Family friendly hikes in Verbier

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Verbier and its surrounding region offer a breathtaking range of family friendly hikes and adventurers of all ages. Renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, this picturesque destination also boasts an array of family-friendly hiking trails that introduce children to the wonders of the great outdoors. From high-mountain views to enchanting forests and streams, the region offers a wide range of hiking options that are both fun and accessible for the little ones. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best child-friendly hikes in Verbier and its surroundings, ensuring that your family enjoys an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Bisses du Levron

Embark on an adventure along the Bisse du Levron, a historic irrigation channel that meanders through the serene countryside near Verbier. This family-friendly hike offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The trail follows the gently sloping contour of the mountainside, providing easy walking for children of all ages. As you stroll along the tranquil path, you’ll be surrounded by meadows, wildflowers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.Click here for the route and more information: https://www.verbier.ch/summer/offers/bisse-du-levron-verbier-en-summer-2794021/

Bisse des Ravines

On the other side of the Val de Bagnes, located in the charming village of Bruson, lies the scenic Bisse des Ravines. As you wander along the Bisse, you’ll encounter wooden bridges, peaceful picnic spots, and benches placed to enjoy the serene surroundings and view of Verbier from across the valley. The trail offers ample opportunities for children to observe local wildlife, and as you walk, you’ll encounter informative panels detailing the history and purpose of the Bisse, providing insights into the traditional agricultural practices that sustained the local communities.More information: https://www.verbier.ch/summer/inside/destinations/must-see-places/bisse-des-ravines/

Treasure Hunt Trail

Perfect for even the littlest of legs, this 1.5km trail follows a treasure hunt meandering through Verbier Village. With 11 stations, children follow the trail of Célestin the Ibex and discover the history of Verbier and Val de Bagnes. A short and easy walk makes this trail suitable for all ages.More information: https://www.verbier.ch/summer/offers/on-the-trail-of-celestin-the-ibex-family-course-verbier-en-summer-3727381/

Lac de Vaux

The trail to Lac de Vaux is well-marked and suitable for families with slightly older children. While the hike involves a moderate climb, it offers a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. As you climb up to 2,543m and approach the crystal-clear waters of Lac de Vaux, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sight that reflects the surrounding mountain peaks.You can start from either Ruinettes or Savoleyres. Check the link for more info: https://verbier4vallees.ch/en/experiences-in-verbier/hiking/lac-des-vaux

These child-friendly hikes offer a range of experiences, from easy walks through alpine meadows to slightly more challenging trails leading to stunning lakes. Whether your little explorers are thrilled by spotting wildlife, enchanted by running rivers, or fascinated by the stories of the past, Verbier and its surrounding area have it all. So, pack your backpacks, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an unforgettable journey that will create lasting memories for the whole family.

Not sure what you need when you’re hiking with children? Make sure you check out our blog ‘Hiking with young children‘ for a complete guide.The Alps is the perfect European destination for a lakes and mountain family holiday, with majestic mountains, beautiful vineyard-laden valleys, green pastures and glacier-fed lakes, both big and small to explore. Verbier, a sunny mountain town in a south-facing bowl soaks up much of the summer sun, and faces the Grand Combin Massif, meaning you get to soak up beautiful views and mountain air each day, with fantastic hiking opportunities on your doorstep.

The perfect escape

Switzerland is renowned for its beautiful, crystal clear mountain lakes, some of which are located at high altitude and can be accessed only by hiking or biking, others are accessible by car or located in towns and villages, and replace beaches for the Swiss and tourists alike. Many of the high altitude lakes are fed by glacial or mountain meltwater meaning they can stay very cold even into the summer months, which makes for a refreshing stop on a hike for a dip! There are many lakes designated for swimming and other water activities, especially the vast shores of Lake Geneva or Lac Leman as it is known in French.

Lake activities

A relaxing day at the lake can be a highlight of the holiday, and best of all there’s no sand, saltwater or tides to worry about! Swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, pedalos or kayaking are just some of the popular activities on the shores of Lake Geneva. Our favourite areas to hang out closest to Verbier are in the town of Villeneuve; the outdoor pool here has an entrance fee which keeps crowd numbers lower, and there are diving boards to use, a snack bar, a pool for the younger ones and paddleboards to rent by the hour.Champex Lac is also a short and very scenic 45 minute drive away, a family-friendly lake in a small mountain resort, offering pedalos, rowing boats, and paddleboards, wonderful for cooling off on a hot day with some great restaurants for lunch.

Wakeboarding and surfing

For those looking for something a bit more special, watersports on the lake on offer include wakeboarding, wake surfing or water skiing. With a group or your family, you head out on the boat for a great experience, whether you’re an expert or it’s something you’ve never tried before! The companies have everything you need, just bring your camera and swimmers! The water is warm enough to not need wetsuits in the summer, but early or late in the season you can borrow these too.

Lake and Dam hikes

We don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better than a hike to a beautiful glacial lake, rewarded at the top by a dip to cool off and a couple of hours of swimming and picnicking before beginning your descent. It’s always best to check if swimming is possible at your destination lake, as some are in protected areas and others are dams with hydroelectric systems where it isn’t possible to swim, but the views are still well worth the trip. In Verbier, our most accessible mountain lake is Lac de Vaux, an uphill hike and relatively steep descent in part, it is best to allow for a 4 hour round trip including a stop off for photos, a picnic and a dip. Some of our other favourites include Mauvoisin Dam, Emosson Dam and Lac Taney (the hike up is pretty steep though a taxi service also runs up the road).