Ski heaven in Valais, Switzerland
the Valais The region in southwest Switzerland is a winter paradise for skiing and, with 45 four-thousand-meter peaks, closer to heaven than many earthly rivals! Its 34 ski areas – most are over 1500m – are spread across the four main ski areas of the region, and due to the altitude of its slopes, Valais is the only region in Switzerland that guarantees good snow coverage. Some ski areas such as Saas-Fee / Saastal or Les 4 Vallées even have slopes at over 3,000 m, with some of their slopes crossing glaciers. You will not soon forget the majestic sight of the Great Aletsch Glacier.
Some incredible Valais runs of up to 25 km in length offer skiers pure and endless fun while you ski down perfect slopes and plunge into the valley from the high peaks. You’ll find fantastic carving conditions, and if you fancy trying something different, places like Champéry in the stunning Dents du Midi region offer night skiing.
As a varied winter sports location, the Valais is also a regular venue for ski touring world championships and the toughest ski touring race in the world: the Patrouille des Glaciers. At the other end of the scale, 13 secured touring routes in Valais offer the perfect introduction for beginners. Ascent through untouched white landscapes and exciting descents over untouched powder snow fields promise an incomparable feeling of freedom.
Valais also enjoys an excellent reputation for its freeride scene, as several Valais ski resorts such as Nendaz-Veysonnaz have set up secured freeride routes, offering enthusiasts off-piste adventures.
Start with these four must-see destinations in Valais…
Aletsch Arena
A family-friendly ski area around the three car-free ski-in-ski-out holiday villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp on a high plateau.
Piste area: 104km
Easy: 40%
intermediate: 48%
Progressive: 12%
Altitude range: 1,845m to 2,869m
Must: Experience an adventure and try a guided snowshoe trekking tour in the Aletsch Forest, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Do you have to visit: The Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn viewpoints with a view of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the Valais four-thousand-meter peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn.
Saas Fee/Saastal
Surrounded by eighteen four-thousand-meter peaks, the high alpine holiday region Saas-Fee / Saas Valley offers a varied experience – on and off the skis!
Piste area: 150km
Easy: 30%
intermediate: 50%
Progressive: 20%
Altitude range: 1,500m to 3,600m
Must: For a spectacular experience from the air, take a zip line over the wild and rugged Fee Gorge.
Do you have to visit: The Fee Glacier – a snowshoe hike over seracs and crevices to the highest point, the Panoramaplatz, is an unforgettable five-hour round trip.
Nendaz-Veysonnaz
Located in the middle of the huge 4 Vallées ski area, these twin resorts offer a great family-friendly alternative to their more famous neighbor Verbier.
Piste area: 410km
Easy: 33%
intermediate: 53%
Progressive: 14%
Altitude range: 1,400m to 3,330m
Must: Ski the legendary Piste de l’Ours (the bear track), one of the most famous ski runs of the World Cup. This north-facing red piste has an altitude difference of 900 m and a gradient of up to 51%.
Do you have to visit: For great views, the Mont-Fort at 3,330 m is the highest point in the ski area and also the starting point of the Mont4Zipline, the highest zip line in the world.
Region Dents du Midi
Part of the vast cross-border domain of Portes du Soleil, the Région Dents du Midi includes the four Swiss resorts of Champery, Les Crosets, Champoussin and Morgins.
Piste area: 650km
Easy: 44%
intermediate: 45%
Progressive: 11%
Altitude range: 1,000m to 2,466m
Must: With mogul slopes the size of VW Beetles, the Swiss Wall is one of the top 10 hardest ski slopes in the world and is a challenge for many skiers.
Do you have to visit: You can come here and ski on site, but don’t miss the opportunity to make it big and explore the rest of the Portes du Soleil area.
Ready to grab your skis? In the Valais online shop you will find great holiday offers, a huge range of accommodation, opportunities to buy lift passes, book unforgettable activities and much more. Go to wallis.ch/shop For more information.