Zermatt, Switzerland
WELCOME TO THE LODGE
The Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s stunning 9-bedroom mountain retreat, high in the Swiss Alps in the world-famous resort of Verbier. The Lodge is open year-round and is the ideal base from which to explore the Alps in summer and in winter.
In winter let’s face it: you’re here for the skiing, and with over 400km of on-pist skiable terrain, Verbier is a skier (or snowboarder’s) paradise. In the summer months there’s just as much to do, with glorious weather so you can discover the Alps at a more relaxed pace.
The team of friendly and experienced staff at The Lodge includes a General Manager, spa therapist and three chefs. Each one is dedicated to tailor-making each guest experience. People may arrive as guests but often leave as friends.
The Lodge is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique retreats.
When the weather is glorious it’s more than likely you’ll be spending plenty of time on the mountain, but when you get back to The Lodge there’s still plenty to do. Pull off those ski or hiking boots and relax in the lounge with a cool drink curled up on a comfy sofa. Or if your muscles ache, take a dip in the indoor heated pool, or warm yourself up in the indoor or outdoor hot tubs.
The Lodge also has a fully equipped gym, a steam room and a party area. You can shoot pool or dance the night away all underneath a twinkling disco ball. If you want to take it easy, we can pop on a film for you and your friends or family on the large plasma screen while you enjoy a few drinks from the bar.
PARTY TIME
Partying at The Lodge is a serious business. The bar never closes, and just when you think the party’s peaked, the infamous ‘shot ski’ is likely to make an appearance – you have been warned. The party room also features a pool table that transforms into a ping pong table and there’s even a disco ball so you can relive those Saturday Night Fever moments.
SUSTAINABILTY AT THE LODGE
Taking care of the environment and giving back is high on our agenda. The Lodge is committed to sustainable development and to supporting local community and group-wide global charitable initiatives.
SUSTAINABILTY
Here are some fast facts about some of our sustainability initiatives at The Lodge:
Apricots, strawberry and peaches are in abundance in Verbier during the summer months so the kitchen team makes batches of jam to last throughout the winter season
All the meat we serve is sourced locally in the neighboring town of Le Châble, and 95% of it is from Switzerland
Most of the cheeses we serve are sourced locally from cheesemakers Roger and Marc Dubosson, who make the famous Raclette cheese from the Valais region. The milk comes from the cows that graze on the mountains during the summer months
Other protected Swiss food products made in the Valais area are viande séchée (dried beef), pain de seigle (rye bread) and the local eau-de vie (pear flavored liqueur)
95% of the wine produced in Switzerland is not exported, so we recommend you try some during your next stay
During the summer months 50% of the herbs used in our dishes are sourced from our very own herb garden
During the summer months 2-3 dishes a week use strawberries, blueberries or elderflower which are hand-picked by our chefs straight from the mountain
Our drinking water is fresh from the Alps and we’ve partnered with an initiative called ‘Give me Tap’ to eliminate the use of plastic bottles
In aid of the Make-a-Wish foundation Switzerland, we have devised a series of treatments whereby 15% of the treatment cost is donated to this worthy cause
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
As you’d imagine, the scenery in the Alps varies enormously. No one can predict exactly when the snows will descend, but the average daytime temperature in winter hovers around -3°C/27°F with the coldest month in January, while temperatures in summer can average a balmy 26°C/79°F in July.
During the months of June, July, August and September you’ll enjoy pleasant weather with nice average temperatures – perfect for hiking and cycling the Alps.
WHAT TO PACK
The Lodge is your home from home, so go comfortable with your daywear. In the evening, you may choose to go smart-casual to dinner. A jacket and tie are never needed, but feel free to dress up if you wish!
Keeping warm in the winter means wearing layers. Start with your outer layer such as a waterproof ski jacket and ski trousers, a mid-layer which ideally should be a fleece jumper and finally thermals for your base layer. Make sure you pack a winter hat, wool socks, ski gloves, ski goggles and a neck warmer or scarf. It’s also a good idea to bring along waterproof walking boots – they’ll feel fantastically comfortable at the end of the day when changing out of your ski boots.
Your summer attire will depend somewhat on what kind of activities you have planned, but definitely pack sunglasses, a hat to keep the sun off and a sturdy pair of hiking boots. Temperatures can vary at altitude, and it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities, so a backpack to carry water and an extra layer.
WINTER AT THE LODGE
The Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s stunning nine bedroom chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, one of the Alps’ most exclusive resorts and Europe’s hottest ski spots.
Situated on a quiet road just 250m from the main ski lifts and backing onto one of the returning pists, The Lodge is in a perfect location for the slopes. The Lodge can accommodate up to 18 adults in 9 bedrooms and up to 6 children and young adults in a specially designed bunkroom.
THINGS TO DO IN WINTER
Long synonymous with skiing royalty (and sometimes with visits from real royalty), Verbier is part of the four valleys, a renowned skiing area in the Swiss Alps. Although skiing is traditionally what people expect to find when they visit, there are loads of other activities to get your teeth into. Click the tabs below to find out more.
Enjoy three or four nights on selected dates between January – April 2024. Please contact our Reservations team for more information.
Rates:
Depends from the season and bedrooms requests.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Your luxury accommodation
Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner
A light lunch is served at The Lodge for those guests not eating on the mountain
All drinks including a top-quality wine list and house champagne
24-hour driver service within Verbier
A dedicated team to look after you
All local taxes
Please note these rates exclude one evening meal out where guests can sample the gourmet delights of Verbier.
SUMMER AT THE LODGE
As well as the ideal choice for a luxury ski holiday, Verbier is also the perfect alpine summer escape. The Lodge itself provides a unique and fun setting: swim in the indoor pool, be pampered in the spa, or just relax after a day on the mountain whilst enjoying a wide selection of tailored menus and fine wines.
During the summer season rooms at The Lodge can be booked individually, or if you fancy taking all nine rooms and suites you can hire the chalet exclusively for up to 18 guests.
THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER
Everyone knows that Verbier is a fantastic resort in winter, but did you know about all the great things to do in summer? There’s golf, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horse riding…we could go on! Here are just a few of our suggestions.
Rates during the summer season are quoted per room per night based on two adults sharing (or up to 6 children in the bunkroom). Rates are priced in Swiss Francs.
1st floor
Entrance
Open-plan living and dining area with bar
Separate professional kitchen
Office
Ski room
Terrace with dining and barbecue area and outdoor Jacuzzi
BEDROOMS
2nd floor
Double/twin bedroom with private balcony and en suite bathroom with shower
Double/twin bedroom with en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower
Double/twin bedroom with desk and sitting area, private balcony and en suite bathroom with bathtub
Children’s bunk room (sleeps six) with private balcony and en suite shower room
3rd floor
Duplex double bedroom with private balcony and stairs leading to bathroom
Double/twin bedroom with balcony and en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower
Double/twin bedroom with sitting area, balcony and en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower
Double/twin bedroom with balcony and en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower
Top floor (4th floor)
Master suite with en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower, living area with fireplace and private balcony
Master suite with en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower, living area with fireplace and private balcony
*The two suites interconnect and both have sofa beds which can be made up for children under six years old
At The Lodge
Gym
Need a little more stamina? Visit the gym and workout on the treadmill, bike, cross-trainer and free weights station and afterwards relax those muscles on the stretching mats. We’ve even got a plasma screen TV with Netflix and Apple TV, and music system to keep you entertained.
Indoor pool and hot tubs
Relax those aching muscles in the indoor or outdoor hot tubs after a day out – it’s heaven! Or just refresh yourself with a dip in our 9m heated indoor pool.
Steam room
If you want to relax at the end of the day you can let off some steam in our steam room. It’s also a great way to purify your skin.
DINING AT THE LODGE
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 also stock a great range of international wines, top quality spirits, international beers and excellent house champagne. All meals at The Lodge are served communally around a shared table, but it is possible to organise private dinners in some rooms on request.
All guests are encouraged to treat The Lodge like their own home and are welcome to help themselves to drinks at any time. The team can cater for all dietary requirements and is happy to make adjustments or substitutions to the day’s menu according to your tastes and preferences.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is generally served from about 7.30 in the morning and in winter the lifts open at 8.45am, which should give you enough time to get kitted out for your day on the mountain. You can have it a little earlier if you like, and if you’ve got a very early start (for example if you’re leaving us), we’ll organise a breakfast pack to take with you.
There will be a continental breakfast buffet including fruits, cereals, pastries, yoghurts, and more, as well as a full selection of cooked breakfast items from our à la carte menu. If there’s something you’d like that’s not on the menu just let us know.
DINING IN SUMMER
In summer meals are served communally, giving you a chance to share what you’ve been up to during the day with other guests. Our rates include breakfast, light lunch and dinner as well as all drinks (including alcohol).
Lunches will vary depending on the day’s activities. Some excursions we organise include lunch, but if you choose to go exploring on your own you may want to take care of lunch yourself. If you get back to The Lodge by lunchtime, however, we’ll organise lunch either inside or on the terrace.
You can dine al fresco whilst enjoying the fresh mountain air on the terrace where there is a BBQ and bar area. We’re happy to arrange private dinners for a special occasion of course – just ask us about which rooms would work best for this.
DINING IN WINTER
There’s no better way to enjoy a meal than to gather around our large dining table for some good food and good company. All food at The Lodge is cooked to order, and when the chalet is hired on an exclusive-use basis, we’ll plans the meals around your wishes.
In winter our rates include all drinks, breakfast and afternoon tea, as well as dinner on all but one night during the week, when you’ll be able to sample the best of Verbier’s culinary delights. Each day we will book a table for lunch somewhere on the slopes, with each guest responsible for paying for his or her own meal. If you make it back to The Lodge for lunch, or if you choose to stay behind during the day, a light lunch will be served.
While you’re in Verbier you’ll be able to experience one of the town’s many quality restaurants on one night during your stay. We can arrange table reservations for you including at restaurants up on the mountain. Verbier town boasts all sorts of restaurants – over 40 at last count – ranging from the simple to the stylish.
WEDDINGS AT THE LODGE
Say ‘I do’ in the Swiss Alps! Whether you’re dreaming of a white wedding or tying the knot in the alpine summer, celebrate in style at The Lodge with up to 18 of your closest friends and family. After exchanging vows in Le Châble – 15 minutes’ drive away, just sit back and relax while we host a party to remember!
Couples wishing to get married in Switzerland can enjoy either a Registry Office or Church Wedding. If travelling from overseas they will need to complete all the legal paperwork prior to arriving into Switzerland with the Swiss Embassy of their home country.
Once this has been completed they can then arrange a date for the marriage to take place. All details regarding the legality and procedures for getting married overseas can be found on the relevant Swiss Embassy website in your country. Please note this process can take up to 3-4 months.
WHERE WE ARE
The Lodge, Verbier is located at an altitude of approximately 1,500m in the Valais region of south-western Switzerland – 51 miles or 82 kilometres east of Geneva as the crow flies.
The Lodge is perched high in the Swiss Alps in a forested area just a five minute walk from the town centre of Verbier, and only 250m from the main Medran lift station.
GETTING HERE
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 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 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!
If you’re visiting us for a longer stay or in the summer months in particular we recommend hiring a car at the airport in Geneva as this will give you the flexibility to explore the area and there are some fantastic trips to Italy and France which are only an hour’s drive from The Lodge.
