Summer

Finding, enjoying, understanding. Balmly summer warmth bathes the valley. Water gurgles from pond to pond in pine forests and vineyards.

A cool breeze wafts down from the glaciers. The mountain tops seem closer to reaching the heavens than anything else on earth. The Rhone River is like a blue ribbon, fed by numerous tributaries that emerge from steep valleys. In Goms, the river is wild, in the lower Valais, gentle. It flows past mountain villages of sun-scorched houses, past towns where ancient history and modern impulses combine, past orchards and vineyards, until, well tamed, it enters Lake Geneva. In short, it is a landscape of opposites; of steep rock faces and soaring Alps; of German and French; of northern and Mediterranean flair. It is a region of 4,000 metre peaks, the twelve largest glaciers and a multitude of Alpine passes.

Winter

The background is certainly imposing: From the Rhone glacier to Lake Geneva more than 50 four-thousand- metre peaks reach up to the Valais skies. Some powder runs are close to 4,000 metres above sea level.

There are paths with panoramic views, cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs down valleys and across hills. In this crystalline landscape, snow-covered woods under brilliant winter-blue skies alternate with age-blackened wooden houses - treasures lovingly tended and preserved. The wide range of winter sports available reflects the variety of this unique stretch of country. Whether you try snow-shoeing in the Obergoms accompanied by huskies, go from a downhill run directly to a thermal bath in an ancient spa, learn to snowboard, conquer 4,000-metre peaks on touring skis or treat yourself to a sociable evening with a glass of cool Fendant wine accompanied by a meal of Raclette cheese at the end of the day - winter in the Valais will never fail to charm you.