Springtime Hikes in Verbier by Lottie Pridham

Hiking in spring in Verbier can be a wonderful experience for several reasons. As the snow melts, the landscape is transformed into a beautiful display of colourful flowers, greenery and snow-capped peaks. The weather is usually mild, with comfortable temperatures that are ideal for hiking. The trails are less crowded than during peak tourist season, allowing you to enjoy the peacefulness of nature and spot wildlife coming out of hibernation.

Verbier has a vast network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, you can find a trail that suits your preferences. Overall, hiking in spring in Verbier offers a unique and beautiful experience that is not to be missed.

Having lived in Verbier for over 10 years and organised fitness & wellness retreats for the last 8 years, hiking and trail running is part of my spring & summer life! Here are my top 4 trails to try:

1 - Ruinettes > La Chaux >: 2.5 km 0m 25-45 min one way. 1/5 difficulty.

If you have lift access and are looking for a very gentle hike to take in some fantastic views from up high, this is the trail for you. Starting at 2200m up the mountain, this summer road leads you around the mountains to the Dahu restaurant, the perfect spot for lunch or a coffee. Most likely still covered with snow, it is easy underfoot and boasts incredible views across to the Corbassiere Glacier. Either return the same way or take the lift up and down to Ruinettes. Perfect for all ages.

2 - Patier > St Christophe > Patier: 3 km 156m 1 hr round hike approx. 2/5 difficulty.

A beautiful trail guiding you through the forest into an opening by a small, pretty chapel. Scenic views over the valley floor. Fairly easy terrain, in some parts a few tree roots to navigate, but on the whole a great option for a leisurely family hike.

3 - Route de Soleil > Chez Dany > Verbier: 7 km 434 m 2-3 hrs approx. 3/5 difficulty.

Climb down from Verbier centre onto the Route de Soleil, following this trail as it weaves around the mountain side. Easy underfoot as it is a summer road and mostly flat - a great chance to take in the beautiful views as you stroll along. Taking the hiking trail that leads you onto a slightly narrower forest trail, this then turns into a summer road again as you climb up to Chez Dany. Breaking out from the forest, you are greeted with impressive views from a height of 1750m, before your descent back into Verbier down a single track trail (watch out for tree roots here). Walking poles will help with the ascent and descent but aren’t necessary.

4 - Le Chable > Verbier: 4 km 630 m 0:50 - 1:30 hrs approx. 4/5 difficulty.

A purely uphill hike for those wanting to test themselves against the elevation. Starting from Le Chable, the hiking trail leads you higher and higher until you reach Verbier town. You travel partly along an old roman road the trail weaves through the cute village of Cotterg, through small fields and then into the forest. Walking poles definitely help with this ascent. Do it for time and feel the leg burn, or take it at your own leisurely pace.

FATMAP Guidebook of Hikes, Click Here

Lift times:

Verbier - Ruinettes

Weekends of 3rd-4th & 10th-11th June

08h00 - 17h00

Then

17th June - 18th September

O8h00 - 17h00

Retreats:

During the summer months, July-August-September, I organise fitness and wellness retreats for women. Balancing hiking, fitness, yoga and self-care in the stunning Swiss mountains surrounding Verbier. Enjoy scenic mountain hikes, paddleboarding, lake dips, forest cardio fitness, daily yoga, strengthening weighted circuits and massage. These immersive retreats offer you the chance to fully focus on your wellbeing: MOVE your BODY / REST your MIND / FEED your SOUL.

Specifically designed for small groups of like-minded women, held in an environment that is supportive, inspiring, motivating and encouraging. The retreats are as much about social connection and having fun as they are about fitness, relaxation and healthy eating. To leave you feeling rested, restored, re-energised and happy, with lifelong friends! Perfect for solo travellers and those in small groups, from all life stages and all nationalities. In addition to the mixed, set date retreats, I offer tailor made private group retreats. Specifically designed around your goals for your own private group (men are welcome too here!), be that a group of couples, a family, or a group of friends.

www.lottiepridham.com

About Lottie:

A keen hiker, cyclist, trail runner, swimmer and skier - Lottie is the founder of Lottie Pridham Retreats, fitness retreats based in Verbier, specifically for women and concentrating on their minds, bodies and souls. Like many of us, Lottie was drawn to Verbier by the lure of the ski season only to be delighted by the opportunities afforded by summer in the mountains. As a ski instructor, she became fascinated with the off-snow aspect of training, learning about biomechanics and how to prepare yourself in the best way for skiing. This interest in training led Lottie to gain several qualifications in the field. She now lives out her passions on a daily basis, creating a healthy lifestyle for herself and women around Verbier.

Lottie has picked out her favourite gear to help you tackle the mountain in comfort and style. Here are her suggestions:

Sutro Lite Sweep

Oakley

CHF 250

Women's Kaha 2 GTX

Hoka

CHF 269

Women's Hike+ Light Crew Socks

Icebreaker

CHF 33