Discovering the Magic of Verbier A Chalet Experience
Flying down a mountain at 30 miles an hour with ice-cold wind rushing in your face may sound like a nightmare to some – and like heaven to others. If you are among the latter, a winter vacation in Verbier – hailed as “one of the premier ‘off-piste’ and apres-ski resorts in the Alps” – may just be your ticket to paradise. Europe offers no shortage of options for a dream ski vacation, but there is one reason why most European royals and celebrities flock to Verbier – and it’s the chalets.
These magnificent architectural gems have propelled the area to prominence, blending seamlessly with the dynamic terrain and offering the ultimate luxury experience with unparalleled privacy. Designed for groups or individuals seeking a premium experience, they include remarkable options like Richard Branson’s The Lodge and Chalet Bellaiuva. However, one chalet is an obvious choice whether you are a royal or just want to feel like one: No. 14 Verbier.
Located in a quiet area at the base of the Montfort mountain, this stylish modern residence may not look like a castle on the outside, but the world of luxury that awaits inside well compensates for the unpretentious first impression. No. 14 Verbier can accommodate up to 28 guests – but whether you are 28 friends traveling together or a comfort-loving party of two, a team of 15 staff members caters to your every whim. A private chef will delight your senses with a personally curated breakfast and dinner menu; a driver will be on standby to take you anywhere within the ski area; and a spa treatment can be booked at any time within the chalet’s designated private spa area. You can even request a personal off-piste guide to accompany you on the slopes – which is well worth doing, considering that Verbier is the largest linked ski area in Switzerland, spanning 410 kilometers of ski runs accessible by more than 100 ski lifts.
In ski parlance, “off-piste” simply means off-trail, referring to skiing on unmarked and ungroomed terrain, often on untouched powder snow. And if you are not the type to follow directions (at least not all of the time), you’ll appreciate that Verbier is the final stop on the FreeRide World Tour, where the world’s most daring skiers test their limits by going off-piste.
But you don’t have to be a world freeride champion to enjoy the magic Verbier’s off-piste skiing. In fact, if you ski at all, this is an experience to be had at least once in your lifetime. Like floating on a cloud, gliding on fresh powder through an unmarked open field opens something inside you. It is as close to flying as one can get without leaving the ground. A magnum opus for most skiers, it is a feeling like no other – and if you are in Verbier, it is an absolute must. And, whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice just at the beginning of your skiing adventure, there is no shortage of options to explore. Verbier is one of the four major mountain areas linked by hundreds of well marked trails of all levels, accessible by one ski lift ticket.
Invigorating crisp mountain air, snow-capped peaks, and the clear blue sky as a perfect backdrop to the beauty and the majesty of the Swiss Alps – this alone is enough to call Verbier a skier’s paradise; but it’s not the only reason why World Ski Awards chose it for the past two years as “The world’s best ski resort.” Its apres-ski is an institution unto itself, attracting cosmopolitan clientele of all ages from all across Europe and beyond.
Eating is serious business in Verbier – and, whether you find yourself yearning for sustenance after an exhilarating day of skiing or wish to take a well-deserved mid-ski break, Verbier has got you covered.
If you miss your chalet while on the slopes, don’t despair – there are plenty of chalets on the mountains! Nestled amidst the snowy peaks, these hidden gems serve as perfect pit-stops with a view. Chez Danny serves classic Swiss cuisine with a contemporary twist. Oven-roasted local Raclette and mouthwatering ham on a fresh baked baguette with a glass of Petite Arvine will deliver most into a gastronomic heaven. If you are in the mood for lighter fare, opt for lemon meringue cheesecake or their signature ganache au chocolat with pear brandy sorbet. Whatever you choose, crackling fireplaces, cozy fur-covered chairs and friendly, impeccable service will make for a perfect sanctuary from which to enjoy the breathtaking view before heading out into the snow.
For an upscale dining experience at the base, head to Verbier’s only Michelin-starred restaurant – also a chalet – La Table d’Adrien. Chef Sebastiano Lombardi brings flavors from his hometown of Puglia to the inventive Italian cuisine menu he serves with meticulous attention to detail. Highest quality ingredients, high-flying creativity and insightful wine-food pairings serve as a perfect culmination to a perfect day in paradise. Concealed by a secret door behind the bar, Le Vingt Deux offers an entirely different, and a very intimate dining experience. This Michelin-guide eatery specializes in classic Swiss European cuisine. Chef Thomas Vada creates his magic alone from an open kitchen, while Thibault, the owner, welcomes a handpicked group of 15 guests who were smart enough to book their dinner well in advance. And, if you’re in the mood for something more interactive and entertaining, you may want to join the revelers at Verbier’s other Michelin-guide restaurant, Eat-Hola Tapas Bar. Its two Michelin star-decorated culinary director Sergi Arola is known as the “rock star Chef” – and the tapas he creates in front of the starry-eyed diners confirm the reputation.
Ultimately, what makes Verbier one of the world’s top ski destinations are the people who go there – and the only way to experience it is to go there yourself. And, whether you find yourself dancing to a live DJ on the 1,000-person panoramic terrace at Le Mouton Noir – or lose yourself at the iconic Farm Club, Verbier’s definitive place to “see and be seen” – one thing is for sure: this is a ski vacation you won’t soon forget. And who knows – you might even run into a royal or two. no14verbier.com
