18 things to do in Verbier in the summer

In truth, I'd always felt intimidated by Verbier. It brought to mind tabloid spreads of beaming royals gliding down ski slopes, or my privately-educated university peers reminiscing about 'seasons' as ski instructors. Verbier sounded like a destination reserved for people who grew up holidaying in ski chalets – which I did not.

Yet, a recent shift has put the famous town on the map for those of us who can’t tell a black run from a green. Once synonymous only with well-dressed skiers, Verbier is emerging as an attractive summer destination, and not only because off-season hotels are a fraction of the price.

“In ten years time, Verbier’s summer season will have overtaken winter”, says Warren Smith, a Brit who made the town his home 22 years ago. It’s a surprising prediction from a man who runs a renowned ski school, but Warren can see the writing on the wall.

It makes sense. Snowfall is less reliable, while southern Europe swelters through record-breaking heatwaves. Up here in the Alps, you’ll find cooler weather, wide-ranging hikes, and plenty to do when the snow has melted. Here are some of the best things to try in Verbier in summer.
 

1. Verbier Festival

Every July, Verbier turns into a gathering place for classical music with the Verbier Festival. Since 1994, it has drawn some of the world’s best-known musicians for two weeks of concerts, chamber performances, and masterclasses. There's a reason this is number one on our list of the best things to do in Verbier in the summer.

You might hear Yo-Yo Ma or Martha Argerich in a small hall, or catch a full orchestra playing. Listening to Beethoven with Alpine peaks in view is a very different kind of concert experience. Young musicians also train with established artists at the festival academy.

Outside the concert halls, you can come across informal performances in the village and even late-night jazz in local bars. It is a rare setting where performers and audiences cross paths easily.

2. Bisse du Levron Trail

The Bisse du Levron is an easy but rewarding walk that follows an old irrigation channel first built in the 1400s. The 4.3-mile (7 km) trail runs along the mountainside through pine forests and open meadows, with views stretching across the Rhône Valley.

Because the gradient is gentle, it’s a good choice if you want something scenic without a hard climb. Along the way, you’ll cross wooden bridges over steep ravines and pass traditional chalets, with plenty of quiet spots to stop by the water for a break.

The path also links to other historic bisses, so you can extend the hike if you’re feeling up for it. It’s a great thing to do in Verbier in the summer. 

3. Climbing Mont Rogneux

At 10,118 feet (3,084 m), Mont Rogneux is a fantastic goal if you want a full-day hike that feels like a real summit climb but doesn’t require technical gear.

Most people start from Brunet, and it usually takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the top. The route is well-marked, winding through alpine pastures where you might see marmots or ibex before heading onto rockier ground near the top.

The last stretch involves some light scrambling, just enough to make the summit feel like an accomplishment. The views are wide-ranging. On clear days you can see everything from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Aim for an early start since weather often shifts by the afternoon. Standing at the summit cross feels like a real Alpine achievement without needing ropes or a guide. This is by far one of the best things to do in Verbier in the summer.

4. Mountain yoga classes

Yoga feels especially grounding in Verbier during the summer, with mountain views and crisp alpine air adding to each session. Classes take place in different settings, from sunny terraces in town to meadows high above the valley.

On Sundays, La Pasay hosts outdoor yoga where you stretch while looking across rolling ridgelines. Inspire Verbier also runs regular classes in their studio and outdoors, sometimes at Ruinettes at about 7,200 feet (2,200 meters), where the panorama takes in the whole Four Valleys. Retreats are another option if you want to combine yoga with hiking, biking, or time in the spa. Most sessions are suitable for all levels.

5. Visit a local fromagerie

Cheese-making in the Bagnes Valley is still very much a working tradition, and you can visit small fromageries to see it firsthand. In the mornings, fresh milk from cows grazing in the surrounding pastures is heated in large copper vats before being pressed into wheels of Raclette or Tomme.

You’ll learn about the process, from the stirring and pressing to the storage in aging cellars lined with hundreds of wheels. The cheesemakers are usually happy to explain how the season, altitude, and mountain herbs affect the flavor.

Tasting sessions highlight the difference between young and well-aged cheese, often paired with local honey or cured meats. Most fromageries sell directly to visitors, which makes it easy to pick up supplies for a picnic later in the day.

6. Sunset at Croix de Coeur

At 7,129 feet (2,173 meters), Croix de Coeur is one of Verbier’s most accessible viewpoints for watching the day wind down. You can get there by cable car or hike up from Les Ruinettes if you’d rather earn the view.

The restaurant terrace sits in the middle of wide-open panoramas, and around sunset the Grand Combin massif and Mont Blanc often glow in shades of pink and orange. Aim to arrive at least an hour before sunset so you can settle in with a glass of wine or beer and some mountain cheese. This is by far one of the best things to do in Verbier in the summer.

Paragliders usually make their last flights at this time, and if you’re lucky you might see ibex grazing on the slopes. Bring an extra layer, since the temperature drops quickly once the sun slips behind the peaks.
 

7. Mauvoisin Dam

Mauvoisin Dam rises 820 feet (250 meters) above the valley floor, one of the tallest arch dams in Europe. Built in the 1950s, it holds back the turquoise waters of Lac de Mauvoisin, framed by glaciers and 13,000-foot (4,000-meter) peaks. The drive up is memorable on its own, with a narrow road winding through tunnels and hairpin turns before you reach the dam.
At the top, you can walk across the crest and look straight down the concrete wall, which can be a challenge if you don’t like heights.

A small visitor center explains the dam’s role in Switzerland’s hydroelectric system. Hiking trails branch out to viewpoints over the lake and nearby glaciers, and for those who want something more intense, bungee jumps are arranged from the dam itself.

8. Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble

The Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble is set in a restored 19th-century building and gives a clear picture of valley life before Verbier grew into a resort. Displays include carved masks once used in festivals, traditional costumes, farming tools, and the progression of ski equipment from wooden planks to modern designs.

One of the most interesting parts is the explanation of transhumance, the seasonal movement of cattle up to high pastures, which shaped the region’s way of life.

The basement has a mineral collection gathered from the local mountains, and rotating exhibits bring in contemporary artists who work with alpine themes. Families will find interactive displays, and English translations are detailed enough that you can follow the history without missing context. It’s a good way to spend a summer day in Verbier.
 

9. Horseback riding with Les Attelages de Verbier

Exploring Verbier’s trails on horseback gives you access to paths that vehicles can’t reach. Les Attelages de Verbier runs rides for beginners and experienced riders. You can take short one-hour trips through meadows to longer routes that climb to remote alpine lakes. The horses are used to steep ground, so even on mountain paths the ride feels steady and relaxed.

More experienced riders can pick up speed across open pastures, while gentler forest routes are ideal for spotting wildlife like marmots and deer. Multi-day trips include nights in mountain huts, similar to how people once traveled through the valleys.

For something slower, you can join a sunset ride or take a horse-drawn carriage through the village. Guides usually share stories about the landscape and local traditions.

10. Mountain biking

In summer, Verbier becomes a plaWhen the snow melts, Verbier turns into a major mountain biking hub, with more than 500 miles (800 km) of marked trails.

The bike park is lift-accessed, so you can skip the climb and head straight into downhill runs filled with berms, jumps, and rocky technical sections.

If you prefer endurance rides, the cross-country trails include big routes like the Tour des Combins, which loops around some of the region’s tallest peaks.

E-bikes make it easier to reach higher trails, even if you’re not used to riding at altitude. You’ll find everything from smooth single-track through larch forests to steep enduro descents that test your skills. Rental shops and guiding services in town make it simple to get set up, and if you’re around in September, the Verbier Bike Festival highlights the best of the local scene.
 

11. Botanical walk in La Tzoumaz

Just across the ridge from Verbier, La Tzoumaz has a short 1.2-mile (2 km) botanical trail that’s easy but full of detail.

More than 100 alpine plants are labeled along the loop, with signs explaining how they survive the mountain climate and how people have used them for centuries. In midsummer, the path is lined with gentians, orchids, and edelweiss.

You’ll walk through shady forest patches, open meadows, and rocky ground. Local guides sometimes lead walks and share the folklore around plants like arnica, long used for bruises, and Alpine roses, which aren’t roses at all. Benches along the way look out over the Rhône Valley, and kids tend to enjoy the interactive sections where they can match leaves to flowers.

12. Alpine spa treatments

Verbier’s spas use local ingredients like arnica, pine, and honey from local hives in massages and facials. Some treatments include marmot oil, which locals have traditionally used for sore joints, and hay baths, where you lie in warm fermented grasses that are thought to boost circulation. This is easily one of the best things to do in Verbier in the summer.

Even in summer, the spas stay open, with hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor pools making the most of the views. Some also have yoga decks or meditation areas tucked into gardens. 

The altitude itself slows you down, as lless oxygen means you naturally move at a gentler pace. Many spas combine international wellness styles, like hammams and Russian banyas, with long-standing Alpine traditions. After a day on the trails, it’s an easy way to recharge.

13. Paragliding

At Mont Fort, you can take off from 10,925 feet (3,330 m) for a tandem paragliding flight over the Swiss Alps. You don’t need any experience since the pilot handles the technical side while you enjoy the view.

Flights usually run 15–25 minutes, though you can sometimes go longer if the conditions are right. Mornings are calmer, while afternoons can be more energetic with rising thermals that let you climb higher.

From above, you’ll see glaciers, alpine lakes, and even ibex on the cliffs, before landing back in Verbier village. Many pilots provide photo or video add-ons if you want a record of your flight. Weather is the main factor, but in summer, flights usually run on most days.

14. Art galleries in town

Verbier has more to see than just the mountains. Around the village, you’ll find galleries showing both international and Swiss artists, with work ranging from contemporary painting to photography focused on alpine landscapes.

Gallery Choual often puts on mountain-inspired exhibitions worth stopping by. The Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park spreads large works around the resort so you can walk between them in an outdoor gallery.

In summer, art walks turn the village into a social evening with late openings, wine, and live music. Some artists come to Verbier for residencies, so new pieces are often on display. 
 

15. Via ferrata at Les Gentianes

The via ferrata at Les Gentianes is a good way to try climbing without needing technical skills. The route is graded moderate and usually takes 2–3 hours.

You’ll use fixed ladders, steps, and cables to cross ledges, suspension bridges, and short vertical sections, always clipped into the safety line. The views stretch across the valley, and the rock itself shows interesting layers and fossils if you pay attention along the way.

Most people reach the start by cable car, which makes it easy to do in half a day. Gear rental usually includes a helmet, harness, and carabiners. If it’s your first time, going with a guide helps you get comfortable with the system.

16. Hike to Lac des Vaux from La Croix de Coeur

This is a steady 2-hour hike that takes you to an alpine lake tucked beneath rocky peaks. You start at La Croix de Coeur, which you can reach by lift, and head downhill through meadows before climbing gradually to the lake at about 8,340 feet (2,543 m).

In July, the hillsides are covered in wildflowers, with alpine asters spreading across the slopes. The lake itself is fed by snowmelt, so the water stays icy cold. Some people take quick plunges, while others just stretch out on the grass for lunch.

Marmots are often easy to spot, and you might catch golden eagles circling above. If you still have energy, the path continues toward Col des Mines for a longer day out.  Bring food and a warm layer so you can enjoy a break by the water.

17. Mont Fort sunrise or panoramic cable car ride

At 10,925 feet (3,330 m), Mont Fort is one of the easiest high viewpoints to reach in the area. Several cable cars take you up, with the scenery opening wider at each stage. Early morning trips are popular, when the first light catches Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the surrounding peaks.

The viewing platform has tables that point out the names of the mountains around you. Even in summer the air is thin and cool at this height, so warm clothes are a good idea. T

here is a small glacier near the summit where people ski year-round, and a via ferrata route runs down for those looking for a more demanding descent. Afternoon visits can be just as good, especially when the clouds shift around the ridges below.

18. Downhill scooters (trottinettes)

Trottinettes are large scooters with thick tires and brakes made for mountain descents. You ride the lift up and roll back down on trails and mountain roads powered by gravity alone.

The most popular route runs from Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz, about 6 miles (10 km), with open views at the top and forest sections further down. They are stable and easy to handle, so kids from around seven years old can join in.

There are several routes to choose from, ranging from relaxed family-friendly descents to rougher tracks with jumps and berms. Rentals come with a helmet and a quick introduction.

Many people make a lunch stop at a mountain restaurant before taking the lift back up to try another route. It is a lighthearted way to spend a few hours outside without much effort.