Valais
Valais extend all the way from the Rhône
Glacier past Brig, Martigny and Sion down to Lake Geneva. Nestling
between the northern and the southern side of the Alps is a diverse
landscape which will charm every visitor.
Glaciers can be found on all the peaks of the Valais
Alps which are the highest in Switzerland:
Dufour Peak (4634m), Dom (4545m),
Weisshorn (4509m) and the Matterhorn
(4478m).
Small villages of weathered wooden beamed houses,
with flowers pouring out of the windowboxes in summer, perch in
clearings high on the slopes. High slanting valleys
give access to their resorts at the foot of the alpine giants such
as Zermatt in the Nikolai Valley
and Saas Fee in the Saas Valley;
the Matterhorn provides a magnificent scenery
for the latter.
In the internationally known resort of Zermatt,
cars are not permitted and transport is either
on foot, by electric car or by horse and cart. There are well posted
walks and cablecars, with tows and lifts to the top of the slopes
for more ambitious climbing. The highest aerial cablecar
in Europe is at Zermatt, ascending the Little Matterhorn.
The ski run from here back to the village is one of the longest
in Europe.
The historic town of Brig boasts the most
significant Baroque castle in Switzerland, the Stockalperschloss.
Sion, an Episcopal town, and Martigny,
with their castle ruins, are worth visiting and
are also ideal starting points for excursions to the surrounding
area. Castle enthusiasts should also visit Leuk,
Sierre and Monthey. Any visit
to the area should also include grotto at Gletsch
and the Rhône Glacier.
Ski resorts
Valais contains some of Switzerland’s most eminent
resorts including the picturesque car-free village
of Zermatt, which offers outstanding skiing for all abilities,
lively nightlife and plenty of non-skiing activities. Fashionable
Verbier forms part of the extensive Les Quatre
Vallées ski area, magnetizing serious skiers and
snow-boarders to its challenging slopes and providing plenty of
facilities for young people.
The beautiful car free village of Saas Fee has
high, snow-sure slopes and is perfect for beginners and intermediates.
The popular ski area of Crans Montana consists
of trendy Crans sur Sierre with its thriving nightlife,
and the more down-to-earth, reserved Montana.
Smaller and more family-oriented resorts in the
region include Anzère, Bettmeralp, Riederalp
and Zinal. |
