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Travel Spotlight
At Indagare, we believe that every trip should be unforgettable and each vacation is designed specifically for the traveler. Here, we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process for Indagare member Lara McLanahan and her family's trip to Verbier, Switzerland. We talk to Travel Specialist Marley Lynch, who orchestrated the memorable journey, as well as Lara, who reflects on her favorite Indagare-planned experiences.
Now is the time to book a ski trip to Verbier. Our specialists can match you with the hotel or chalet that is right for you, plan great meals and activities, introduce you to our favorite ski guides and arrange special mountain access. Contact Indagare to get started.
"Indagare members William and Lara McLanahan wanted to plan a fun trip in the Alps for their family. They were looking for a destination that would cater to their older teens, who are expert skiers and love nightlife, and William's mother, who likes groomed ski runs. We discussed Zermatt, Chamonix and Verbier, three alpine destinations known for their world-class runs, varying terrain and lively atmosphere."
Related: A Local's Take on Verbier
"The family chose Verbier, a resort town beloved by ski junkies for its advanced trails, charming village and vibrant après-ski scene. While Verbier is known for its fabulous chalets, a hotel was a better choice for the McLanahans because they wanted to be part of the action rather than tucked away in a private residence. We booked them at the W Verbier, the best property in town."
Related: The Top 10: Ski Lodges
"The younger McLanahans wanted to ski off-piste, whereas their grandmother expressed a preference for groomed runs, so we handpicked two mountain guides with different personalities and areas of expertise. For the daredevils, we secured a popular young mountain guide who was raised in Verbier and has skied there for his entire life. For William's mother, we found a charming expert who also grew up in Verbier and has been instructing there for 16 years. Also, because of Indagare's relationship with the W, we were able to arrange room upgrades for everyone."
Related: Alpine Skiing
"We arrived at the W Verbier excited for our adventure to begin. Thanks to Indagare, the hotel upgraded all of us to "Spectacular" level rooms! Each of our accommodations had a stylish, spacious layout with its own deck and gas fireplace, which thrilled everyone from the teenagers to our grandmother. The highlight for me was the soaking tub that I used to ease my tired legs! The hotel has all the offerings of a five-star resort, including a slope-side ski shop with a friendly staff that issues tickets and helps you carry your gear. Another nice perk was having our ski boots heated every morning! Our meals at the hotel were wonderful, especially the sushi at Carve Sushi Bar. This contemporary hotel is perfect for families, couples or group trips. However, for an intimate, elegant and quiet experience, I would recommend La Cordée des Alpes (Prince Harry was staying there!) (hotelcordee.com)
"The two ski guides Indagare chose for us were wonderful and catered to our varying abilities and interests. One took us off-piste, which was amazing. He was able to find fresh snow, knew the mountain very well and was a true expert. Most importantly, his personality was fantastic! He charmed us all, and we were sad to say goodbye to him. He also guides in Chamonix and Zermatt, so we would love to ski with him again at those resorts. The other guide, a kind, gentle soul, escorted our grandmother, who only wanted on-piste skiing.
"All the restaurants were wonderful. La Channe (Place Centrale) is completely charming. Enjoying traditional Swiss fare here was the perfect way to start to the trip and everyone loved it. For lunch, I really liked the slope-side Le Dahu (1936 Bagnes). Don't miss their speciality, the wood-fired pizzas. Cuckoo's Nest (Attelas) was also a great spot for a midday lunch high on the mountain. It is a favorite of the British royal family, and they even have a delicious salad named after Fergie, the Duchess of York, who lives in Verbier. We also adored our dinner at La Cordée, which was the haute cuisine experience of the trip (Route du Centre Sportif 24). The interiors were stylish and the food was delicious—we especially enjoyed the pasta with black truffle shavings and the turbot.
"Dinner at Chez Dany was the highlight of the trip. You must book the second seating, and be prepared to dance on tables and sled home at high speeds! (The hotel can rent sleds and headlamps for you beforehand). The food is excellent and the chalet-inspired atmosphere was delightful. It is fantastic for large groups looking for exciting nightlife!
"For a late lunch, we loved Le Rouge. The food was good, but the scene is what you come for. It is a great spot for hanging out and slipping from lunch into après ski on the beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the mountains.
"In summary, it was an amazing family trip! We are dying to return, and our only regret is that we did not stay longer. Thank you, Indagare!" ~ Lara McLanahan, member since 2007
At Indagare, we believe that every trip should be unforgettable and each vacation is designed specifically for the traveler. Pairing our in-depth destination expertise with knowledge of our members’ needs, we match them with the best and most appropriate itinerary, hotels, guides and restaurants. Contact Indagare to speak with a travel specialist and begin planning a customized trip.We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
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