This is what winter tastes like From powder snow and panoramic views to regional cuisine: Valais brings together all the things that make winter so special.
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Intro
In Valais, winter becomes an all-round experience: with sunny days spent skiing, culinary highlights and alpine flair all coming together to create an authentic winter dream come true. Both on and off the slopes, Valais shows off its best side – with outstanding ski resorts and regional cuisine at a high level, framed by Valais hospitality. Champéry, for example, impresses with its traditional charm and direct access to one of the largest ski resorts in the world.
Valais
Impressive four-thousand-metre peaks, glittering powder snow and sunny slopes – Valais offers everything a winter sports enthusiast could wish for. With the highest ski resorts in Switzerland, snow is guaranteed. And the varied culinary offerings on and off the slopes leave nothing to be desired.
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Winter as multifaceted as the Valais mountains
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Enjoyable winter holidays mean something different for everyone: For some, it’s the first turn on the freshly groomed slopes. For others, it’s a quiet moment surrounded by snowy nature, with the sun on their faces. And it’s the aroma of delicious, regional delicacies that can only be found in the mountains.
Winter in Valais is as varied and multifaceted as the wishes of those who come here. For active types, foodies and sun lovers – everyone will find the right experience for them right here. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect slopes for every level and an impressive selection of regional cuisine, the valley of four-thousand-metre peaks is made for carefree days spent in the snow. Nature, culinary delights and relaxation come together to create a very special winter.
In Champéry, a charming village in the Val d’Illiez, authentic winter flair meets impressive mountain scenery. Visitors here can expect pure skiing pleasure with expansive views. Nestled in the Dents du Midi region, the winter sports resort offers direct access to Portes du Soleil – one of the largest single ski resorts in the world. The wide, sunny slopes invite you to enjoy leisurely descents, while the cosy village delights visitors with its traditional charm and relaxed atmosphere. The historic Rue du Village with its centuries-old wooden chalets and its traditional connection to skiing give Champéry a very special atmosphere. This is one of Switzerland’s oldest tourist destinations. Winter is celebrated here – in a way that is both active and relaxing at the same time.
A variety of slopes and panorama views
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The Portes du Soleil ski area connects 12 ski resorts across France and Switzerland – including Champéry, Les Crosets, Morgins and Champoussin. This means unlimited fun in the snow with around 600 kilometres of slopes. The selection ranges from gentle slopes for beginners to sporty challenges for advanced skiers. On the sunny slopes around Les Crosets or along the panoramic slope to Planachaux, leisure skiers will find their perfect line – accompanied at all times by the imposing Valais mountains. Named after the local Olympic ski champion, the Didier Defago ski slope starts off challenging and ends sedately in the picturesque village of Morgins.
If you are looking for a special kick in addition to the many leisurely slopes in the region, you will find it on the legendary “Swiss Wall”. This is one of the steepest and most challenging slopes in the world, demanding even for experienced winter sports enthusiasts. The roughly one-kilometre-long, unprepared slope has a gradient of over 75%. Goosebumps and adrenaline are guaranteed here.
From most of the Swiss stations’ slopes, the view opens up to the majestic Dents du Midi, the region’s striking mountain massif. This panorama is particularly impressive at the Grand-Conche upper station, for example, which also allows visitors to access the French part of the ski resort.
The right ski pass for every need
Ski passes for the ski resorts in Valais can be booked quickly and easily online – giving you more time for what’s really important: skiing, sun and winter pleasures.
An Alpine retreat for everyone
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In Valais, the chance to indulge is never far away – even while in the middle of the slopes. Many charming mountain restaurants and huts have a focus on high-quality, seasonal cuisine with local specialties – freshly prepared and carefully selected. The mountain restaurants are the perfect place to stop for an indulgent break at lunchtime: the ideal opportunity to recharge your batteries for more descents later on.
And after a long day of skiing, many of them invite you to end the day in an atmospheric setting. Such as with a typical Valais platter and a glass of wine from the region – accompanied, of course, by a view of the mountain panorama.
In the Dents du Midi region, it is not only winter sports enthusiasts who get their money’s worth, but foodies too. The diverse gastronomy scene ranges from cosy village restaurants to modern mountain huts that can be found on the slopes directly. From straightforward self-service to stylish fine dining with a view: everyone is sure to find the right place to stop and eat to suit them.
Charming restaurant Les Clavets
A prime example of authentic enjoyment is the restaurant Les Clavets. Located directly on the ski slope and perfect for a relaxed lunch or an aperitif before the last descent, the lovingly renovated chalet combines traditional well-being with modern alpine chic. All is warm and cosy inside, while outside you can drink in panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape from the sunny terrace. The perfect setting to enjoy a few gastronomic delights. Owner and chef Julien Texier runs the establishment with a passion that can be felt, and attaches great importance to regional and seasonal ingredients. The menu celebrates the diversity of Valais – with honest, high-quality and creative dishes. Those who stop here enjoy not only good food, but also the warm hospitality that makes this region so special.
Flavours of Valais
In the «Saveurs du Valais» (Flavours of Valais) restaurants, which can be found throughout Valais, guests can enjoy regional classics such as raclette, fondue or dried meat – accompanied by fine wines or typical brandies such as Abricotine AOP or Valais pear brandy AOP.
A stay here is well worth it
Winter fun in Valais continues well after the eventful day on the slopes has come to an end. Whether it’s a rustic chalet, a stylish mountain hotel or a spacious holiday apartment – in Valais, you’ll find the right accommodation for every need. Numerous overnight accommodation options invite you to relax, recharge your batteries and enjoy the Alpine atmosphere well into the evening.