Ski touring by night
Several ski resorts open one of their ski slopes for ski touring in the evening. In case of uncertain weather conditions, we kindly ask you to inform yourself directly at the tourist office about the opening. The ski resorts cannot be held responsible for any accident or eventcauses.
Vercorin
At Vercorin, ski touringenthusiasts gather on Tuesday evenings until 10 pm. For a well-deserved break en route, refreshments are available mid-way at the L’Etable restaurant. Reservations recommended at the restaurant: 027 455 24 50.
Veysonnaz
At Veysonnaz, the piste of Les Mayens is open to ski tourers on Tuesday evenings. The ascent from the resort of Veysonnaz leads as far as the Mont-Rouge restaurant, which stays open until 9.30 pm.
Anzère
On Wednesday evenings from the end of December, the piste of Les Masques opens to ski tourers until 10.00 pm – the latest time to head back down. The restaurant at Pas-de-Maimbré is open until 8.30 pm, reservations obligatory for diners.
La Tzoumaz
At La Tzoumaz, ski tourers can take advantage of the opening of the Savoleyres sector on Wednesday evenings. The Savoleyres restaurant stays open until 9 pm.
Nendaz
On Wednesday evenings, Nendaz opens the Jean-Pierre piste or the Alpage piste to ski tourers. Enjoy typical dishes such as a fondue, Valais platter or oven-baked cheese “croûte au fromage” at the summit Tracouet restaurant, which stays open until 10 pm.
Verbier
Every Wednesday evening, ski touring enthusiasts can skin up to the Croix-de-Cœur restaurant, near the top of the Savoleyres ski area, starting from Les Esserts or Sonalon. The route down is via the red piste to Les Planards and on to Les Esserts. The restaurant serves pasta with a choice of sauces. The last descent is at 9 pm.
Champex-Lac
At Champex-Lac, ski tourers enjoy pride of place on Thursday evenings. The restaurant of La Breya welcomes everyone for drinks and refreshments.
Nax
Ski touring enthusiasts can enjoy night-time excursions on Thursday evenings at Nax. Meals and drinks are served at the restaurant La Dzorniva until 10 pm.
Bruson
Every Thursday evening the Bruson area offers ski tourers the opportunity to go from La Côt to the La Pasay, via the Moay footpath and Les Otanes. The descent is via the Moneyeu and Pissevache slopes to the Pasay stables, then along the chairlift to the road leading to the La Côt car park. Last descent is at 9.15 pm.
Les Marécottes
Ski tourers enjoy access to a piste at Les Marécottes on Friday evenings until 9.00 pm. The restaurant of La Creusaz hosts a weekly pasta party at which enthusiasts can fortify themselves after their exertions.
Morgins
At Morgins, ski touring enthusiasts gather every Friday evening. Equipped with head torches, they can climb the Foilleuse trail to the Là Ô restaurant which is open until 9:30 pm.
Crans-Montana
Every Friday until the end of the season, sports enthusiasts can indulge in the joys of night-time ski touring on a dedicated route in the heart of the Crans-Montana ski area. Starting from the Zerodix, at the bottom of the Chetzeron piste, the route climbs towards Merbé before reaching Cry d'Er, where the restaurant perched at an altitude of 2,200 metres awaits you until 10pm with a special ‘ sealskin’ menu.
Five rules for hiking on ski slopes
Outside of operating hours of transport facilities, ski slopes are closed and are therefore off limits. Ski tourers must also respect operating hours. Risk of death! Only ski slopes that are explicitly open outside of operating hours may be used for ski touring.
During operating hours of transport facilities, FIS rules apply to all users of ski slopes. The following rules apply specifically to ski tourers:
Keep to the side of the ski slope when climbing.
Only climb in single file, not side-by-side.
Do not cross in places where visibility is restricted.
Take particular care in the vicinity of mounds, in narrow passages, on steep slopes and in the presence of ice.
Respect downhill skiers; they have priority
You must follow instructions given to you by ski slope and rescue workers. If the ski-lift operator charges a fee for use of ski slopes, then this fee must be paid in full.
When particular circumstances require, the ski-lift operator may prohibit ski tourers from accessing its ski slopes, even during operating hours.
Quiet zones and conservation areas must be respected at all times. Forest areas must be avoided at dusk and at night (particularly with headlamps).