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.

Top 3 Summer Chalets with Ski Verbier Exclusive

If you’re looking for a luxury property in Verbier to base yourselves at whilst your children are enjoying a summer camp, our partners, Ski Verbier Exclusive, are one of the longest-standing chalet operators in Verbier.They have a selection of 11 luxury properties to offer from June – September with a catered and self-catered service package. Slip into summer relaxation with one of their top 3 picks for 2022:Rosalp 3 is a perfectly located, self-catered, three-bedroom luxury apartment. It offers a superb location and a beautiful private garden, being just 100m from the Médran lift station with the whole village right on your doorstep.Self-Catered Apartment Rosalp 3: From CHF7,500 per week Sleeps 4:4 Chalet Rock is fast becoming the most popular summer chalet, it’s a fantastic 5-bedroom freestanding chalet, set in beautiful wildflower meadows with stunning panoramic views towards the Mont Blanc Massive. It’s hard to imagine a better summer hideaway! Chalet Rock is available as a self-catered apartment with catering services on request.Self-Catered Chalet Chalet Rock: From CHF12,500 per week Sleeps 10 Chalet Nyumba is one of our most private, luxurious mountain hideaways, perched high on the Savoleyres side of the valley, nowhere in Verbier enjoys a more spectacular view. Chalet Nyumba boasts two hot tubs, a private pool, and panoramic views. Chalet Nyumba is available with a fully catered luxury service, with a chef, host and daily cleaning so you all you need to worry about is relaxing!Catered Chalet Chalet Nyumba: POA Sleeps 12 Whilst your children are developing new skills and enjoying outdoor activities at an Altitude summer camp, there is no reason why you shouldn’t also be able to make the most of your time in the mountains. If you’re looking for a property to base yourself at, then look no further than luxury chalet specialists, Leo Trippi, who have an extensive collection of summer chalets in Verbier with fantastic facilities for the whole family. Take a look at their top 5 summer chalet recommendations in Verbier below. 

Chalet Calima

Close to Sonalon in the heights of Verbier, Chalet Calima is a beautiful four-bedroom property with magnificent mountain views, open plan living and incredible wellness facilities.Astounding views can be enjoyed from the indoor pool which is equipped with a moveable floor to adjust the depth – ideal for children or nervous swimmers.Floor-to-ceiling windows slide open onto a south-facing sunny terrace with outdoor hot tub – the perfect spot to unwind. 

Chalet Les Étrennes

In a private location just a short drive from Savoleyres and the resort centre, Chalet Les Etrennes provides a peaceful setting for a summer holiday.With six en-suite bedrooms and four floors of luxury living, there is plenty of room to spread out, relax and enjoy the incredible panoramic views.From the light and spacious living room on the top floor to an outdoor hot tub in the garden, this family-friendly chalet is a true home away from home. 

Chalet Nyumba

Perched above the village in the Sonalon area of Verbier, Chalet Nyumba offers commanding views across the valley, alpine-themed decor and facilities to keep the whole family entertained.The children will be happy with a playroom equipped with countless toys and games as well as a cinema room with an extensive DVD library.Parents can relax in the lavish spa which includes an ‘L’ shaped swimming pool with adjustable depth and counter current, outdoor hot tub, plunge pool, hammam and sauna. Adjoining the chalet is a self-contained guest mazot – ideal for any staff. 

Chalet Milou

Located on Chemin de Clambin, Chalet Milou has a traditional rustic feel yet has been updated to include many contemporary comforts.With far-reaching views across the valley, several lounges to relax and socialise together in and an outdoor hot tub, this six-bedroom chalet has everything you need to enjoy a summer holiday in the Swiss Alps. 

Chalet Toundra

Situated on the south-facing side of Verbier close to Savoleyres, Chalet Toundra is a superb property sleeping up to 10 guests.Combining fantastic views with an alpine-inspired interior, the chalet has a laid-back feel with a wrap-around balcony for soaking up the sun.The children’s bunk room is a total delight and there are a further three tastefully-appointed double bedrooms to choose from. To enquire about renting a luxury chalet in Verbier this summer ask the Altitude Team when booking your camp, or contact sales@leotrippi.com or visit www.leotrippi.com  for further inspiration.

Family Accommodation in Verbier

When joining Altitude Camps for the summer, we not only help you to select the right camp for your child(ren) but we also offer assistance in booking all of your airport transfers, additional activities for you as parents as well as your accommodation.If you are visiting for the first time or perhaps just don’t know the village that well then don’t worry, we know it extremely well and are very happy to help. From somewhere close to the biggest supermarket, to being nearby to the sports centre all the way to knowing which chalet is closest to camp or which has a private pool, we’ve got all the knowledge you need.Whatever your requirements may be, rest assured that we can provide something to suit you and your family.The range of properties available in Verbier in the summer is vast too, providing you with many different options to think about. We can book simple self-catered apartments allowing you to cook for yourselves or to take advantage of the numerous restaurants and local cuisine available or if you prefer something a little more luxury, we can find some beautiful apartments for you on either a catered or self-catered basis.Likewise if you’d like the full stand alone chalet, private cinema, wine cellar, swimming pool etc, there are a great range of properties available, a lot of which we’ve been in ourselves so can happily advise you on their location, suitability and more.Some of our favourite options amongst clients are featured below:

Coup De Foudre

A popular apartment amongst our families, this chalet sleeps 6 over 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and 1 bunk)  and is located just a 10 minute walk from camp and a 10 minute walk the other way into town, ideal for campers and their families!

Calesberg 329

Another great option for 4 people, this lovely apartment is located in the village a short walk from the main lift station, ideal for those who wish to explore the mountains at weekends together.

Chalet Spa

One of our favourite luxury chalets! Chalet Spa combines a beautiful contemporary design with a spectacular spa, tranquil location and beautiful views of the Alps! Their chalet manager Nick is always on hand to help you with whatever you require and you can be assured that you’ll love this escape in the mountains.

Verbier Hotels

If you prefer the hotel option, there are some fantastic options in Verbier from the 5* contemporary style W Hotel, to the traditional Swiss style Hotel Cordee, a 4* superior hotel located right in the centre of town. At the W hotel, you are located right at the lift station, you have the Verbier “beach”, indoor/outdoor pool, spa, restaurants and fantastic design. The Cordee has one of our favourite restaurants with a beautiful spa area, probably the nicest in Verbier. It also oozes Alpine chic with a traditional mountain feel.We also love the Hotel Vanessa, a family hotel located in town with a bright family style design.All of these hotels have a shuttle service too making it easy for you to get the kids to and from camp each day if you don’t fancy the walk.If you’d like any assistance in booking your accommodation, just let us know your dates, requirements and number of people travelling and we’ll send you some options to look through.Hiking with young children – tips and tricks from our camp activity staff! Hiking is a great summer activity in the Alps, and there’s no better way to enjoy the spectacular mountain views and serene landscape of the mountains in and around Verbier than exploring some of the trails this beautiful area has to offer.Many trails are family-friendly and hiking can be a great way to spend time together, however, for families with young children, it can be a challenge to keep them both interested and motivated so that everyone can enjoy the hike.For young children, a great tip is to make sure that you take your hike at a time of day when they won’t be tired! If you have very young children who will be in a baby backpack, then you may want to go over nap-time so they fall asleep, but for older children make sure your day trip allows time for their usual periods of sleep so they aren’t cranky and tired, and can fall asleep in the car on the way home.Play games along the trail. This is a great way to keep children motivated and make the activity fun for them as well. Games such as ‘I spy’ are easy and can be played anywhere, and get children interested in looking at their surroundings as well. Another favourite at camp is ‘lava’; perfect for woody paths in the woods, children have to move along without touching the lava, stepping on rocks and tree branches instead.Scavenger hunts can also be a great option for younger children on a hike, and although it won’t necessarily get them moving in one direction very quickly, it will help them explore their environment. This doesn’t have to be complicated or planned in advance, but finding simple things like pine cones, 3 different shaped leaves, a smooth stone, and a rough stone, a feather; these can all be simple things and adapted to where you are walking, to keep kids looking and moving forward as they search!Hike with friends!This isn’t always achievable, but especially for a longer hike, kids are much more motivated when hiking with friends! They will also entertain each other by making up games and keep each other moving, making for a more relaxing hike for the grown-ups!Sing! Songs can be a great way to distract children and cheer them up if they’ve suddenly discovered tired legs or uncomfortable shoes!Walk family-friendly, themed trails. There are a great selection of trails in places that are designed for families and children, with interesting things to see and do along the way. In Verbier, a great option is the ‘Sentier des Sculptures’, which is part of the bisse walk and offers interesting mountain and animal-themed sculptures with information on each section to read to kids. Walking along the bisse can also be lots of fun, as this is a very gentle flowing man-made stream with water that can be paddled in or used for ‘races’ of sticks or other floating natural objects you may find! Check the details of each trail before you start and make sure that it is marked as easy or family-friendly, isn’t too long or steep to avoid carrying tired children.Have a fun destination or activity plannedPlanning your walk with something to look forward to, perhaps a restaurant for lunch or even just a juice is a great idea, and kids will stay motivated to reach their destination. Other things can be a look-out point, or a lake or waterfall, for example. Incorporating rides of the lifts is also great fun for children, for younger ones that you are worried about on the chairlift there are bubbles, or for slightly bigger kids chairlifts are a fun way to see the views too, and get up high without too much uphill walking!Pack snacks!A water and snack break is very important to keep kids fuelled up! There are lots of benches along trails that provide the perfect spot for this.We hope you have a great time hiking with your little ones!  

Some of our recommended summer hiking routes in Verbier

The surroundings of Verbier are truly breath-taking no matter what time of year you visit, but personally, the summer season is our favourite.From the fresh air to the colourful flowers and of course, the still snow-capped mountains, the views are beautiful and provide the ultimate location for a day out walking with friends or family.With over 400km of hikes in Verbier, taking one of our hiking guides allows you to explore the area and all that it has to offer whilst knowing you are safe, won’t take a wrong turn and of course have a helping hand to keep you going when you reach the steeper parts!There are many different hiking routes in and around Verbier but here are a few of our favourites, all of which can be booked during the day whilst the kids are at camp.

Beginner:  Ruinettes – La Chaux – Ruinettes: 2 hours

This trail is the perfect introduction to walking in Verbier, giving you a chance to get used to walking at altitude whilst also enjoying the magnificent views of the valley below.This route starts with a gondola ride up to Ruinettes which takes about 5 minutes. From here, we walk along a flattish track called the bisse, (a man-made river which goes for miles!) around the mountain towards a bowl known as La Chaux. From La Chaux you can view the famous Grand and Petit Combin Mountains which are still covered in snow even in the heat of July and August.Enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains as well as taking advantage of this great lunch spot by stopping at Le Dahu for a bite to eat before heading back. To make this into more of a loop – you can walk back via the higher bisse trail which starts from a bit higher up in La Chaux. This short route is ideal for those with kids on the day camp as you can head off after drop off time, enjoy a relaxed lunch in the sun and still be back in time for pick up. It’s also a great one for those with dogs as they love the water to splash in and the walk is great for them!

Intermediate :  La Chaux – Lac des Vaux – Col de Mines – Ruinettes – 3 hours

Fancy a bit more of a challenge? This route starts from La Chaux and heads nicely uphill towards Lac des Vaux, a popular spot for skiing in the winter time.The uphill hike is a challenge but definitely worth it for the views once you reach the lake, especially if it’s just you and the mountains with not another soul in sight.On a really warm day, you can brave a dip in the lake to cool off or just stay on the edge and have a quick paddle to cool off your feet.This hike continues with a walk downhill towards Col de Mines where you can see all the way across to La Tzoumaz and the other side of the valley. From here head back round towards Ruinettes where you can enjoy views of the Verbier village from up high, you can even try to spot a few of the landmarks whilst up there!

Advanced : Croix de Coeur – Pierre Avoir – Croix de Coeur – 2.5 hours 

Not for the faint-hearted, this is a more challenging hike, particularly for those who perhaps don’t like heights or narrow trails as there are some more exposed sections. However it is a great challenge and a fantastic reward when you reach the top. 360 degree views make this small peak a wonderful place for a picnic and offers views of the village of Verbier, Savoleyres and even across towards Sion.This hike includes some tough steep sections, a ladder to climb to the peak at the summit (chains are also there to help in some places) so be prepared!If you are up to the challenge, it is by far our favourite hike of the area with some incredible views!