If it seems strange to recommend Verbier in summer, how wrong you are. Justine Gosling takes off her skis and discovers what’s great for families in the warmer months of the year.
Hiking, summer in Verbier ©Verbier 4Vallées
Think Verbier is only worth visiting when its slopes are blanketed in snow? Think again. Verbier in summer is when this iconic Swiss alpine village transforms into a sun-drenched mountainous playground where families can trade ski boots for hiking shoes and mountain bikes.
Nestled high in the Val de Bagnes, Verbier offers an exciting mix of adventure, family-friendly festivals, jagged views, and cable cars that run year-round. Here are nine unforgettable ways families can adventure in Verbier beyond the snow.
Fête des Familles, summer in Verbier ©Verbier 4Vallées
Verbier in summer means snowball fights atop Mont 4
Not matter the time of year, you can find any season at 3,300m. Take the Mont 4 cable car to the highest point in the 4 vallees in the summer and it may have snowed!
Surprise the kids with an unexpected snowball fight and build a snowman before warming up in the small igloo café with a hot chocolate.
Mont 4 Zipline, Verbier ©Verbier 4Vallées
Gain a unique perspective on Verbier by zipline
Soar above the Alps on Verbier’s jaw-dropping Mont 4 Zipline — one of the highest in Europe. Stretching over 1.4 kilometers between the Mont Fort and Les Gentianes peaks, this thrilling ride can reach speeds up to 100 km/h with sweeping views of glaciers, valleys, and distant peaks.
Thrill-seekers over 8 years old (and meeting the minimum weight requirement) can participate. For younger or more cautious adventurers, tandem rides with an instructor are available.
Explore the Adventure park during summer in Verbier
For more high-altitude fun, head to the Verbier Adventure Park — a family favorite tucked amid the pines near Médran lift in the centre of town. Here, kids and adults alike can test their balance and bravery on rope bridges, zip lines, and tree-top obstacles designed for all ages and skill levels.
Little explorers can tackle mini circuits built just for them, while parents take on the higher, more challenging routes — all just minutes from the village center.
Mauvoisin Dam, Verbier
Discover the Mauvoisin Dam
For a day packed with scenery and engineering marvels, take the family on a hike to the Mauvoisin Dam — Switzerland’s second-highest. The trail winds through alpine meadows and the dams concrete core, before opening up to breathtaking views of the turquoise reservoir framed by towering peaks with gushing waterfalls, and even the occasional rainbow.
Along the way, information panels and tunnels carved into the rock up the adventure level and keep kids curious and engaged. Once at the top, families can enjoy a picnic overlooking the water or explore the small visitor center to learn how this engineering marvel powers the valley below.
Mountain scooters, Verbier in summer ©Verbier 4Vallées
Scoot down the mountain
For an extra dose of excitement, try Verbier’s downhill mountain scooters — a unique, family-friendly way to race down the slopes once the snow has melted.
After taking the lift, pick up a sturdy all-terrain scooter from the lift station and cruise down the road back to the village. Kids (aged 8 and up) can join in with smaller scooters and helmets are provided.
Les Gentianes Via Ferrata, Verbier ©Verbier 4Vallées
Channel your inner mountain goat on the via ferratta
The Via Ferrata des Gentianes offers an unforgettable mountain climbing experience this summer in Verbier. This secured climbing route lets you scale dramatic river cliffs using fixed cables, ladders, and bridges — all while safely harnessed and guided by experts.
Kids aged 10 and up can join, learning confidence and teamwork as they navigate the rocky terrain high above the river floor. It’s a thrilling way to experience Verbier’s wild side and no previous climbing experience is required.
Camp in the valley and toast marshmallows around a fire pit
End the day surrounded by nature during summer in Verbier, at peaceful campsite in Le Châble, where families can pitch a tent beneath the stars or rent a cozy cabin or tippee. The site offers plenty of space for kids to run free, a bubbling stream nearby, and designated campfire spots perfect for roasting marshmallows as the sun sets behind the peaks.
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Mountain biking, Verbier ©Verbier 4Vallées
Try downhill mountain biking this summer in Verbier
Verbier is a paradise for mountain biking, with over 800 kilometers of marked trails weaving through forests, meadows, and high-mountain passes. Families can rent bikes or e-bikes in the village and choose from gentle valley routes to thrilling downhill tracks for teens and seasoned riders.
The scenic trail from La Chaux to Les Ruinettes is perfect for beginners, offering panoramic views and picnic spots along the way. With lift access and bike-friendly cafés en route, it’s an exhilarating way to explore Verbier on two wheels.
A visit to Barryland is a summer in Verbier must-do ©Barryland
Do Barryland, Verbier in summer
For dog fans and anyone who loved the Beethoven films, summer in Verbier trip is complete without a visit to Barryland, the beloved St. Bernard museum and park in nearby Martigny.
Dedicated to Switzerland’s iconic mountain rescue dogs, this interactive attraction lets kids meet the gentle giants up close, take them for walks, learn about their heroic mountain history, and even watch them play in the outdoor enclosures. You might be lucky enough to be there when they have adorable puppies!
Inside, engaging exhibits and a small café make it an easy and enjoyable half-day outing. It’s a heartwarming stop that blends Swiss culture, history, and plenty of furry cuddles.