Australian graphic designer and red hot skier, Tony McWilliam, founded the cult ski brand, Faction Skis. He lives in big mountain Swiss Mecca, Verbier. This is his guide.
How long have you lived in Verbier?
Just over ten years.
Why verbier?
Well I’d broken up with my girlfriend and a small ski resort in France wasn’t big enough for the both of us so I had to leave ha ha! And as a freelance designer I was looking for somewhere in the alps that was big enough to have a customer base. 
There’s really only Verbier or Chamonix that have a substantial year-round pool of potential clientele. I also had a couple of good friends here so it was quite easy to settle in.
Verbier has such a great community of people living here year-round from diverse backgrounds that it is still inspiring to live here and work alongside people starting businesses and living the dream.
What do you love about Verbier?
The mix of people from Ferrari driving Russians to ski bums discovering the alps for the first time gives the town a great balance of ‘nice’ places to go together with dive bars with character. Oh and the skiing is phenomenal as well. Yes I guess I should mention that… actually don’t mention that…
Best coffee
There’s a great little deli that’s just been setup here called La Cucina. Amazing home cooked food and I’ve taught them how to make a Melbourne latte now so I feel right at home.
Best après
Can anything ever rival the legend that is the Farinet Apres Ski? Bands, booze and girls dancing on the bar every night.
Best breakfast
Eggs Benedict at Cafe Ruinette down the lift in Le Chable – just opened up and a wonderful mix of hearty food and good people.
Special occasion dinner
Marlenaz up on the mountain side overlooking the resort – you need to walk up in the snow about a kilometre but the reward is a stunning view down over Verbier. Amazing seasonal food ranging from traditional fondues to the ‘chasse’ – the local wildlife caught during hunting season.
favourite event
New Year’s Eve is mind-blowing – 20,000 people all partying in the middle of town with fireworks, drinks and a huge PA system. Goes off without fail every year.
Secret scenic spot
Unfortunately it’s not so secret – the top of Mont Fort is definitely the best place to head just to get an incredible 360º view looking from the Mont Blanc in France all the way round to the matterhorn. Stops you in your tracks every time you go there.
favourite powder run
Bruson on the opposite side of the valley has just been opened up with a new lift so you don’t have to take the bus anymore.
Conditions need to be good as it’s down low but there are so many tree runs and open glades there that generally remain quiet while everyone else is charging up to the traditional ‘big’ lines like backside of Mont Fort, Vallon d’arbee etc.
What can you exclusively get at Verbier
The rich and famous and your first-year ski bums downing shots with each other any night of the week.
Best Verbier memory?
Unfortunately after ten years of living here the partying means I’ve forgotten more than I remember … but the night that really stands out is being in the apres-ski on a ‘quiet’ night alongside (Sir) Richard Branson and Bob Geldof, and having Roger Taylor from Queen getting up to play with some of the Black Keys with the band was pretty amazing.
If you had to buy one thing to take back with you as a visitor what would it be?
A hangover.
But then you can’t really leave here without one…
