Europe / Ski & Adventure / 10 February 2026

Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Don't dismiss a winter resort in sunnier times. Junior's Editor had the best time visiting this beautiful alpine village, framed by the stunning Combins Massif mountains and discovered the Verbier Region opens up a whole world of possibilities to enjoy quality family time outdoors and immersed in nature.

By Bonita Turner

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday
Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Where is Verbier?

If you are still of the notion that ski resorts are only for winter holidays, then think again! Ski resorts in the summer months or in the low season are your gateway to activity filled getaways that the whole family can enjoy. Junior headed to Verbier, a picturesque alpine village located in the Valais in southwestern Switzerland.

About 1,500 meters above sea level, Verbier offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Combins Massif. Verbier is part of the 4Vallées – Switzerland’s largest ski region, which stretches across several valleys and includes internationally renowned resorts (Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon).

Follow our guide for what to do in this stunning mountain village and the best places to stay, eat and play.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: In the summer is from late June to August, offering warm, sunny weather ideal for hiking and biking. July is best for cultural events like the Verbier Festival. While August is warm, it can also be one of the rainier months, so plan for potential afternoon showers.

How to Get There

Planes, Trains & Cable Cars...

Flights: Direct return flights with Swiss from London Heathrow cost from £130 per person. Return direct flights from London to Geneva cost from £129 with easyJet

Transfers: Take a train from Geneva airport to Le Châble (change in Martigny). Point-to-point tickets start at £40 one-way for more information visit Travel Switzerland

Cable Car: Take the cable car from Le Châble to Verbier

GOOD TO KNOW: Travel Switzerland’s Swiss Travel Pass offers international visitors to Switzerland unlimited travel on consecutive days across the rail, bus and boat network, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply) and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions. Prices start from £229 for a three-day second-class ticket.
Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Where to Stay...

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Camping de Bonatchiesse

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

The on-site restaurant Café de la Promenade (not to be missed – see below)

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Hotel de Verbier – 4-star luxe Hotel located in the heart of Verbier

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday
Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday
Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday
Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Le Village Sioux: Camping de Bonatchiesse
For a true mountain experience

Tucked among the forest of Le Village Sioux Bonatchiesse, in Canton Valais, this charming hideaway feels like a well-kept family secret. Set in the heart of the beautiful Haut Val de Bagnes, it’s the sort of place where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end under a sky full of stars. Honestly.

Perfect for families who love adventure without sacrificing comfort, this welcoming retreat offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seasoned campers or a first-time glamper, there’s an option to suit. With traditional camping pitches, playful tepees, vintage-style caravans and cosy glamping lodges – all thoughtfully arranged within the peaceful larch forest. There are on-site showers, toilets and washrooms – remember to take a torch (and some extra toilet roll/tissues).

The atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely friendly, with a clear mission: to help guests slow down, recharge and reconnect with nature and each other. Children can roam freely, parents can finally exhale (there is limited wi-fi), and everyone can rediscover the simple joy of simply being outdoors. The on-site restaurant La Promenade offers homemade, local meals, drinks and tasting menus.

For those keen to explore  the area further they offer e-bike rental which makes it easy to tackle the region’s scenic mountain trails. Expect gentle rides with breathtaking alpine views, with just enough thrills to keep those teenagers happy too.

PRICES: Adult (14 years +): From 39 CHF/£36 pp per night Child (0-2 years): Free, Child (2-14 years): 22 CHF/ £20pp per night Single: 45 CHF/£41.50 pp per night includes breakfast and mattresses on the floor, sleeping bags, and pillows. 

Hôtel de Verbier
Luxe sleeping in the heart of the town

Sat in the heart of Verbier, is the newly refreshed Htel de Verbier, a cosy boutique hotel with 29 rooms and 2 studios. Built in 1947, it is one of the oldest family-run hotels still operating in Verbier and the ideal base for a family alpine escape. Think warm textures, calming tones and plenty of space to unwind after a day outdoors. The hotel reception/lounge are has a small shop, games and places to read and relax.

The bedrooms strike that all-important balance between contemporary comfort and cosy mountain charm, each with a balcony or terrace, minibar, ensuite and other essential amenities (tea/coffee maker, smart TV, safe and towel warmer). Elegantly styled and thoughtfully designed the rooms are spacious enough to suit couples, families and small groups.

For parents in need of some relaxation, the spa room with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gorgeous outdoor winter garden has cushion topped sun loungers all helping to soothe tired muscles, wandering minds, and restless children after a day of cycling, hiking or cable car hopping!

The hotel’s partner Italian restaurant and bar, Intenso offers a warm, sociable atmosphere for easy,  evenings together – this place is genuinely family-friendly. Breakfast is also served here from 7-10am.

PRICES: £285 / 302€ per night in a double room and £588.02 / 528.62€ in a family room, sleeping up to five on a room only basis.

GOOD TO KNOW:

For every night spent in Verbier, Val de Bagnes or La Tzoumaz, visitors receive a free Verbier Infinite Playground (VIP) Pass which offers discounts and privileged access to the entire area throughout the summer season, including free access to most gondolas on foot (and 50% off for bikes), unlimited public bus travel – bikes included – plus over 40 activities either completely free or at special rates. >>  Provided free of charge to all guests from 1st June – 31st October.

 

Where to Eat & Drink

Médran Cafe – Situated near Verbier station, this is  a popular place to meet hikers, climbers, locals and tourists for coffee to start the day or a drink to round it off!

Café de la Promenade – As mentioned above this is no ordinary ‘camping cafe’ this is a family run hotspot that serves fondue, croûtes and our pick, the cold beef (or Siedfleisch) and chips plate served with green salad and mustard dressing.

Restaurant de Mauvoisin – This charming building is the ideal spot after a visit to the Mauvoisin Gorge. Offering local, home made hearty meals and desserts.

Caveau Restaurant – With a cheese cellar housing over 250 cheeses this is quite possibly the place for the best raclette in Verbier! Served with warm potatoes, bread and pickles – it’s a must!

Le Dahu – The perfect spot for a midday break and the best views in Verbier –  with a panoramic vista of the Val des Bagnes and Grand Combin glacier. The restaurant offers a relaxed self-service area downstairs with burgers and hot dogs, and a seated upstairs, serving Swiss classics and wood-fired pizzas. Try a Rivella – an iconic Swiss drink made from milk whey, herbal extracts and sparkling water.

Les Moulins La Tzoumaz – This rotisserie and grill offers daily specials including local meats cooked over an open fire for a truly unique meal.

Restaurant Pizzeria Borsalino – The ideal pace for families this local pizzeria offers 15 mountain pizzas, huge pasta dishes, and  burgers.

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Caveau Restaurant in Verbier

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Best Raclette in the village?

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

A drink made from cows whey…

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Artistic placemats at La Café de la Promenade

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Mauvoisin Dam in Switzerland

Junior Magazine Europe Summer in Switzerland: Why Verbier makes for the best family mountain holiday

Mauvoisin Dam in Switzerland