Hiking along the Suonen in the Valais.

The Massa Hiking Trail gives hikers a good illustration of how the alpine irrigation system (bisses) worked in the olden days.

The "bisses" are traditional irrigation channels used to bring precious glacier water to the cultivated land around Crans-Montana.

Small irrigation channels are alimented by glacier water. They have been in place since the 14th Century. Today there are well-groomed hiking trails which follow them.

"Nendaz – at the heart of the Valais" – invites you to enjoy leisurely walks along the Suonen.

The Hohnegg, an idyllic hotel, surrounded by mountains.
Walks, babbling watercourses, Kneipp cures - it's pure relaxation!

A special treat is a visit to Zeneggen, which has retained its rustic character of yore. Its buildings are sprinkled across a large, sunny plateau and linked together by open aquaducts that the locals call suonen.

These historic water courses of the Valais are open channels that carry the water from mountains streams to dry pastureland and fields. They are also used to irrigate vineyards and orchards. As global temperatures rise, the "suonen" or "bisses" are becoming increasingly important again. In the "Swiss Alps World Heritage Region", it is especially the water courses south of the Bietschhorn that are worthy of note.