The sky is within reach.
If you like winter, you’ll be sure to love Valais. Majestic 4,000m peaks characterise the landscape and make for a fascinating playground for winter sports enthusiasts.
Some of the slopes are even higher than 3,000 metres up. One of the highest ski areas in Switzerland is Blatten-Belalp. The idyllic holiday destination is sure to impress with the best conditions for a perfect day of skiing.
Video - The sky is within reach
Skiing fun in Valais
45 peaks over 4,000 meters characterise the panorama of the mountain canton in the south of Switzerland. These make for a unique world of winter sports experiences. Like the slopes themselves, there is an array of possibilities here, and the snow is plentiful. And it’s no wonder, since Valais has the highest ski areas in Switzerland.
Natural beauty
Early in the morning on a glorious winter’s day. It’s so cold that your breath freezes in the air. Your gaze drifts into the distance. The white landscape appears unending. The hazy clouds slowly turn pink, and soon the peaks of the Valais mountains are coloured red. A moment of stillness to revel in the beauty of nature in its purest form.
Ski-in, ski-out – one of the perks at the Blatten-Belalp ski area.
The skis are mounted with two precise kicks into the binding. The clicking sound signals the start of an eventful day on the slopes. In the Blatten-Belalp ski area, slopes that are over 2,000 metres high await you right on your doorstep. Spend the night on the Belalp and enjoy ski-in, ski-out at its finest. The nearest chair lift is just a few minutes away and takes you even closer to the mountain peaks.
Time for the ski goggles once you reach the top...
...and to strap on those skis.
Let the skiing fun begin!
Climbing high
At 3,112 metres up, the Hohstock is the highest point in the ski area. The ski lift that takes skiers up to the summit is the stuff of legends. It was opened in 1982 and is the last of its kind in Switzerland. The unique design is also quite impressive. From Hohbiel at 2,654 metres above sea level, the ski lift climbs steeply uphill, changing direction twice before arriving at Hohstock.
Once at the top, the last lift support is one to really marvel at. It originally stood on a glacier, but this is no longer possible since the glaciers began to retreat. A cable winch, anchored at three opposite locations, forms the new support.
Black or black?
From the Hohstock, you’ll find your gaze drifting into the distance. The panorama of the Valais mountains is even more impressive from up here. Enchanted by the breathtaking views, you’ll enjoy the slopes even more. There are two descents to choose from here: back to the ski lift’s valley station via the “Hülsen” black slope or through the ski tunnel to the legendary black slope “Tunnel Westseite”.
150 meters to paradise
The ski tunnel on the Hohstock is a particularly special highlight. Built in 1984 and measuring 150 metres in length, it is one of a kind in Switzerland. The tunnel leads through the mountain massif to a true skiing paradise on the western side. With breathtaking gradients of up to 60%, the slope demands an athletic skiing style. In return, it offers pure skiing pleasure and a sense of absolute freedom. But this is not only for ambitious skiers. The Hohstock is also very popular with freeriders.
The variety of slopes and spectacular views are sure to impress. Its ideal setting means that the ski area enjoys sunshine all day long. And there’s plenty of that in Valais. On average, there are around 300 days of sunshine per year here. On the Belalp, the beauty of the 17 surrounding 4,000m peaks – including the Dufourspitze, the Weisshorn and the Matterhorn – is undeniable.
A true skiing paradise awaits on the western side.
Athletic skiing is the name of the game here.
The steep slopes give you a sense of absolute freedom
Did you know..?
After a snowfall, it may take a little longer to open up the western side. First, the masses of snow have to be blasted away. The route connecting the ski tunnel and the slope is then cleared and made passable. The safety fence also has to be reinstalled. The people carrying out this work are roped up.
Downtime with a view
In the Blatten-Belalp ski area, not only will you get a big dose of vitamin D on the slopes, you’ll also be able to soak it up on the numerous sun terraces. A particular highlight is the historic Hotel Belalp. Even the journey to the Bijou, built in 1856, is an experience in itself. Along the way, the view of the Great Aletsch Glacier – which is part of the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site – comes into view. A short stop for a photo at the Aletschbord viewpoint is a must.
As you move down the mountain, the massive Aletsch Glacier comes into view.
The massice ice giant can also be seen from the Hotel Belalp.
The mountain panorama impresses visitors throughout the entire ski area.
Historic Hotel Belalp
Relax on the terrace of the Hotel Belalp, with the best views of the Matterhorn and the sun on your face. The hotel also has quite an impressive interior. The Belle Epoque hotel is steeped in history and offers a cosy panoramic restaurant and 30 renovated rooms for an exceptional overnight stay.
Snowy peaks high in the sky
Blatten-Belalp is not the only ski area with great altitudes and exciting slopes. In Valais, a total of nine ski areas are even higher than 3,000 metres up: Arolla, Blatten-Belalp, Crans-Montana, Lauchernalp/Lötschental, Saas-Fee, Saas Grund, St-Luc/Chandolin, Les 4 Vallées and Zermatt. The high altitude acts as a guarantee for snow and fun on the slopes until spring.
Text: myswitzerland.com Photo rights: © Switzerland Tourism / Colin Frei
Published: October 2024
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