The Perfect Long Weekend Around Verbier
- Jarno Hoogland
- Jul 13
- 6 min read
Why you should spend your next long weekend in Verbier
Verbier does not need much of an introduction. The name alone means something to anyone who rides mountain bikes seriously. It’s a famous winter destination and the bikepark has been operating since the early 2000’s.
Most people however miss the goodness there is to be found around Verbier. They ride the bikepark. They take the gondola up. They descend the same two or three trails they found signposted from the gondola and they go home thinking they have done Verbier.
They have not.
Verbier sits at the centre of a trail network that stretches in every direction across the Val de Bagnes and beyond. There is an enduro map at the tourist office, but it’s not always easy to navigate. Some of those trails are lift-accessible. Many are not. The ones that are not tend to be the best ones.
That is where a long weekend — three days minimum — starts to make sense. One day in the park, lift-assisted and familiar. Two days with Trail Taxi, pushing further into the terrain that most visitors never find.
This is how we would plan it.
The Trails
Besides the obvious warm up laps in the bikepark, there is a short list of trails to tick off. Ranging from flowy to steep and technical this is a nice sample of what we think makes up the best riding in the alps.
Col de Mille
A classic Valais alpine descent. Starting high up in open mountain terrain, Col de Mille delivers sustained, rewarding riding with views that stop you in your tracks. The upper section is alpine and rocky, the lower section flows beautifully through forest. It is a full-commitment descent — the kind of trail you talk about at dinner afterwards. You can access this one with the lifts in July and August, but prime time is September and October when nature is at its best. We can provide you with a single uplift or combine this in a half day shuttle where you climb 800m yourself.
Magic Charrat
One of the finest natural singletracks in the region. Magic Charrat is fast, flowing, and just technical enough to keep you honest. The trail drops through forest and open terrain with a character that is hard to find in a lift-served bikepark. This is the kind of trail that reminds you why you got into mountain biking in the first place. Shuttle-accessed with Trail Taxi, no gondola queue required.
Backside Bruson
Less known than the main Verbier trails, which is exactly why it is worth riding. Descending almost 1300m the Backside Bruson has a raw, natural feel that sets it apart from the more polished lift-served options. The terrain here is varied, the views across the valley are exceptional, and on a busy summer weekend you are unlikely to share it with many other riders. Shuttle-accessed and one of those trails we will always include into our shuttle days.
Vertigo
For riders who like things technical. Vertigo lives up to its name — this is not a trail for the faint-hearted, but if you are comfortable on steep and committing terrain, it delivers the kind of riding that genuinely tests your skills. If this description doesn’t scare you off, you’re best to loop this ride into the lift assisted bikepark day.
How to best structure your long weekend
Day 1 — The Bikepark Start with a lift-assisted day on the main Verbier trails. Get your eye in, figure out the terrain, and shake off any travel fatigue. The gondola system gives you easy access to a solid range of trails and the infrastructure is all there — no logistics required.
That doesn’t mean you’re not on a schedule though, with all these trails to cover it’s best to stick to this plan of action:
Trail 1 - Tsoppu blue trail (great warm up) https://swisstopo.app/i/5/VJQNYHEV
Trail 2 - Vallon d’Arbi
Trail 3 - Chotatai flow trail
Trail 4 - Col Marlenaz to Namaste
Lunch in Verbier (Arctic or Mountain Air have nice sandwiches!)
Trail 5 - Rodze red trail
Trail 6 - Tsenelle
Trail 7 - Vertigo
That should work up an appetite for dinner at Pub Mont Fort or the Kot!
Day 2 — Trail Taxi Day One This is where the trip starts to get interesting. A full shuttle day with Trail Taxi, exploring the natural trails beyond the lift system. We’ll hit up trails like Magic Charrat and Sentier de Mines, mixed in with a few more options to reach that 5000m of descending in a day. A day of variety, quality, and the feeling that you have found something most visitors miss entirely.
Day 3 — Trail Taxi Day Two On Trail Taxi day two we can head out towards the Rhone Valley, taking you to the trails above Fully, Ovronnaz and then head back to the Val de Bagnes for Backside Bruson and a lazy Col de Mille to finish off a perfect day. On the menu will be Plan de Vaches, Backside Bruson and again a good 5000m of shuttle accessed singletrack
Where to Stay
A Lârze, Le Châble
A small, family-run hotel right in the heart of Le Châble — the village at the base of the Verbier gondola. A Lârze is officially certified as a Bike Hotel by Hôtellerie Suisse, which means a secure bike room, a relaxed atmosphere, and a generous breakfast featuring local produce. The rooms are built in larch wood by local craftsmen, which gives the place a warmth that bigger hotels simply cannot replicate. And at the end of a long day, there is a sauna. Shops, restaurants, and the gondola are all within walking distance. This is the kind of place you leave wanting to come back to.
The Riders Nest, Le Châble
Looking for a nice apartment to rent? The Riders Nest is aimed at bikers and has all you need for a relaxed stay. Bike storage and workshop, your own kitchen and space for up to 6 people in this spacious apartment. In two steps you're in Le Chable center or at the gondola station. Easy!
https://www.ridersnest.com/
TCS Camping, Martigny
If you are travelling as a larger group or prefer a camping setup, TCS Camping in Martigny is a solid option. Martigny is a 15-minute drive from Le Châble and acts as the wider gateway to the Val de Bagnes — easy access, good facilities, and a natural base for anyone exploring the broader Valais region.
P4 Campervan Parking
For riders who prefer something more flexible, Le Châble has a well-situated campervan spot the P4 parking. At just 23 CHF per night plus 1.50 CHF per person tourism tax, it is one of the best value options in the valley. Roll in, set up and you're good to go. Do note that there are no showers on site, but thats easily sorted at the Verbier Swimming pool when you go for a post ride dip.
Where to Eat and Drink
Koti, Le Châble
The go-to après-ride spot in Le Châble. Koti has the kind of relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to stay for one drink and end up there two hours later. Good food, good company, and exactly the right energy after a big day on the trails.
Pub Mont Fort, Verbier
If you make it up to Verbier village in the evening, Pub Mont Fort is the place. A proper pub with a lively crowd and the kind of buzz that Verbier does well. Great for a group who want to celebrate a good day of riding.
Arctic Juice, Verbier
For something fresher — cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy food done properly. Arctic Juice is perfect mid-ride or as a lighter option when your body needs something other than a burger. Worth a stop whenever you are up in the village.
Buvette du Lein
For cheese lovers, a lunch at Buvette du Lein is non-negotiable. A traditional alpine buvette tucked into the hills above the valley, serving exactly the kind of food that makes sense in this part of the world — local cheese, charcuterie, and views that justify the journey to get there.
The Vibe
Verbier is a high alpine town with a relaxed attitude. It does not take itself too seriously, which is part of what makes it so easy to enjoy.
The riding here is genuinely world-class — but it is the variety that sets it apart. The bikepark gives you the infrastructure and the ease of access. The natural singletracks, accessed by Trail Taxi, give you the feeling of discovery. And between those two things, you have everything you need for a long weekend that actually delivers.
Most riders who come to Verbier ride the park and leave. The ones who go further — who take the shuttle out to Magic Charrat or drop into Col de Mille from the top — those are the ones who come back the following year.
Want to book?
Did we get your attention and want to book your multiday adventure with us? Drop us a message as we’re happy to help fine tune the riding to your preferences. https://www.trailtaxi.ch/contactus
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