Verbier / Mont Gelé - La Chaux
La Chaux might be a beginners area, but the yellow itinerary coming down from Mont Gelé is anything but easy. It’s steep, rocky and should only be attempted by experienced skiers.
When it’s open, the La Chaux line down Mont Gelé is a fun adventure for those seeking an off-piste feel to their skiing. This itinerary takes you back into the La Chaux area whilst the other side heads down to Siviez.
Be cautious and ensure you have all usual safety equipment with you. Consider taking a qualified off-piste instructor to help guide you down the mountain face.
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Siviez / Mont Gelé - Tortin
If you’re up for a challenge and like a few moguls then the Tortin route down Mont Gelé is an excursion for you. Despite the altitude, the snow can often become hard packed and icy, but it’s an incredible journey down in fresh powder.
The run starts with an adventurous walk from the cable car to the top of the mountain. Going off right takes you down the La Chaux side and the Tortin route leading to Siviez is around to the left.
The skiing itself is a combination of small traverses, moguls or powder depending upon the conditions. It’s one of the most challenging runs in the resort, so less confident skiers would be advised to skip this one.
A worthwhile challenge with decent views too.
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Verbier / Col des Mines
A diverse yellow itinerary run which starts in Lacs des Vaux and leads you back into the Verbier bowl. It’s a fun but challenging run to conquer, as well as being a handy route back to town.
The run starts with a short traverse to the left of the Lacs des Vaux chairlift before hitting a gully which can contain either powder or moguls. You then take a snow path which is cut into the mountain and arrive at a longer traverse further down. After that you can turn left down Col des Mines or go right for Vallon D’Arbi.
The final stretch into Verbier is best done in fresh powder. Once it’s more skied out it will become a more technical bumpy run down. But the view remains pretty awesome whenever the sun is out.
As it’s a marked itinerary, Col des Mines can often be closed in poor conditions or when the avalanche risk is too high. Don’t be tempted to pass through the netted barrier at Lacs des Vaux if it’s been pulled across the path.
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Verbier / Clambin
Whilst it’s a bit out of the way, Clambin is a pretty tree path which takes you to the edge of the mountain face and back around to the end of Route de Médran. It’s a pretty run with multiple picture opportunities on a good day. It’s not particularly steep but often a little bumpy.
Restaurant Chez Dany is situated just off the run and offers a secret alpine dining experience in the trees. Well worth a visit for an authentic Swiss alpine menu.
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A pretty itinerary in Bruson which takes skiers through the trees on the right of the slope. Despite being an itinerary, it’s not a difficult run, but it can get a little hard packed and bumpy in periods of less snow. Great fun in powder.
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Thyon / L’Eteygeon
This run is an adventure starting from the top of Greppon Blanc and meanders all the way down past Thyon. It’s an accessible run for intermediate skiers that want to challenge their off piste skills.
The itinerary starts is at the top of the left Geppon Blanc button lift. Exit right at the top and you will see a path heading a further 30m up the mountain, which you’ll need to climb. Time to put your skis over your shoulder and walk up. Then follow the yellow markers all the way down the valley. It combines a backcountry feel with moguls, powder and tree skiing.
Don’t forget to check the shuttle bus times for the return to civilization because there are no lifts at the bottom of this one. In case you miss the bus you can take a taxi as well for 10 CHF per person.
The bus will take you to the bottom of the Les Masses right at the end of the 4 vallées so you still have a long journey home, but this is a fantastic way to discover the resort’s full potential.
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Veysonnaz / Itinerary
Whilst this is marked as a yellow itinerary, it’s really an intermediate’s route which helps you get to Veysonnaz directly instead of taking the Drus button lift. It comes out half way up Les Mayens.
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Siviez / Gentianes Tortin
Here is another beautiful off-piste itinerary that will take you from Gentianes all the way down to Tortin. Get your legs ready for this one as it’s about twice the length of Tortin with different pitches of steep moguls.
The start of the run is flat and gentle, but quikcly progresses into moguls as you head further down. Large sections of the run can be very rocky so be aware of what you’re skiing over. However, in decent conditions, it’s a lovely run with a backcountry feel down into Siviez.
On the way down don’t hesitate to take a break and observe the ridges on your right. It’s quite usual to see mountain goats in this area, especially in the morning.
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Bruson / Les Otanes
A pretty itinerary in Bruson which takes skiers through the trees on the right of the slope. Despite being an itinerary, it’s not a difficult run, but it can get a little hard packed and bumpy when short of snow. Great fun in powder.
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Verbier / Vallon d'Arbi
Get ready for this very scenic trip to another resort of the 4 valleys. This off piste itinerary run will take you down to La Tzoumaz and is reserved for good skiers.
You will start from near the bottom of Lacs to the left handside of the chairlift and will have to go through the netted gate. Of course if it’s closed do not go under because this run has some big mountain skiing all around you on the way down.
The first part is quite mellow before you get to this beautiful man made path with icicles hanging on the side. At the end of the path there is a long traverse on a steep face which can be a little tricky. Then time to enjoy the ride all the way down the valley with some beautiful views.
At the bottom you will have to follow a road all the way to La Tzoumaz and make your way back to Verbier through Savoleyres.
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Siviez / Chassoure - Tortin
Chassoure Tortin, also known as simply Tortin, is a challenging itinerary that leads skiers away from the Verbier ski area towards Siviez. It is a long, wide and steep run, which is often closed in poor weather or dangerous conditions.
Skiers choose to either follow the yellow poles straight down the mountain on a steep descent or a lengthy traverse across the right hand side of the bowl. The second section is easier skiing and enables you to take in the amazing views of the Sion valley.
When this bowl is open and holds good snow, it offers both powder and moguls for more adventurous skiers. Fair-weather skiers are advised to take the gondola down into the Siviez valley.
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