Vallon d'Arby

Vallon d'Arby is one of the best-known off-piste itineraries in the Verbier area, a long descent through open slopes and pine forest that runs for about 5.5 kilometres and loses more than 800 vertical metres. The route starts at roughly 2,550 metres, from the left-hand side of the Lac des Vaux run, known on the piste map as run 2.1, and finishes near 1,720 metres at the foot of the valley. It is not a groomed slope, and that distinction defines the whole experience.

The route is a marked itinerary rather than a free-for-all. Poles guide skiers through a defined corridor, and the entrance is signposted to show whether the route is open or closed on a given day. That signal matters. Conditions change with snowfall, wind and temperature, and the route can be shut when avalanche danger or poor visibility make it unsafe. Skiers should always check the current status with the resort before setting off, never enter a closed itinerary, and remember that marked does not mean controlled or patrolled in the way a piste is.

The descent itself suits advanced skiers and snowboarders. Upper sections offer open snowfields with generous space for long turns, while the lower part tightens into a valley lined with trees, giving a very different feel with shade, softer snow and a sense of seclusion. Terrain varies from steep to gentler traverses, and good snow can make the run feel remote even though it sits inside a major ski area.

Preparation is essential. Carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and know how to use them. Ski with a partner, or better still with a local guide if you are unfamiliar with the valley, and keep an eye on the weather. Ensure you know how you will get back, since the exit, near La Tzoumaz, leads to a different point from the one you started, and the return transport has operating hours that vary with the season.

The route is covered by a valid 4 Vallées pass, so there is no separate fee, but that should not be mistaken for a sign that the terrain is easy. For confident skiers it is a rewarding way to experience Verbier's backcountry feel; for everyone else, the other nearby runs, such as those around the Lac des Vaux, are a better choice.