The Bunker, Verbier

[snowrider]

About to pull the trigger on a Verbier trip for spring break. Myself, SkiJunky and some others will be staying in the Cabane du Mont Fort for about 4 nights, but we want to check out the party scene in Verbier for the last 3 nights. We're considering the Bunker. From what I've read it appears to be quite the, uhhh...experience. Can't say I'm not intrigued by the quirkiness of the place and it seems like good (and bad) stories would come out of some nights there. We'll be there during the Verbier Freeride comp and that weekend should go off.

Any maggots been there? Have any words of wisdom or stories to share?

[bbirtle]

Ohh yeah, definitely has character. Giant rooms with 20 or more beds each and no door seperating it from other rooms = bring your earplugs. "Beds" are army-style bunk jobbers with musty blankets on account of the dampness and the fact it's all underground. No windows, perhaps obviously for a bunker.

On the plus side, bathrooms were generally clean and it's cheap. I think you get access to the pool although check me on that - we missed the closing time. Food was decent and the little restraunt/cafe isn't too bad for killing a stormy day. Have fun!

[Idris]

Why are you staying at the Caban du Mont Fort? Apart from getting a very early start on the Haute Route toward lac du Dix there isn't any point in staying there. Sure its a great location but it's expensive and uncomfortable. The psite goes right past the door and you won't get on the lifts any earlier than starting from Verbier.

Beware Verbier Freeride week is very buisy, lots of lift lines. In the Bunker watch your gear, especially your Wallet and Passport.

If you fancy a day or so in Chamonix give me a shout nearer the time.

[snowrider]

Why are you staying at the Caban du Mont Fort

A guy we know here at UVM is from Verbier, his Dad owns the hut and he has offered to guide us around. May not be on the lifts earlier, but I will certainly enjoy being up on the mountain much more than in a windowless bunker. I'd definitely like to hear more of what you have to say about the area as far as terrain, stuff you'd recommend etc.

[Idris]

A guy we know here at UVM is from Verbier, his Dad owns the hut and he has offered to guide us around. May not be on the lifts earlier, but I will certainly enjoy being up on the mountain much more than in a windowless bunker. I'd definitely like to hear more of what you have to say about the area as far as terrain, stuff you'd recommend etc.

The terrain is more extensive than the whole of the Wasatch interlinked. It has enough steep skiing to make Jackson look like a bunny hill.

Get somone to show you the various routes off the backside of Mont Fort. If you are lucky with the snow conditions try Mont Fort to La Chable without stopping 3333m to 820m (10,000ft to 2700) almost all of it off piste.

Lots of interisting stuff is marked or at least obvious from the trail map!

[verbier61]

Why are you staying at the Caban du Mont Fort? Apart from getting a very early start on the Haute Route toward lac du Dix there isn't any point in staying there. Sure its a great location but it's expensive and uncomfortable. The psite goes right past the door and you won't get on the lifts any earlier than starting from Verbier.

Beware Verbier Freeride week is very buisy, lots of lift lines. In the Bunker watch your gear, especially your Wallet and Passport.

If you fancy a day or so in Chamonix give me a shout nearer the time.

Tom, they enlarged the cabane lately (I guess it was 2002) and now it's really much more comfortable... the location is (the view on the mt blanc is striking), the food is excellent, and the staff very smart and friendly. Neadless to say, if you're with a son of the boss, you'll be treated like kings.

You're coming for the verbier ride (not the xtreme, I guess)? How many of you? I'm just finishing some work in a studio near by my apt so I might have 2-3 beds in case you need them. The bunker, of course, it's an experience in itself, but consider that many locals and habituees are now diggin smaller villages on the bottom of bagnes valley (chable, cottarg, expecially the amazing serrayer) for living in cheaper way.
In any case, just let me know how I can be of any help.

[verbier61]

I'd definitely like to hear more of what you have to say about the area as far as terrain, stuff you'd recommend etc.

what would you like to do? Haute route (3-4 days skinning from hut to hut between verb and zermatt)? Steep? Heli? social life?

[TeleAl]

I've stayed at the bunker. It ain't high living, but it is shelter.
And in Verbier, that is what you get cheap. There really isn't any other option.

Notes from the concrete underground include:
It smells, it's loud, the light is always on, no windows, it's cramped,
the food is not that interesting.

Suggestion on how to handle this:
drink heavily until all the pubs and clubs close, wake up early and go skiing.
It will be the best 3 hours sleep you ever had considering the conditions.

Or, more appealing might be to find some Swedish women wearing fur
and snuggle up to them for the night.

[ptavv]

If you like hostelling, the bunker is for you. Two buddies and I stayed at the bunker back when I lived in Europe. It was great for us because we'd be out first thing in the morning, come back at 4 or 5 and nap until it was time to go party and then come back at 3-4 AM and nap until it was time for first tracks.

I imagine it would be a crappy place if you were interested in resting a lot or didn't mind the feeling of everyone knowing what's going on. Also, good luck with girls if you're staying at the Bunker...

All in all I'd say the bunker is worth it becase, as college students what more do we need than a bed, some beers and fresh tracks?

[SkiJunky05]

...as college students what more do we need than a bed, some beers and fresh tracks?

girls

[ptavv]

Good point. I had a girlfriend at the time, so I wasn't really looking, but my buddies who were on the prowl got shot down since most girls don't fancy coming back to a giant room with 20 some guys in it and no privacy. Although the one girl my buddy did get back there was quite the noise maker...