Tips for three autumn days in Crans-Montana & Nendaz Bisses, dams and Swiss traditions

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Intro

On the sunny high plateau of the Rhône Valley, golden autumn days can be enjoyed to the fullest. Nendaz and Crans-Montana can be found on such sunny terraces and attract visitors with their beauty. Highlights are hikes along the bisses and nature reserves, as well as insights into the Alphorn and lessons about trees.

Day 1

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Nendaz: Hike to the Cleuson dam

From Siviez, you can reach the highest bisse in the municipality of Nendaz. No longer in use as an irrigation channel, the Bisse de Chervé guides hikers along an unforgettable route at lofty heights, straight to the Cleuson dam.

Gradually, the warm tones of autumn will be replaced with the turquoise-blue of the reservoir – a dazzling treat for your senses! From the imposing dam wall, hikers can enjoy views down into the valley, before making the descent again on their way back. Along the way, it’s worth stopping off to visit the small mountain chapel of St. Barthélémy. Then it’s back through a section of forest to reach Siviez.

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Day 2

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Nendaz: An hour of music and a lesson about trees

Why not use the short break to expand your own horizons? In a two-hour introductory course in the art of playing an Alphorn, budding musicians will not only learn the techniques needed, but also learn all about the history of these traditional instruments as well as how they are made and how they work.

Then, after the hour of music, it’s off to the forest. Accompanied by a mountain leader, future dendrologists can explore the hundred-year-old larches of Balavaux and learn all about their history. The autumn atmosphere and the breathtaking view of the Alps reward participants for their hard work.

An hour of music

A lesson about trees

Day 3

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Crans-Montana: Trip to Colombire

From Crans-Montana, head to the hamlet of Colombire and into the Tièche valley. There, you’ll find the source of the Bisse du Tsittoret, which has supplied the region with fresh water from the mountains since the 15th century. The nearby nature park Espace Grandeur Nature is free of ski lifts and just waiting to be discovered. Unique views of the mighty summits of five four-thousand-metre peaks and the enchanting surroundings including meadows, larches and waterfalls are evidence of the park’s natural beauty. Here, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed in all their splendour.

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Restaurant tip

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Crans-Montana: Relais de Colombire 

The Relais de Colombire is entirely devoted to conviviality. Guests can enjoy tasty delicacies from the region and relax by the fireside. The menu particularly focuses on traditional dishes from yesteryear. On the terrace, sun loungers provide the perfect place from which to enjoy the view of the Rhône Valley and the Valais Alps to the fullest. Children can expect not only nature but also play and entertainment. The nearby transhumance museum should make for an interesting destination for young and old alike.

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Hotel tip

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Nendaz: Hotel Mont-Rouge

In the heart of the destination of Haute-Nendaz is the Hotel Mont-Rouge. The rustic hotel is characterised by its familiar atmosphere and its quite and sunny location. Guests can enjoy a magnificent view over the Rhone valley and can recharge their batteries.

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