You would be mistaken to think that Verbier is just a winter ski resort. The small Swiss village located in the south west of Switzerland in the Cantons Valais is a summer resort that could rival the best! It’s not all about phenomenal skiing and apres ski in Verbier, nor does the resort close as soon as the snow melts. Verbier comes alive with a whole wealth of events and activities throughout the summer, I’ve selected my top 5 favourite events that happen every summer in Verbier.
Verbier Bike Park Summer Launch Party
As well as offering arguably some of the best off piste skiing in the Alps, Verbier is also well renowned for its bike park and on the 27th June the Bike Park will hold its ‘Verbier Bike Park Summer Launch Party‘. The weekend long party party features bike races and contests, barbeques, live music, movies and lots, lots more. Not one to be missed if you are an avid mountain bike enthusiast!
Verbier Festival
Cycling not your thing? Then perhaps you might be more tempted by Verbier Festival. A classical musical festival running from the 17th July until 2nd August, the festival proposes an outstanding program of concerts featuring the biggest names in classical music today. There are even opportunities to partake in a master class with the festival artists! The festival is now in its 11th year and has also set up The Verbier Festival Academy – giving up and coming stars the opportunity to excel.
Swiss National Day
Since 1981 the 1st of August is Swiss National Day. Celebrated all across Switzerland, Verbier has a reputation for celebrating it in style. Bonfires and fireworks mainly on hills and other elevated spots, commemorate the expulsion of foreign bailiffs in the fourteenth century. Children carrying lighted paper lanterns roam the streets at night. Public and private buildings are decorated with national, cantonal, and community flags, and the bakers produce special bread rolls with a small Swiss flag on top.
The celebrations are great to be a part of and for witnessing communities come alive.
The Grands Concours Hippique
From the 14th to 23rd August, the Perrin car park by the sports centre in Verbier, becomes transformed to host one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the equine calender, The Grands Concours Hippique, Verbier. The event attracts both amateur and professional riders form around the globe to compete in various show jumping classes.
The first 3 days will host the Verbier National competition, while the International competition will take place from the 19th to the 23rd. Spectators are welcome throughout the event.
Bike Fest Verbier
From Friday 4th – 6th of September, the who’s who of bikers are in town! Harley Davidson hosts Bike Fest Verbier. A three day event with riding, parties, demonstrations, concerts and various other entertainment. The event attracted over 10,000 guests in 2014 and they expect 2015 to be even bigger and better.
It isn’t all just Harley Davidson’s, every style of bike is represented, road bikes, race bikes, motocross and freestyle bikes. Some of the demonstrations by a few of the best riders in the world will take your breath away.
Image: Shutterstock
