This week we meet with Kate Ross, a Verbier addict who has worked in numerous seasonal roles in some of the most luxurious chalets in Verbier. Kate talks to us about Verbier, its ins and outs, and just what it is that brings her back each season to work in one of the most in demand resorts in Europe.
1. How long have you been doing seasons in Verbier and what makes you return?
This winter will be my 3rd season. I was only supposed to do one after taking a break from working in property in London, but when it starts getting cold and wet in the UK, the Swiss Alps is where I’d rather be.
2. What do you love about Verbier?
The people, (both seasonaires and guests tend to come back year after year,) and the locals are also friendly. The weather is fantastic with a long season and plenty of sunshine. There’s 412km of piste to ski and fantastic off-piste and itinerary runs. Brilliant mountain restaurants, brilliant apres, what’s not to love?
3. What are your favourite runs in Verbier?
Col des Gentianes is a fantastic itinerary run if there’s been plenty of snow. More than a vertical kilometre, the itinerary run leads all the way down to Tortin. You can reach Siviez from here and the Nendaz ski area beyond. I am also keen to try La Chaux to Le Chable at some point but you need plenty of snow for that and someone that knows the route to avoid getting stuck between to two!
4. What would your top 5 not to be missed in Verbier?
1. New Year’s Eve – Verbier, and more specifically Place Centrale, must be one of the best places in the World to see in the New Year.
2. First Lift – possibly not on New Year’s Day, but make the effort to get first lift up at least once during your stay & definitely more than once during a season.
3. Farinet Apres – you just cant beat it when the roof goes back and the snow starts to fall inside.
4. Ski to Thyon – do it at some point, if only to say you’ve been!
5. Mardi Gras – any seasonaire will say that this is one party not to be missed. Possibly eclipsing New Year’s Eve, it’s a 24 hour fancy dress party. Try and get the following day off work!
5. What in your eyes is Verbier’s best kept secret?
Bruson is still relatively undiscovered despite the new bubble linking it to Le Chable. Head there for some tree skiing when the visibility is less good.
6. What is your favourite event in Verbier?
Apart from New Year’s Eve & Mardi Gras, the Xtreme Freeride World Tour which comes to Verbier in March is a brilliant event to watch, town is also buzzing and there’s the ‘Medran Rave’ for two nights at the end.
7. Where are your favourite place to eat, drink, party, recover?
Eat: Chez Dany
Drink: Depends, anywhere from cocktails at Farinet to a shaker at the Pub
Party: This changes every year & depends on the night. There are loads of options from Loft & TBar to Etoile Rouge this season, (the old Casbah.)
Recover: A large breakfast at Offshore.
8. What is your favourite mountain food? Can you cook it?
Tartiflette at Cabin Mont Fort or Le Dahu. & Yes but it’s just not the same.
9. What would you not spend a winter without in the mountains?
Sleeping mask and ear plugs.
10. What is your survival tip for the winter?
Take an afternoon nap, (even for just twenty minutes,) and try and ski as much as possible, even if you only have time for a couple of lifts, you’ll feel refreshed!
Well thank you Kate! See you on the slopes of Verbier and Bonne Saison!
Please browse our luxury chalets in Verbier
