Verbier is opening this weekend for skiing.

It’s the first time in 25 years since the Swiss resort was open for summer skiing.

It is one of several resorts which have opened over the past few weeks, benefitting from the snowy conditions which remain at altitude – the result of record snowfalls last season and a long, cold spring.

Last weekend Alpe d’Huez in France opened.  Two weeks ago, Cortina in Italy opened.

Verbier did consider reopening for a weekend back in June – when they held a Facebook vote, which we reported here.  However, when the time came, the weather was too bad!

Now, thanks to excellent spring snow and a decent forecast, Mont Fort will open this weekend, with skiing down to Gentianes – a 400m vertical descent.

Verbier’s glacier area used to open regularly for summer skiing, back in the 1980s.

The lifts will only be open during the morning until 1pm (starting at 8am at the base of the resort, and from 10am at Mont Fort) and a liftpass will cost CHF20. The lifts from the base of the resort start at 08.00 with the lifts at Mont Fort open from 10.00 to 13.00.  Two slopeside rstaurants will also be opening – Mont Fort and Gentianes.

The Mont Fort sunrise outings have also started this month.  This morning, the first sunrise ascent started at 4.45am up to the top of Mont Fort (at 3,328m), followed by a copious breakfast at the Gentianes restaurant, plus use of all open lifts in the 4 Vallees area for the day for CHF60/38 (adults/kids).  Further sunrise tours will operate on 18 and 25 July departing at 4.45; 1, 8 and 15 August at 5am.

 

Other related articles:
More summer ski resorts open
Skiing starts down-under
Glacier skiing
Summer holiday – mountain vs beach?
What to pack for summer holidays in the Alps

 

 

1st two images: ©swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger