Hit the Slopes at Piste de l’Ours Veysonnaz

In the 4 Vallées ski area of the Valais region, the Piste de l’Ours Veysonnaz is one of Switzerland’s most iconic ski runs.

Known for its amazing snow quality, alpine views, and thrilling downhill sections, it’s a must for every skier visiting the Swiss Alps.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Piste de l’Ours. Discover its fascinating history and level of difficulty, as well as how to get there, what to expect, nearby activities, and where to stay for the ultimate ski getaway with Alpvision Residences.

Piste de l’Ours Veysonnaz ski run

The Piste de l’Ours, or “Bear’s Slope,” is located in the Veysonnaz–Thyon sector of the 4 Vallées. It’s one of Europe’s largest interconnected ski areas, with over 400 km of runs.

Stretching for about 2 kilometres, the piste drops 650 metres in altitude, from around 2,100 m at the top to 1,450 m at the base. It is classified as a red run, meaning it’s perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers.

Ski run colour codes

Ski runs are colour-coded to indicate their level of difficulty, and the system varies slightly by country.

European ski run colours (Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, etc.)

🟢 Green: Beginner slopes — gentle, wide, and perfect for learning.

🔵 Blue: Easy to intermediate — slightly steeper, ideal for progressing skiers and families.

🔴 Red: Intermediate to advanced — steeper gradients (around 30–45%), great for confident skiers.

⚫ Black: Expert level — very steep and challenging, often with moguls or icy patches.

🟡 Yellow (in some resorts): Marked itinerary or off-piste routes — ungroomed terrain for experienced skiers only.

History and facts about the slopes in Veysonnaz

The Piste de l’Ours was created in the 1970s and quickly gained a high reputation. It’s hosted over 30 FIS World Cup races, including prestigious downhill and super-G events.

The name “Bear’s Slope” reflects the wild, untamed nature of the region, where bears were once located in the forests surrounding the Rhône Valley.

How to get to the Piste de l’Ours

Veysonnaz is easily accessible from many major Swiss transport hubs.

By car, it’s just a short 15-minute drive from Sion, around two hours from Geneva, and roughly three hours from Zurich. If you’re travelling by train, head to Sion Station, where you can take a PostBus or taxi for the final 20-minute journey up to Veysonnaz. If you are an international visitor, the closest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), which offers frequent transfers to Sion and onward connections to the resort.

For a more luxurious experience, private car hire and even helicopter transfers are available.

On the mountain

You can reach the Piste de l’Ours directly via the Ours cable car, located near the Veysonnaz gondola station. The slope is included in the 4 Vallées ski pass, giving you access to other world-class ski resorts like Verbier, Nendaz, and Thyon.

Must-do checklist

Ride the Piste de l’Ours cable car early for untouched snow.
Stop for photos at the Eteygeon viewpoint.
Snap a picture at the “Bear” sign marking the slope’s start.
Enjoy a post-run drink at Café du Mont-Rouge or Caboulis Bar.

Tips for skiing the Piste de l’Ours

The Piste de l’Ours Veysonnaz is officially a red slope, with gradients reaching up to 45%. It requires solid control and confidence, especially during periods of icy or busy conditions.

On the mountain

Pros

Reliable snow thanks to its north-facing orientation
Wide, well-groomed piste
Legendary status among competitive skiers
Beautiful panoramic alpine views

Cons

Too steep for complete beginners
Busy during holidays and race events

Skier’s Tips

Warm up on Piste des Mayens or Thyon 2000 before tackling it.
Ski early morning for the best snow conditions.
Dress in layers as winter temperatures can drop to –10°C.
Check avalanche and weather updates daily.

Things to do around Veysonnaz

Veysonnaz is not only for skiing; it’s an excellent year-round destination with many activities you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.

Winter must-do

Snowshoeing through the serene forests of Les Mayens.
Tobogganing and family-friendly fun in Thyon.
Heli-skiing departures from nearby Sion Airport.
Relaxation at Les Bains de Saillon, a thermal spa only 30 minutes away.

Summer adventures

Hiking the famous Bisse de Vex, a scenic 12 km trail following a historic irrigation channel.
Mountain biking across marked alpine routes.
Paragliding from Thyon to the valley floor, offering unbeatable views of the Alps.

Après-Ski and accommodation in Veysonnaz

After a day on the Piste de l’Ours, unwind at one of Veysonnaz’s cosy après-ski spots.

For fine dining, Café du Mont-Rouge is a Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its local wines and gourmet cuisine. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you can head to the Bar de l’Ours, which combines a laid-back vibe with live music and classic mountain charm.

Meanwhile, for breathtaking scenery, Veysonnaz 3000 is a high-altitude terrace bar with must-see panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.

We recommended trying local and traditional Alpine cuisine, such as fondue and raclette. This is the best place to savour these cosy winter dishes with local Swiss cheeses sourced from neighbouring villages.