There is something about the thundering pace of horse hooves speeding up before a horse launches itself over a jump. Deep inhale. Then silence as over 600kg seems as light as a feather as it flies through the air with grace. An even louder thud as they fall back to earth. Exhale. It’s the heartbeat-like quality of the sound that resonates with all of us. It’s addictive and it’s what the attendees of the Verbier International Showjumping Competition come for.

Every Winter ski lovers ascend 1500m to Verbier for its luxury hospitality offerings, vibrant après scene and some of the best off-piste in Europe. For those in the know, Verbier in Summer is a gem waiting to be discovered: it hosts a domino of festivals, all with a backdrop of the most stunning landscapes known to the human eye. Most notably in July there is the well-established Verbier Festival, where the upper echelons of classical music talent from around the world perform like Lang Lang and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. The newer E-Bike Festival is at the beginning of August and Le Grand Concours Hippique – the Verbier International Showjumping Competition, held in the middle two weeks of August, now in its 25th year.

Over 20,000 spectators are expected over nine days to see the best riders in the world defy gravity in one of the most prestigious events in the International show jumping calendar. Around 160 qualifiers from 20 different countries, ranging from amateurs to National and Olympic Champions all compete in 21 events; decorated thoroughbreds and their riders demonstrating extraordinarily complex jumping skills. The 1st week is for domestic contenders, the second is for the main event – expect nothing short of world-class performances from the stalwarts of show jumping. This event is suitable for families; children are well catered for and can compete in the amateur categories too. Although entry is free, Verbier in Summer is never that crowded, so a reassuring exclusivity is maintained.

The Arena with the breathtaking backdrop

The largest flat area in Verbier is the Perrin car park, taken for granted in the Winter. It then becomes a focal point during the Summer months: a concert hall in July, in August a showjumping arena the size of half a football pitch. Food stands, bars and shops surround the arena and the tall, south-facing grandstand looks down the valley, the mountains behind. Spectators have all day sun with Mont Fort, Verbier’s highest, to the left and a view of Grand Combin on the opposite side of the valley, beyond the dense green forests of Bruson. The fresh mornings soon give way to a pleasantly warm and dry temperature, seldom clouds in the sky. The late afternoons provide a mesmerizing and seemingly endless sunset beyond the Trient valley, Mont Blanc in the distance.

The two-tiered VIP tent at the Verbier International Showjumping Competition has a view of both the action and reactions of the grandstand. For the second week, the double Michelin starred Genevan chef Philippe Chevrier of Domaine Chateauvieux is in charge of the fine dining experience upstairs, the five-course menu changes daily and includes: Fillet of Swiss Alpine Veal, mushroom fricassee and potato wafer; Roasted Bourbonnair Lamb Chops, fried olive polenta. Follow-ups include apricot pavlova with basil emulsion and lime sorbet or the strawberry tart with pistachio ice cream. The delicious offerings perfectly complement the drama. Advanced booking is advised.

For five-star accommodation just a 15minute walk away from the action, Le Chalet D’Adrien has a traditional chalet-style cosy charm with a spa, indoor pool and a large outdoor restaurant with magnificent views of Verbier. Inside, it’s Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table d’Adrien is a gastronomic manifestation of the local environment where chef Sebastiano Lombardi takes inspiration from the mountains, lakes and rivers between Valais, Italy and France. At the other end of town, closer to the main hub, the W Hotel is a more modern experience, also with an indoor pool and spa facilities, a supercar concierge service and a viby bar with suspended pod seats for sundowners on the balcony. There is also a large range of luxury chalets available to rent throughout the town, including Richard Branson’s chalet The Lodge.

The Verbier International Showjumping Competition is a good reason to visit Verbier and there are so many other things to do to enhance your stay in Verbier. The endless hiking trails are rewarded with panoramic views and wonderful restaurant destinations high up. If you are taking it easy, Ebiking is a recommended way to see the mountains especially if you have small children in tow. Parasailing is also prevalent in Verbier, even watching them feels like a pastime.

The setting of the Verbier International Showjumping Competition alone is enough to captivate audiences, but the performances on display surpass the anticipation. As the tournament goes on, the stakes get higher, culminating in the Grand Prix, the Six-Bar event. But this isn’t just about the prize money, it’s a glorious demonstration of dedication, perseverance, tenacity and how every last millimetre counts, especially when a 1.60m horse has to clear almost its own height(1.55m). Grand Concours Hippique is guaranteed to impress and it goes way beyond the arena.