Valais

Introducing Valais

With the 10 highest mountains in Switzerland - all over 4000m - this scenic canton offers pinnacles of pleasure for those who enjoy the high life.

A certain supply of snow plus challenging slopes makes the Valais region one of the most popular in the world for skiing. A series of mountain valleys cuts south into the Alps from the Rhône valley, which slices east to west through the canton, leading to ski resorts as varied in scenery and challenges as they are culturally mixed. Depending on your choice of ski resort, you can ski from Francophone Switzerland into France or German Switzerland into Italy and back in the same day!

The Alps are as stunning in summer, offering limitless hiking possibilities for all levels, including the classic Mont Blanc circuit through Switzerland, France and Italy.

Long a region of struggling farmers until the advent of Alpine tourism, the canton is dotted with delightful high mountain villages and, lower down in the Rhône valley, vineyards that provide some of the country's best wines - the whites are a perfect accompaniment to a local cheese speciality, raclette.

The Valais is not just about yomping and chomping. Martigny hosts one of the country's key art centres and Sion is notable for its medieval core, dramatic castle and museums.

Valais is also good for soothing nerves and tired muscles in its thermal bathing centres, notably those of Leukerbad.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009