4 Vallées Ski Area

The resort of La Tzoumaz is part of the vast 4 Vallées ski area and as such, has direct access to a winter playground of over 400km of skiable terrain. Its north-facing slopes have 55km of mostly intermediate runs which generally hold the snow much longer than its more illustrious south-facing neighbour ensuring snow cover from December right through to the end of April.

Unlike Verbier, it is cheaper, quieter and lift queues are rare. Perhaps this is why La Tzoumaz is so popular with families and those who love the thrill of the mountain by day but prefer their nightlife a little more relaxed than the bright lights of Verbier.

This is the kind of place you feel you don’t really want to tell too many people about – the secret might get out and spoil it. It’s soooo quiet. We had blue sky days after a big dump of snow when we managed to ski entire runs without seeing ANYONE else.

Lee Family & Friends, UK, April 2013

Ski Area Overview

Sitting at 2,354m, Savoleyres is the main ski area of La Tzoumaz. Since 2008, it has been blessed with a high-speed eight person gondola that has transformed the resort. Beginners are well catered for but it is intermediates, both skiers and snowboarders, who will be spoilt for choice.

La Tzoumaz also boasts some big-resort features including an alti-port from where skiers and snowboarders are lifted by helicopter to and from the nearby off-piste glacier terrain, a premier toboggan run, which at 10km is the longest in Western Switzerland, and an open-air ice rink located in the village centre.

4 Vallées Piste Map

La Tzoumaz is linked to Verbier by piste map and lift pass although visitors often prefer to buy a lift pass just for the Savoleyres area to keep the cost down and avoid the frustration of Verbier’s big lift queues. Although not as steep as Verbier but because of its orientation, Savoleyres is often clearer on cloudy days.

We had a fantastic holiday in La Tzoumaz during February half-term this year. The ski area in La Tzoumaz we loved, no queues (even in half-term) and plenty of skiing for everyone.

Hanson & Wilcox Families, UK, February 2014

La Tzoumaz / Savoleyres

  • 8 lifts, 55km of runs
  • 1,520m to 2,354m altitude
  • Blue 62%, Red 33%, Black 5%

Verbier

  • 27 lifts, 100km of runs
  • 1,500m to 3,023m altitude
  • Blue 43%, Red 29%, Black 28%

Skiing to Verbier

Definitely and it’s straight forward and easy to do so. The route takes you directly into the heart of Verbier in the Les Ruinettes ski area via the high-speed six-person Mayentzet chair.

After exiting the ski lift station at the top of Savoleyres check that the route to Verbier is open on the piste map display near where the gondola terminates. Take the red called “Savoleyres Sud” heading towards Carrefour. At the end look to your left where you will see a gate. Pass this to take a blue called “Planards – Carrefour”, which is a longish trail that will take you to the Mayentzet chair.

There are a couple of ways to return to La Tzoumaz. The one suitable for all the family will require a bus ride from downtown Verbier and then the Savoleyres gondola back to the top of Savolyeres. Please make sure you return before the  gondola closes otherwise it’s a very expensive taxi ride home!

Compared to the empty powder of La Tzoumaz / Savoleyres, I found myself anxious to leave Verbier proper and return. La Tzoumaz itself has enough little cliffs, couloirs, trees and hikes on this part of the mountain to keep expert freeriders entertained.

Mat Megens, Canada, Christmas 2011

For the more advanced skiers and snowboarders, one particularly lovely home run is the itinerary from Attelas in Verbier,  which is a highly recommended decent from 2,727m down to La Tzoumaz via the back-country but still staying within the patrolled boundary of the Vallon d’Arbi area.

Ski & Snowboard School

To get the most out of your holiday whatever your level, it is worth seeking out some lessons to improve your technique.

The Swiss Ski School at La Tzoumaz offers first-class ski and snowboard instruction and all of its  Level Three instructors speak excellent English. The School’s friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

Further Information