Search our extensive travel database

10 October 2012 Valais is Switzerland’s surest region for snow with absolutely superb experiences on the slopes. But there are calmer and more relaxing pursuits, too. Why not unwind from the fast pace of everyday life. Help your mind and spirit to regain their equilibrium by simply walking through the snowy forests or enjoying the alpine landscape on a snowshoe trek. Add to this the top-class wellness facilities and culinary delights, and your refreshing, unforgettable winter holiday is guaranteed. Reliable snow conditions thanks to high altitude and glaciers! The Valais is a Mecca for snow and winter sports fans. Majestic glaciers and mighty peaks not only offer a perfect backdrop, they also guarantee snowfall. Thanks to its geographical location and special climate, the Valais not only boasts 300 sunny days a year but also more snow than anywhere else in Switzerland until spring. Almost all the Valais winter resorts are higher than 5000ft, nine even higher than 10’000 ft, which means snow guaranteed. One ski region extends quite as high as 13000ft. Many other ski regions have runs on glaciers, 2 of which are also practicable in summer and autumn. It is thanks to these unique natural elements that Valais has and will continue to have snow and will, in the future, still be able to offer winter sports activities. There is endless fun to be had on ski slopes of all levels of difficulty with detours into Italy and France. And the hands-free Valais SkiCard allows access to more than 50 ski regions with more than 1,200 miles of runs. Winter Frolics for non-skiers Those who prefer not to hit the slopes will find other ways to get exercise and have fun in the snow. While spa treatments are the obvious alternative attraction for Leukerbad’s skiing visitors, every Valais resort has a multitude of other activities to try, both on and off the slopes. There are ice-rinks for skating and curling; miles and miles of cross-country tracks; and the thrill of speeding down toboggan runs whether by day or by night. Western Switzerland’s longest toboggan run, accessible from Verbier or La Tzoumaz, hurtles more than six miles down from the summit station at Savoleyres. For those in search of something slightly more sedate, there are snowshoe tours – or even just the simple pleasure of strolling along mile after mile of winter-walking paths. You can even play golf in mid-winter. Crans-Montana has Europe’s first high-altitude year-round golf performance centre. And at Nendaz you can play on the snow with golf balls painted bright red, so it’s hard to lose them. Other activities include lots of snow parks and a variety of trend sports, such as snowkiting or ice climbing. Besides these activities close to nature, additional tasty pleasures shouldn’t be missed. Like the joys of Raclette and Fendant by an open fire – or delicious menus enjoyed in amicable and elegant ambiance. New rail link with London On 22 December 2012 the Valais will link up with Britain. Each Saturday the Eurostar will carry its passengers from London to Lille. The waiting TGV will then take them directly to Brig in the heart of the Valais. This is the hub of world-famous winter sports venues, popular family skiing resorts and areas of unique natural beauty. Never before was this Swiss winter paradise so close and so easy to reach for its international guests. Source: Valais Tourism Office