August 2022
Autumn in Valais – a season of discovery.
As the hectic pace of the summer holidays slows, making way for the calm of autumn, the trees savour the last of their greenery before adorning themselves in russet tones. It’s the perfect occasion to enjoy the many activities on offer in Valais throughout autumn. Explore our selection of food and wine experiences, as well as our suggestions for hiking and mountain bike trails. Plus, get to know Marie-Thérèse Chappaz and couple Magdalena and Fredy Tscherrig who will be sharing their favourite activities for an autumn to remember.
An autumn bursting with gourmet food and Valais wines.
Autumn in Valais is bursting with activities to try on your own, with friends or as a family. With this list of 13 experiences, set off to discover Valais’ winemaking heritage for an unforgettable autumn. With almost 5,000 hectares of vines making up a third of all vineyards in Switzerland and 55 AOC Valais grape varieties, Valais is the ideal destination to learn about or broaden your knowledge of winemaking and wines. With an escape game in an old wine cellar or at the heart of a vineyard, unique wine tasting experiences and events celebrating local grape varieties, you’re spoiled for choice while you wait for the snow to return.
Where to find the most beautiful autumn hikes.
Over 8,000 kilometres of hiking trails in the mountains, through forests or along the water are waiting for you in Valais. Discover the best hikes this autumn and marvel at the colourful scenery. To make your visit to Valais a real success, make sure you stop off for a bite to eat and taste our mouthwatering local specialities. Hiking on the Aletsch Glacier, climbing the Allalin or enjoying breakfast at sunrise in Saas-Fee. All you have to do now is choose.
Cycle your way through the golden landscapes of Valais.
Autumn is the perfect season for exploring over 2,000 kilometres of Valais cycling trails. As you pedal through larch forests exploding with colour, push your limits in a spectacular setting. This selection of the top bike trails promises to give you an autumnal experience in Valais to treasure forever. For those who like to combine sport with fine wine, you can also discover the vineyards of Les Celliers de Sion by bike. What are you waiting for? Grab your helmet and start planning your next adventure in Valais.
Get to know three local figures as they share some exciting activities to try this autumn in Valais.
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz
First name: Marie-Thérèse
Last name: Chappaz
Activity: Winemaker in Fully
Note: Dedicated to her land, she produces 25 wines using a biodynamic approach and tends to her vines with great passion.
Magdalena and Fredy Tscherrig
First names: Magdalena and Fredy
Last name: Tscherrig
Activity: Wardens of the Turtmann mountain hut
Note: The hut offers the most beautiful view of the Turtmann Glacier, as well as the impressive peaks of the Bishorn, the Barrwand and the Diablon massif.
More information
300 days of sunshine a year
45 four-thousand-metre summits
>8,000 kilometres of hiking trails
>2,000 kilometres of bike routes
>2,000 kilometres of mountain bike trails
55 AOC Valais grape varieties
1/3 of all Swiss vineyards
8 AOP/IPG products
2,065 tons of Raclette du Valais AOP cheese produced in 2021