A gem of a town, located in the largest ski area in Switzerland, Verbier is a traditional ski resort buzzing with life and a mecca for the more adventurous and thrill-seeking winter sports fan.

While Verbier’s reputation as one of the best locations for high-octane skiing and similarly exciting nightlife holds true, the resort boasts numerous other attractions to entice holidaymakers to the resort in the heart of the extended 4 Vallées ski area.

The forthcoming ski season sees a diverse array of cultural and active experiences taking place on the slopes and streets of the classy resort, ranging from contemporary art exhibitions, culinary and music festivals to toboggan runs and obstacle courses.

Already famed for quality among those who enjoy hurtling down mountains, the resort consolidates its reputation for world-class skiing by offering new ways to explore its extensive pisted and freeride areas. That balance between exceptional skiing and a variety of other activities make Verbier an increasingly attractive option to groups who want to get more out of their Alpine break.

Verbier kick-starts the season with Polaris festival. From late November into early December, Polaris will attract some of the finest electronic music acts with a line-up of big names from the electro and techno music scenes.

This year, revellers will get a chance to see Massive Attack, Ben UFO, Carl Craig, and Dixon performing as well as DJs travelling from across Europe and the United States.

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Another attraction for the sophisticated winter sports fan is the Experimental Chalet, which opens its doors in December.

Building on the success of the Experimental Cocktail Clubs in London and Paris and The Experimental Beach Club in Ibiza, it is a result of a collaboration between three childhood friends – Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros and Olivier Bon – and Gregory Machand, owner of Paris hangout Frenchie and its Covent Garden outpost. The chalet will feature 39 rooms, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and club, a spa, a steam room and a solarium.

The eagle-eyed may spot a familiar footballing face from beneath their ski goggles on the pistes in Verbier this season too, as the resort hosts Liverpool FC Week for dedicated fans.

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The highlight of a collaboration with the club, Liverpool FC Week will run from January 20-25, and will involve a host of entertainment connected to the Anfield side. During the week, a special offer will be available for those interested in attending, with five nights’ accommodation (based on two sharing), a five-day adult lift pass, activities and the chance to party with a Liverpool FC legend available from £466/CHF666. A must for serious skiing ‘Reds’.

If you are an adrenaline freak, more than a fan of football, then you can get your kicks on The Infernale, a new ski challenge inspired by the military-style obstacle course race that have become popular in recent years.

The challenge can be taken on individually or in groups of three and is made up of four disciplines; running, super G, giant slalom and special slalom. The course challenges guests to a tunnel under the snow, a wall of tyres and winding paths through the forest. Top athletes will complete the course in at around six minutes, but the course is open to everyone.

Those of a more artistic persuasion can enjoy art in the Alps. Decorating the path between Ruinettes and La Chaux at 2300 m, the 3D Sculpture Park features exhibitions from artists around the world. Inspired by the Alpine surroundings, the structures blend with the environment and can be accessed by foot, ski or snow shoe.

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The sculptures form part of a five-year project by artists, locals and scientists to raise awareness about the plight of the local glacial environment. Then, from February 1, the two-day Verbier Art Summit returns for a series of free thought-provoking exhibitions.

And that’s not the half of it – with athlete-orientated yoga sessions and a chance to cook with Michelin-starred chefs at Haute Cuisine, Verbier looks set to hit fresh heights.

THE FACTS

  • Verbier: For more information go to verbier.ch
  • Polaris: The festival runs from November 29 to December 2, with tickets costing 240 CHF.
  • Experimental Chalet: This is priced from CHF 350/ £276 per room per night including breakfast.
  • Haute Cuisine takes place next April and costs from 150 CHF at wkitchen-verbier.ch/en/hautecuisine.
  • The Infernale: Registration for the course is priced from £31 for adults and £23 for children.