Verbier is known worldwide for its off piste terrain and March is realistically your last chance to experience that awesome floating sensation on the powder (the first part of the month is usually better). The off piste here is held sacred by the best freeriders on the planet, who flock here for competitions like the Swatch World Tour, giving you the opportunity to see some of the best skiers and boarders at the top of their game.
This isn’t a peak month in the ski season, meaning you should find cheaper holidays and emptier slopes in Verbier than you’d find over weeks like Christmas and New Year. With sunny, clear skies, especially towards the end of the month, March is the perfect time to top up that tan and admire the Swiss Alps from a sun terrace (we like the ones at Chalet Carlsberg and Pub Mont Fort).
March Snow History
Top alt:3,330m
Average snow depth
March220cm
Bottom alt:1,500m
Average snow depth
March146cm
Resort alt:1,500m
March ski rating
Read about Verbier ski holidays in December, January, February and April, or browse all March ski holidays worldwide.
March is definitely a relaxing month to go skiing with average temperatures hovering around 2.7 degrees at resort level. With much of the ski terrain at high altitudes (up to 3,300 metres) and facing to the north (which means it’s shaded from the sun), you should still be able to ski some amazing conditions despite the weather warming up a tad.
Verbier is one of the best destinations in the world for experts. The main attraction is the backcountry and if you’re longing to throw off the shackles of skiing on piste, this is the place to ski. The first half of the month is generally better in terms of powder as the temperatures at the end of March may lead to the closures of some areas, although with the vast skiing area of the 4 Valleys right on your doorstep you might not even notice! March is all about clocking up the miles in the morning, and early birds will find some great, untracked snow.
There’s a seemingly endless variety of itinerary runs spread out across several areas. Itinerary runs are patrolled, though not avalanche controlled (when the risk is too high, areas will be closed). If you don’t know the area very well, hire a guide. Separating the men from the boys is the terrain at Tortin, which is very steep and often mogulled. Other runs that are well worth a go are the Stairway to Heaven and Hidden Valley. Intermediates will love the Chaux bowl, which has a network of gentle blues and reds.
At the highest summit, be sure to give the classic black run, Mont-fort, a go. Regardless of your ability, it’s worth taking the lift up to the summit purely to enjoy the magnificent views of Val de Bagnes, stretching all the way to the Rhone Valley.
Be sure to see whether the Swatch Freeride World Tour and “Xtreme by Swatch” are happening this March. These events feature some of the best freeride pros tackling some impossibly steep, cliff-littered terrain. It’s certainly an adrenaline rush just watching them!
Verbier can always be relied on to throw some of the best parties in the Alps. In March in previous years, Chalet Carlsberg has been turned into “the highest dance floor in the Alps”. Good bars to enjoy an après drink on a sun terrace are Le Carrefour (they also serve up some delicious Savoyard food – try their fondues and gratins), Pub Mont Fort (famous for its crazy parties) and Fer a Chevel (great for pizzas and an international crowd).
If it’s a clear day, take the cable car to the top of Mont Fort, even if you don’t want to ski back down. The views from here stretching over Val de Bagnes to the Rhone Valley are incredible - look out for Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
Pancake Day usually falls in March and if you’re skiing at the time, the Offshore Café does fantastic pancakes – money from each pancake usually goes towards a good cause, so you don’t have to feel guilty if you’re watching your waistline...