VERBIER - ST. BERNARD HIKING & TRADITIONS
Endless Hiking Trails & Authentic Traditions in Valais Switzerland
In summer and fall the renowned ski resort of Verbier transforms into a hikers paradise, where farming prevails and alpine traditions run deep.
Verbier Hiking: From the village of Verbier there are endless hikes that take advantage of the vast 4Vallées lift system, and the incredible views of surrounding 4000m peaks, and the Rhone Valley and its vineyards far below. Venture off the beaten path and explore the upper reaches of the Val de Bagnes, and its preserved nature park surrounding Lac Mauvoisin. Finishing the day with a visit and tasting at a local cheesemaker: home to the world-famous raclette and fondue. Visit the facilities, tour the caves and taste a variety of cheeses from cow to sheep and goat and enjoy a raclette dinner in a traditional carnotzet (a historic stone “cave” traditionally used to store cheese & wine).
Verbier Culture & Traditions: Discover the local “Patrimoine” (cultural heritage) with an accompagnateur, a hiking guides who specialize in the flora, fauna and geology and history of specific regions, though a walk across the fabled St. Bernard Pass, in the footsteps of Hannibal and Napoleon, on the remains of the ancient Roman Road. Or set off in search of the regions wildlife along the Sentier des Chamois, an alpine hiking trail that traverses the impossible habitat of wild deer, mountain goats and the spectacular Bouquetin (Ibex).
Sample Itinerary - Verbier Hiking & Culture:
- Day 1: Arrive Verbier, settle into your chalet. Afternoon hike to Pierre Avoie overlooking the Mont Blanc Massiv & the Rhone Valley
- Day 2: Hiking above Verbier, late lunch at the Cabane Mont Fort, Swiss Alpine Club refuge with a spectacular sunny stone terrace.
- Day 3: Bisse hiking in the Rhone Valley. The bisses (ancient irrigation ways) were originally constructed during the 1400‘s to bring water to the vines. Afternoon, wine tasting at a local vineyard & visit to the medieval city of Sion.
- Day 4: Alpine lakes & cheese: Morning visit to the Alpage de la Chaux for a cheese making demonstration & tasting, followed by a scenic hike to the turquoise alpine Lac Louvie.
- Day 5: St Bernard Pass. Visit to the monastery and museum, and hike along the ancient Roman road with the fames St Bernard dogs.
- Day 6: Haut Val de Bagnes: Hike below glaciers & 4000 meters peaks while looking for wildlife in Switzerland's 2nd largest Nature Park.
- Day 7: Departure
Highlights
- Haut Val de Bagnes: The second biggest nature reserve in Switzerland, perfect for wildlife viewing
- Glaciers & mountain huts under the Valley's highest peak, the Grand Combin 4314m
- Rock climbing & mountaineering with a licensed UIAGM mountain guide
- Explore the vast trail system, and sample the wine of the nearby Swiss Rhone Valley
- Adventure and sports camps for children
- Discover the local cheese making culture at an alpine farm & dairy
- Luxury chalets, 5 star hotels and authentic mountain inns
- Visit the St. Bernard Pass, home of the legendary rescue dogs, and walk along the Roman Road
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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