. You’ll feel your legs at the end of this one, but it’s nothing a good hot chocolate from the Cabane Mont-Fort won’t fix. Take a left just before la Chaux to experience the Swiss hospitality and views of this popular break spot.

And there you have it – European Snowsport’s 5 recommended pistes in Verbier. It is possible to steer clear of overcrowded pistes such as the Attelas-Ruinettes descent (affectionately nicknamed the M25), but you have to know where to look. Indeed, a European Snowsport instructor will be trained not only to keep you safe and improve your skills on the mountain, but will also have all of the local knowledge and tips we have accumulated over our two decades of time in this beautiful resort. Have your days tailored to your preference and get the most out of developing your ability. The team at European Snowsport inject that little something special into your time in the resort that you can’t get anywhere else.

Book here to ski with European Snowsport, members receive a 10% discount in Verbier. If you love making memories, adventures await…