Skiers riding a chairlift at Lac des Vaux in Verbier on the first weekend of the 2025/26 winter season, surrounded by fresh early snow.

Verbier Winter 2025/26: Early Season Turns, Fresh Snow & The Lifts Are Rolling

1st November 2025/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Verbier Winter 2025/26: The Lifts Are Rolling! 🎿

Today marked the first day of the new winter ski season in Verbier, and what a cracking start it was. I headed up for a few early-season turns this morning — Lac des Vaux was open, the snow was surprisingly good for this time of year, and the stoke levels were high.

According to the official word from Verbier 4 Vallées, the lifts will now be open every weekend until the full season kicks off in early December. Even better, more snow is on the way tomorrow, which should help open a few extra runs before long.

The mountain was buzzing this morning — a good number of skiers out, plenty of smiles, and that unmistakable first-day energy that says: winter is back.

If you’re new to skiing, or just feeling a bit rusty after summer, now’s a brilliant time to get your legs and confidence back. I’m offering early-season private ski lessons designed to sharpen your skills, boost your control, and get you ready for a full winter of fun once all the lifts open.

Early snow, good vibes, and the promise of more to come — it’s shaping up nicely in Verbier. Bring on the next storm and a few more open pistes. And if you need any help with your skiing check out my ski lessons in Verbier page.

See you on the slopes,
Roddy

TNew Savoleyres telemixte ski lift Verbier under construction ahead of Winter 2025–2026 ski season.

What’s New in Verbier Winter 2025–2026?

4th October 2025/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

What’s New in Verbier Winter 2025–2026?

The biggest news in Verbier this season is that the long-standing restaurant at Les Esserts has entered an exciting new chapter. After many years under the same management, the venue has changed hands — and with that comes a wonderful opportunity for renewal. Locals and visitors alike are hopeful that this beloved spot will finally live up to its stunning location and become a true culinary highlight in Verbier.

The previous management was known for a rather distinctive approach to hospitality, one that perhaps didn’t always resonate with the resort’s growing international crowd. But that’s all in the past — and the change marks a fresh start for a place with so much potential.

Best of all, the talented chef and team from the much-loved No.22 are taking over the restaurant. Their arrival signals a new era for Les Esserts, one defined by creativity, warmth, and exceptional food. It’s a hugely positive step for Verbier’s dining scene and a very welcome addition for everyone who appreciates great service and cuisine in the mountains.

Rumour Confirmed: La Table Takes Over Les Esserts

I can now confirm the rumours — the new restaurant at Les Esserts will be called La Table. I popped in today to meet the team, and it’s all systems go: builders, paint pots, and that unmistakable buzz of a place getting ready for something special. The space is being fully renovated, as you’d hope, and the energy feels spot-on — professional, passionate, and quietly confident. With snow already on the ground and the crew from No.22 at the helm, Verbier’s dining scene just levelled up. Bring on winter — it’s shaping up beautifully.

In Other News…

You may have heard from other sources that the new Savoleyres lift is coming along nicely and will start to make a real difference to the skiing this winter. Add in the brand-new Tortin / Lac de Vaux lift, and the 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be one of the best yet in Verbier.

Verbier Snow 2025 / 2026

And finally, the signs are looking good for some epic snow this winter. After all, what is skiing without the white stuff? The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is set to stir things up with the jet stream, bringing plenty of Atlantic precipitation to the Alps. When that collides with cold air from the east, we could be looking at some seriously deep powder days ahead.

If you need any help navigating the pistes or finding the best restaurants in Verbier this winter, I’m more than happy to help. Book ski time with Roddy now

Hit the Slopes and Celebrate at Snow Pride Verbier

1st March 2025/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Hit the Slopes and Celebrate at Snow Pride Verbier!

Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with skiing, music, and celebration? Snow Pride Verbier is back from April 4th to April 6th, 2025, bringing the vibrant energy of the LGBTQ+ community to the heart of the Swiss Alps. This annual event is a perfect blend of skiing, parties, and cultural experiences that make Verbier the ultimate destination for winter fun and inclusivity.

Why Snow Pride Verbier?

Snow Pride Verbier is more than just a ski weekend—it’s a full-blown festival that brings people together from all over the world to celebrate diversity on and off the slopes. With thrilling après-ski parties, themed evenings, and live music, this event guarantees an incredible experience whether you’re carving down the mountain or dancing the night away.

Your Weekend Lineup:

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect during Snow Pride Verbier:

April 4th – Kickoff & Après-Ski Fun

16:00 – 00:00: Après-Ski @ Farinet
20:00 – 00:00: Welcome Party @ Lounge Farinet
00:00 – 04:00: After Party @ South

April 5th – Non-Stop Festivities

11:00 – 16:00: Animations & Concert @ L’Inkontro
16:00: Snow Pride Single-File Descent to Verbier
16:00 – 22:00: Après-Ski Snow Pride @ Lumi
21:00 – 00:00: Snow Pride Party @ Alp&Horn
16:00 – 19:00: Après-Ski @ Le Rouge
19:00 – 22:00: Dinner & Show @ Le Rouge
23:00 – 04:00: Snow Pride Closing @ Farm Club

April 6th – Brunch & More

12:00 – 16:00: Brunch & Bingo @ Le Crock – Table du 22
All Day: Local Art Exhibition from Verbier Art Summit
20:00 – 00:00: Karaoke @ Numéro8
22:00 – 02:00: Hobo Noise / Techno Night @ Big Ben Pub

Ski with Roddy Willis – Your Local Ski Guide

Whether you’re an experienced skier or a first-timer looking to hit the slopes in style, Snow Pride Verbier is the perfect occasion to book a ski session with me, Roddy Willis. As a seasoned ski instructor, I can help you make the most of your time in Verbier, ensuring you experience the best runs, improve your skills, and fully enjoy the magic of the mountains.

Book Your Ski Adventure Today!

Snow Pride Verbier is the perfect mix of adventure, celebration, and community. If you’re looking to elevate your ski experience, why not book a private ski session with me? Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or a group session with friends, I’ll ensure you make the most of this spectacular event.

📩 Get in touch today via to secure your spot on the slopes!

Don’t miss out on the most colorful ski event of the season—see you in Verbier for Snow Pride 2025! 🏳️‍🌈🎿✨

The original Savoleyres bubble lift, operating since 1970, awaiting replacement with this modern Télémixte system.

Savoleyres Lift Update: The New Télémixte Revolutionizing Verbier Skiing

25th November 2024/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Savoleyres Lift Update: The Bubble Finally Pops

If you’ve skied in Verbier and ridden the Savoleyres bubble lift, you’ve probably thought two things: Wow, the views! and Is this thing held together with duct tape? Since 1970, this plucky lift has shuttled us to Savoleyres’ powdery delights with all the speed and grace of a snail on skis. But its wobbly days are numbered. Téléverbier has finally broken ground on the long-awaited replacement: the shiny new Télémixte lift! This all part of the TeleVerbier Master Plan!

A Saga Worthy of a Netflix Series

Replacing the Savoleyres bubble hasn’t been a straightforward affair. Planning began in the 90s, and since then, there’s been more drama than a chalet party at 2 a.m. Local opposition, red tape, and debates over piste plans have slowed progress to a crawl. But in 2024, the stars—and the permits—aligned. Cue the excavators and the champagne.

What’s Coming Down the Line?

The Télémixte is the James Bond gadget of lifts: part gondola, part chairlift, all modern. Ten-seat cabins and six-seat chairs will zip skiers from Esserts (1700m) to the top of Savoleyres (2200m) with an optional stop at Planards. The whole journey will take just 12 minutes—barely enough time to post an Instagram story.

There’s more: a new piste will link Carrefour to the Esserts station, smoothing the journey like a freshly groomed blue run. Whether you’re a powder hound or a piste cruiser, this upgrade is a game-changer.

One Last Hurrah for the Bubble

The first section opens in 2025-2026, with full completion by 2026. Until then, take a nostalgic ride on the bubble, preferably with a hip flask for courage. The Télémixte isn’t just a new lift; it’s the start of a sleeker, faster, and frankly more comfortable Savoleyres. Cheers to progress and endless powder days ahead! If you need help navigated Savoleyres let me know!

Autumn in Verbier with snow-covered mountain tops, showcasing a beautiful contrast of fall foliage and early winter snow in the Swiss Alps."

Winter 24/25 Snow Forecast for Verbier | Ski Lessons with Roddy

6th October 2024/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Winter 24/25 Snow Forecast for Verbier: Bottomless Powder Incoming!

The days are getting shorter, and it’s time to look ahead to what the 24/25 winter has in store for Verbier. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be *big*. But this isn’t your standard snow forecast – we’re digging into the quirky signs and chaotic weather patterns that point to one epic season.

Cooler Atlantic, Warmer Mediterranean, and Pure Chaos

This year, the Atlantic is cooler than usual, while the Mediterranean is heating up. These clashing forces create a stormy, unpredictable dance in the atmosphere. Chaos is brewing, but as every skier knows: out of chaos comes the magic. And Verbier is right in the crosshairs of that perfect storm. Expect the unexpected—and lots of snow!

Calling It: Bottomless Powder

We’re predicting it now: snow so deep and fluffy, you’ll wonder if your skis even touch the ground. Mark December 7th as the day Verbier gets hit with its first mega-dump, the kind that sets the tone for an unforgettable season. The local ibex are restless, and even the cows are louder this year—it’s all adding up!

Nature’s Clues: Insects and Swimming Trout

Massive insects and trout swimming in circles? In Verbier, we take these as surefire signs of an epic winter ahead. Call it superstition, call it intuition, but when nature speaks, we listen—and it’s saying we’re in for bottomless powder.

Roddy’s Optimism: The Best is Always Yet to Come

Roddy’s forecast is simple: *optimism*. Verbier always delivers, no matter the weather. So, pack your gear, prep for deep snow, and get ready for the season of a lifetime.

Got your own snow prediction? Share it with us, and we might feature it! Until then, we’ll see you on the slopes.

Verbier’s Best Kept Secret: Meet ICON Ski Instructors

5th October 2024/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

ICON Ski: Discover Verbier’s Best Independent Ski Instructors

When it comes to skiing in Verbier, there’s no shortage of breath-taking terrain, but what truly sets this resort apart is its expert guidance on the slopes. Enter ICON, a collective of the best independent ski instructors in Verbier, offering a personalised skiing experience like no other. If you’re serious about taking your skills to the next level or simply want to discover Verbier’s hidden off-piste gems, ICON should be your go-to.

Elevate Your Skiing with ICON’s Expert Team

ICON is not just a group of instructors—it’s a carefully curated team of elite professionals who know these mountains inside out. Whether you’re a first-timer on skis or a seasoned powder hound looking for the next thrill, the experts at ICON tailor every session to your skill level, goals, and preferences. With their deep local knowledge, they’ll show you the spots only the insiders know, making every run feel like an adventure.

Why Choose ICON for Your Verbier Ski Experience?

Verbier is known for its challenging terrain, and with ICON by your side, you’ll be skiing with the confidence of someone who knows these slopes like a pro. So, if you’re ready to elevate your skiing experience this winter, book your session with ICON Ski—and discover why they’re the best in the business.

Easter Snow Verbier 2024

28th March 2024/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

The time is 9.31 am on the 28th of March 2024 and it is snowing in Verbier.

Verbier Ski Report December 9th 2023

9th December 2023/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

The Verbier winter ski season opening week has been EPIC. The clever guys at TeleVerbier have been busy over the summer converting the Medran ski lifts into a time machine. TeleVerbier is no longer just a ski lift company, they are also master of the universe and have taken Verbier back to the 1980s. Climate change and reduced snowfall are something in the distant future and we are living the ski bum dream of powder and empty mountains. We have snow capped mountains and epic conditions on and off the piste. With a snow depth from the 1980s and more snow on the way Verbier has not looked this good this early in the ski season for a long time. If you’ve got this far then it is time to book some skiing and ski lessons in Verbier.

Verbier Snow Prediction Winter 23 – 24

29th November 2023/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Over the past 15 years, each autumn I have written a blog predicting the biggest winter snow fall ever for the coming winter ski season in Verbier. And over the last few years my predictions have been wildly wrong, climate change and other events have led to a reduction in snow falls across the Alpes. This is the first autumn I have been remiss and not bothered to post my optimistic snow predictions. I had had thoughts of a Polar Vortex shifting due to the biggest recorded El Nino events in the Pacific Ocean, a massive abondance of blackberries in my garden this autumn and not forgetting some huge spiders in the chalet, all the signs were there. However, I didn’t find the time to write my prediction and post it. Well… the start of winter has arrived; it is cold, and it has snowed loads, and more is coming in the next weeks. If only I had written my prediction earlier, I would have been correct in my prediction. Here is to an epic winter ski season in Verbier.

Roddy Willis

Master Moguls: Ski Like a Pro in 6 Steps

12th March 2023/in Blog/by Roddy Willis

Skiing moguls can be challenging, but with practice and some tips, you can improve your skills and enjoy this type of skiing. Here are some steps to follow:

Start with the basics: Before attempting moguls, make sure you have the basic skiing skills sorted, such as, posture, parallel skiing and controlling your speed and line.
Choose the right terrain: Look for a mogul run that matches your skill level. If you’re a beginner, start with small moguls and work your way up to steeper, larger ones.
Learn the proper technique: To ski moguls, you need to learn to absorb the bumps with your legs and keep your upper body stable. Keep your knees and ankles flexed and use a rhythmic up-and-down motion to absorb the bumps.
Stay balanced: Keep your weight centered over your skis and avoid leaning back, which can cause you to lose control.
Control your speed: Don’t rush down the mogul run. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent speed and using your turns to control your descent.
Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, skiing moguls takes practice. Keep at it, and you’ll improve.

Get lessons: Consider taking lessons from a qualified ski instructor who can help you refine your technique and give you personalized feedback.

Remember, skiing moguls can be challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. With some practice and the right approach, you can become a skilled mogul skier.