20th Anniversary Celebrations for the Highest of Alpine Show Jumpers

Looking for a last minute summer holiday in the Swiss Alps? Book one of our stunning chalets in Verbier and enjoy the Jumping International de Verbier.

The horses heading to the Jumping International de Verbier from 17^th August are perhaps as pampered as guests in the resort’s famous luxury chalets. These animals are the international athletes of the equine world; their riders the very best, attracted to one of the top meetings in the world. Even if you are a newcomer to equine sports, the backdrop for this event is truly spectacular, and it is completely free to watch.

Riders from 20 countries are expected to take part in this year’s event, the 20^th in Jumping International de Verbier’s history. Proceedings start with three days of the Verbier National, before the international show jumpers take to the ring for five days of action. Switzerland has a fine equestrian pedigree, and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Steve Guerdat is among a cast of riders that also includes Roger-Yves Bost (French team gold at Rio 2016); American Olympic champion, Laura Kraut; Britain’s two-time Olympic gold medalist, Nick Skelton; and Eric Lamaze (Gold at Beijing 2008) from Canada.

This year there is a link up with the Verbier International Festival, one of the world’s top classical music events which concludes just before the riders trot into town, with evenings dedicated to the Festival on August 16^th and 25^th.

If the professionals inspire you, you can enjoy horse riding at the Centre équestre de Verbier, and, yes, you can rent horse-drawn carriages in the resort. The Alpine meadows are among the most beautiful riding territories in the world, but they are challenging terrain, and lessons and guided riding are a good idea. Children as young as 10 can enjoy these magical experiences.

Mountain bikers also have a huge choice of trails around the resort, and there are more than 400km of footpaths for walkers, among the best-maintained and signposted anywhere in the Alps. Even though it is summer, you should ask your chalet team for some advice on mountain safety before you trek off into the heights, or perhaps book a guide.

Verbier’s busy summer schedule doesn’t end there. During the second weekend in September, Bike Fest Verbier brings some – highly styled – black leather to the Swiss Alps, with rider parades, stunt shows, the “psycho pyros” of the Mad Pussy Gang and plenty of hard-rocking music.

Finest Holidays won’t just help you find the best luxury chalet for your summer or winter Alpine holidays, we’ll also help you plan the perfect holiday for your needs. We have chalets in all of the best Alpine resorts, from St Anton  in the Austrian Alps to Courchevel in the French Alps to Zermatt , Gstaad and Davos in the Swiss Alps.