verbier vs zermatt

is there a big difference between the two in skiing, scenery, lift access, town? thanks.
Does Verbier usually open late November? In a "normal" year will it be open Dec 10th? , 2nd weekend.

So many questions....

I have been to Verbier, but not Zermatt. I know a few on this forum who have been to Zermatt but not Verbier. I seriously intend to do Zermatt in the next year or so, if I can find the right deal. It looks dramatic, brilliant, exciting, stunning.

Verbier itself is quite a large resort, packed with expensive shops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. There is some accommodation in town but a lot of the chalets are a bus ride away in the suburbs. I stopped in Le Hameau area at the top of town, close to a small piste with its own drag lift to get on to when conditions are good, which they werent that low down in April sadly.
I'd recommend it for anyone who likes exciting, varied skiing, in particular off piste and difficult slopes. The sensation of travel as you get about the area is fantastic. Theres a lot to go at across the 4 valleys, but I didnt get as far as Thyon sadly. I will return there someday with Mrs H, as I am sure she'd love it. Its a real hustle and bustle resort, which I think Zermatt is like too. It does take quite some time to get up the mountain in Zermatt though, which has always been offputting for me.

As for early opening, Zermatt is sure to be, and parts of Verbier may be also, up by Mont Fort and Mont Gele I would imagine. But I dont know for sure. All I can say is Verbier is a place everyone who loves their skiing ought to visit at some point.

I was lucky enough to ski both last year in "early" season – Zermatt over xmas and Verbier over NY. The early snow was so good everywhere last year it's hard to say what Verbier would be like during early Dec in a normal or bad year. Zermatt is very snowsure so you are guaranteed quite a bit will be open by then as all the areas are pretty high up. Not so guaranteed on the Italian side (Cervinia) but great skiing if there is snow as it's south facing and you can get an international pass with access to both sides of the Matterhorn. Although the Verbier region is big, it's very spread out and hard to get across all of it so you will probably be limited to about ½ at most. I agree that it takes time to get on the mountain in Zermatt but the geography means that if the Glacier is too windy (tends to happen @ 3900m!), the Sunegga area will be sheltered and each area is big enough for a full day's skiing so just choose your area in the morning. You should be able to ski into town in all of the 3 areas in Zermatt by the time you are going and that gives you a 14km run!

Here's a quick summary:

Skiing – both excellent if conditions are good – slightly more guaranteed in Zermatt – 500m higher

Towns – Both big enough to have great restaurants and nightlife. Both very expensive. Verbier pass is a bit cheaper and it's probably one of the easiest resorts in the Alps to get to from the airport (Geneva). Zermatt's electric taxis and buses make it easy to get around (and traffic & pollution free). And of course – there is only ONE Matterhorn.

Infrastructure – I found some of the lifts around Verbier old or inadequate (too many drag lifts) where Zermatt's are great. But – cable cars in Zermatt take time and get crowded.

I guess you can see I favour Zermatt, and not purely because the French-Swiss are er…French ; )

Welcome to J2ski Thabo Cracking 1st post

Verbier was very disappointing 3 years ago when I went over christmas/NY. Very icy conditions as not much snow fell prior to Christmas, and very crowded. However on NY eve, had a huge snow dump, and had the most amazing skiing aferwards for the next week. The ski area in Verbier is massive, and definitely going back soon, preferably in Feb!Havent been to Zermatt, so cant help you there!Would also suggest going later in season if go to Verbier though as not all the runs are open!!!

I have never been to Verbier but have been to Zermatt, infact I am on the train making my way there right now, accompanied buy my good friend Hr. Weizen

I love the place and this will be third time for a weekend, but I've never been high season. Even in May the place is great and although the melt had started still loads of ground to cover. I love the Italian side also, great snowboarding runs. I think Switzerland is more affordable these days for those who's spending power is Sterling of the Euro. And it's no way near as expensive as France.

tino_11 wrote:I have never been to Verbier but have been to Zermatt, infact I am on the train making my way there right now, accompanied buy my good friend Hr. Weizen

Tino....you're a git and I'm jealous

I figured if I cut all other expense like going out at home, eating nicely rather than basically, clothes, booze etc. then I could do this every other weekend through the winter. With advance offers on trains, doing a wee deal with accommodation in Zermatt etc. Toyed with the idea of an international season pass for both sides of the hill, but it's 1000 EUR and would take 30 days to pay back, when work can veto my personal plans without notice probably not worth it.

I'll be selling my furniture soon and moving into student digs