Winter must-do’s in Valais

Whether natural or artificial, Valais ice rinks are idea for enjoying winter in a fun, active way. Glide to music during ‘ice disco’ evenings, surrounded by colourful lights and a festive atmosphere, or skate in the heart of pristine landscapes, surrounded by snow-covered forests and majestic peaks on Lake Champex, for an experience that is as magical as it is fleeting.

How about enjoying a fondue in a cable car, an igloo or a tree house? In Valais, meals become unusual culinary adventures. Savour local specialities steeped in authenticity and good cheer in unexpected places far from the beaten track,. A raclette in the heart of the mountains, an aperitif at the summit or dinner under the stars: every bite becomes an unforgettable memory.

With some of the longest ski runs in Switzerland, Valais is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Imagine descents of over ten kilometres long, breathtaking panoramas and endless thrills. From Ripaille to Grand-Paradis in the Portes du Soleil ski area, via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise descent in Zermatt, each route promises intensity and wonder. To be enjoyed without reserve, skis on your feet.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, snowshoe hikes reveal another side of Valais: silent, wild and peaceful. Walk through sleepy forests, follow frozen streams, breathe in the invigorating mountain air along marked trails or set off on an adventure with a guide. An opportunity to slow down and contemplate, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

It's impossible to spend winter in Valais without treating oneself to an authentic raclette, slowly melting over a wood fire. In traditional restaurants or alpine hostels, this iconic dish is shared in a warm, festive atmosphere. Characterful cheeses, jacket potatoes, crunchy gherkins: a truly social moment to be shared without limits.

Let’s get started! Young and old alike will enjoy our Valais toboggan runs. Some stretch for several kilometres, winding through forests and alpine pastures, such as in La Tzoumaz or Bellwald. Others are lit up at dusk for an unforgettable night-time descent. Laughter, speed, mild thrills: tobogganing is like being a kid again.

Climb aboard a sled pulled by a pack of huskies and set off on a guided tour through pristine winter landscapes. In Valais, this Nordic activity offers a privileged one-on-one encounter with nature. The silence is broken only by the squeak of the runners on the snow and the panting of the dogs. A unique experience to enjoy as a passenger... or by learning to become a musher for a day.

After a day in the fresh air, it's time to relax. Valais has several thermal resorts nestled in idyllic settings. Plunge into the naturally warm water in Leukerbad (Leukerbad), Ovronnaz, Saillon, Hérémence, Mörel or Brigerbad, with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Between bubbles, massage jets and soothing steam, treat your body to a rejuvenating break and your mind to a moment of peace.

In winter, Valais offers breathtaking panoramic views, accessible by cable car or cog railway. Mont-Fort, the Aletsch Glacier, and the summit of Allalin reveal their majestic nature, frozen by the cold. It is a contemplative experience, where you feel very small in the face of the white immensity.

Want to discover the mountains in a different way? Back country skiing, a rapidly growing discipline, allows you to escape far from the ski lifts. In Valais, secure routes allow beginners to have a gentle introduction to this sport. Climb a slope at your own pace, then descend in pristine snow: a physical challenge, but above all about being completely at one with the mountains.