Things To Do in Verbier

Much of the merchandising that keeps Verbier's economy pumping involves alpine sports, summer or winter, and as such, you'll find half a dozen sporting-goods stores in town. Three of the best are Philippe Roux Sport, place Centrale (tel. 027/771-47-12; www.philippe-roux.ch); its nearby competitor, Médran-Sport, route de Verbier (tel. 027/771-60-48; www.medransports.ch); and, located close to the departure point for most of the cable cars and ski lifts, La boit'askis, rue de Médran 25 (tel. 027/771-34-87; www.boitaskis.com).

Even if you arrive during the off season when the discos are closed, you can always drink in any of the dozen or so bars and pubs. The most English of the lot is the neo-Victorian Nelson Pub, rue de Verbier (tel. 027/771-31-51). Look for cheeseburgers, croque-monsieur, and platters of air-dried alpine beef, along with at least 40 brands of beer from virtually everywhere. A less theme-ish, less aggressively Olde English venue is Le Crok, route des Creux (tel. 027/771-69-34), with tiny tables, leather-upholstered banquettes, and a modern decor. The place offers stiff drinks and frequent live music. The Bar New Club, rue de la Poste (tel. 027/771-22-67), re-creates the glossy, comfortable living room of an affluent bachelor, with couches perfect for conversation and comfortable drinking. Bar L'Auin, in the Hotel Rosalp, rue de Médran (tel. 027/771-63-23), is the most conservative, discreet, elegant, and comfortable bar in town. The fireplace here gives a warm glow.