This is Chandolin
Chandolin is popular for its sunny location, summer hiking and winter skiing. The mountain village lies in the Val d'Anniviers, a side valley south of Sierre in the canton of Valais.
Discover Chandolin
In the old village centre, dark wooden houses and granaries stand close together. A historical walking tour shows you how mountain farmers once lived here. In the former Sainte-Barbe chapel, the Espace Ella Maillart exhibition displays photographs and objects belonging to the Geneva-born travel writer. For around 50 years, she spent several months each year in Chandolin. You can get the code for free admission at the tourist office.
St-Luc/Chandolin ski and hiking area
In winter, a chairlift takes you from the edge of the village straight into the ski area. The slopes reach up to 3,000 metres and connect Chandolin with neighbouring St-Luc. Along the way, you can see five peaks over 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. You can toboggan from the mountain restaurant at the upper station back to the village. In summer, you can hike down from there or take an all-terrain scooter.
Hiking to the Illgraben
Several times a year, torrents of mud and debris rush down the Illgraben, making this vast mountain torrent valley ever larger. In summer, a walk of around one hour takes you from the village through the forest to the viewpoint. From there, you look down more than 1,500 metres. The trail continues past the Illhorn mountain hut and down to St-Luc.
Around Chandolin
The funicular takes you from St-Luc to the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory at 2,200 metres. This is the starting point of the approximately 6-kilometre Planet Trail, which follows a scale model of the solar system. Every step you take represents 1 million kilometres. Further up the valley, you can visit the old Valais village of Grimentz and the emerald-green Lac de Moiry reservoir.
Experience Chandolin for less
If you stay overnight in the Val d'Anniviers between early May and early November, you receive the
Pass Anniviers Liberté, offering free PostBus travel and a 50% discount on mountain railways and other activities. Buy ski passes and tickets for summer activities 15 days in advance from the
St-Luc/Chandolin Ticket Shop and save 10%.
