Verbier

Verbier is the serious end of Swiss skiing. The terrain above the resort is steep, open and unforgiving of bad technique, which is exactly why private instruction here pays for itself faster than almost anywhere else — an hour spent fixing how you stand on a steep slope changes an entire week.

The season here runs long and the altitude holds snow well into spring. Out of season it becomes a serious hiking and trail base, with the Bagnes valley below and the Grand Combin massif in view. Winter bookings fill up months ahead; if you want a specific week in February, book it in October.