Where is The Lodge?
The Lodge is perched high in the Swiss Alps in a forested area just a five minute walk from the town of Verbier, and only 250m from the main lift station. Verbier is 51 miles, or 82 kilometres east of Geneva as the crow flies, but the mountains and Lake Geneva tend to get in the way if you’re driving!
How do I get there?
The nearest international airport is in Geneva, which is about a two hour drive to The Lodge. Geneva International Airport is served by many of the major international carriers, with flights from most European destinations taking no more than three hours. Private planes are able to land at Sion Airport which is only 45 minutes by car from The Lodge. Please note that Sion Airport closes as soon as darkness falls. Zurich airport is about a 3 hour drive to The Lodge. We can also arrange taxis as well as helicopter transfers on request from Geneva, Zurich and Sion Airports.
We recommend taking the train directly from Geneva Airport to Martigny, a town about a 30 minute drive from The Lodge, or onward to Le Châble, which is a 15 minute drive. We can arrange transfers or taxis for an extra charge to get you to the chalet, or if you alight at Le Châble you can take the cable car directly to the lift station 250m from The Lodge where we can pick you up. The journey takes nine minutes and definitely has the wow factor. Please check with us at the time of booking for when the lifts are operating. The train journey to Martigny takes slightly less than 2 hours (2 hours 15 minutes to Le Châble) and is a very pleasant way to see some spectacular scenery around Lake Geneva!
Do I need a visa?
Travellers from the US and the EU do not require a visa to enter Switzerland, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date. Travellers from other countries may require a visa, so please check with your nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely! The Lodge is a great place for a family holiday as we have plenty of things for children to do. We have a welcome pack and plenty of great activities available on request, including children’s films that can be downloaded from Apple TV or Netflix, toys, a games console, books, games, and treasure hunts in the evenings if they are not too tired after a long day out. We don’t offer a set programme, but rather a range of activities suitable for every child. We can also arrange babysitting for an extra charge; just give us at least 24 hours’ notice, although during busy school holiday weeks and peak times we will need more time to make arrangements. Special food and beverages or simple snacks and light meals can be prepared. Cots are available on request.
Can I get married at The Lodge?
Not at The Lodge itself, but we’ll host the party! The beautiful mountain scenery will be the backdrop for your special day. Marriages in Switzerland require a civil service at the local registry office, which in the case of Verbier is in nearby Le Châble (about 15 minutes by car). You will need to start planning at least four months in advance of your arrival date, and we will be delighted to help you with all the arrangements.
How about cash? What is the currency?
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). There are cash machines at the airport and in Verbier, and major credit cards are widely accepted. We accept all major credit cards to cover any additional expenses you may incur (gift purchases or treatments in the spa). Tipping is entirely up to you. If you have any questions about tipping, you can discuss them with the General Manager.
When is the best time to visit? What will the temperature be?
Whenever you like. The Lodge opens when the lifts operate – typically from early December to late April. As you’d imagine, the scenery in the Alps varies enormously depending on the season. No one can predict exactly when the snows will descend, but the average daytime temperature in winter hovers around -3°C/27°F. You might not think it, but it’s just as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer, so be sure to bring some sunscreen with you when you visit.
What about skiing and snowboarding equipment during the winter season?
Once we’ve gathered all the size and equipment information we need (this is usually done prior to your arrival), we’ll organise a visit from our local supplier. They will visit The Lodge and get everyone kitted out one by one. The Lodge has a dedicated ski equipment room with boot warmers to make sure your feet stay toasty! At the end of the week just leave your equipment with us and we’ll get it picked up. We will prepay the fitting and rental costs and add them to your room bill.
I’ve not been skiing before… What do I need to bring?
If it’s your first time skiing it can be helpful to plan in advance so you’ve got all the necessary equipment, so here’s a quick checklist for when you’re packing. Make sure you bring a winter hat that covers your ears, ski gloves, ski goggles (you can wear sunglasses but they’re less practical for keeping the wind and sun out of your face), a neck warmer or scarf, and a supply of fitted wool socks. Don’t try and double up with several pairs of socks; if they get damp and rub together you might end up with blisters! Keeping warm in the winter chill means wearing layers. We suggest an outer layer which should be a waterproof ski jacket, a mid layer which ideally should be a fleece jumper, and a base layer preferably made of a natural material. For your lower half we recommend a pair of waterproof ski pants made of a similar material as your ski jacket, and thermal leg warmers if you’re particularly susceptible to the cold. It’s also a good idea to bring along some waterproof walking boots – they’ll feel fantastically comfortable at the end of the day when you change out of your ski boots!
Can I take ski/snowboarding lessons?
Even if you’re an experienced skier there’s no harm in taking a lesson or two for a few pointers. Our chosen instructors will be on hand to provide tailored on piste instruction for all levels of skiers, from those of you yet to hit the slopes to the regulars on the mountain. We will prepay the instructor costs and add them to your room bill.
I don’t plan on skiing or snowboarding. What can I do during the day?
Verbier has plenty to offer non-skiers including a great selection of shops, boutiques and restaurants. Any number of activities such as tobogganing, swimming, ice skating, husky sled rides, squash, paragliding and snowshoeing are available. Alternatively, relax and unwind in the comfort of The Lodge, or book yourself in for a spa treatment. Ask for our full list of things to do.
What about the evenings? I fancy some après-ski action!
The après-ski scene in Verbier is legendary, and there’s no shortage of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. We will be more than happy to recommend and book restaurants and arrange access to exclusive night spots throughout your stay. Remember that we provide a 24-hour driver service within Verbier.
How many staff members are there?
In the winter season there are 15 dedicated members of The Lodge team. Our team is there to make sure your stay at The Lodge lives up to and even exceeds your expectations. If there’s something else you’d like, just ask – we’re no strangers to unusual requests.
What’s in my room?
A well-stocked mini bar (Master Suites only), safety deposit box, hot water bottles, bottled drinking water, slippers, luxury bathrobe, phone, plug adapters, hair dryer, SPF lip balm and a selection of toiletries. Hair straighteners are available on request. If you want to chill out to your own tunes in your room, we have Bose speakers in all guest rooms. Down in the party area, we’ve got a huge plasma screen TV as well as a games console, and karaoke for when things really get rowdy. We’ve also got a stash of board games in a chest next to the downstairs bar. There are umbrellas and walking poles available by the front door to the chalet.
What food can I expect?
The food served at The Lodge is one of the highlights of your stay, and we serve a mix of Swiss and international cuisine. Dining can be as formal or informal as you wish, from full four-course gourmet meals to healthy meals with the children. Meals can be themed, traditional or a mix! Ask us for some ideas or give us yours.
We stock a fine range of international wines, including some fabulous Swiss wines, top quality spirits, beers and excellent house champagne. If you would like us to ship in something special, simply give us plenty of notice – there is generally no extra charge unless the item is particularly rare or extra shipping is involved. As guests are encouraged to treat The Lodge like their own home, they are welcome to help themselves to drinks they want at any time.
Do you cater for special diets?
We understand that some people have special requirements and personal favourites too. Let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to make sure we have exactly what you need.
Arrival and departure details
Check-in is officially 4pm. If you are scheduled to arrive earlier, you can drop your bags off at The Lodge and we can make alternative arrangements for you in Verbier so you can start enjoying yourself. Check-out is officially 11.30am on the day of your departure.
Medical information
We have first aid equipment at The Lodge along with staff trained in administering first aid. There are three medical centres within Verbier, one of which is open at all times for emergencies. The nearest hospital is located a 30 minute drive away in Martigny. Medical charges will apply according to treatment so make sure you have travel insurance before you go.
Voltage
Switzerland is on 220 volts with two-pin round plugs. We have adapters for UK and US plugs should you need them.