Even the wooden chalets are tanned by the sun: most a dark brown, some raven-black, looking snug under the thick blanket of snow that covers their roofs. The charm of bygone days is everywhere to be seen; a stillness reigns over this valley far removed from the stresses of day-to-day life. A valley that carefully guards its unspoilt character, affectionately watched over by five striking 4,000-m peaks.

Entertaining

But this winter sports region is anything but boring. The lift pass covers all the four small and authentic ski areas, and 220 km of piste. And so that children have as much fun as their parents, there are five snowparks, three boarder cross zones, all manner of freeride slopes and fun snow gadgets, as well as toboggan runs, cross-country ski trails and ice rinks.

Sparkling

And on top of all this, there is the mysterious glacier grotto in Zinal. You don snowshoes to hike up to the entrance, and then walk 200 m deep into the interior – where the strangest creations sparkle, sculpted by nature.

Ski Mountain Sun – or SMS for short – is the name of the greatvalue Val d’Anniviers ski package. Seven nights in a two-star hotel, plus breakfast and unlimited skiing on 220 km of piste, costs from just CHF 817.