Winter (en)

On Track to Happiness Valais

www.visitvalais.ch

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The magic of snow and moments of happiness share a common

background and are luckily not a thing of the past! All the more reason

to come to Valais, where we have more than our fair share of snow

to make dreams come true – from November until late April and even

on our glacial summits in summer!

Welcome to the Realm of Snow.

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There are people amongst us who emphasise being Valaisian instead of simply Swiss citizens –

in the same way a Scot likes to be distinguished as Scottish and not British! Why? We reckon

the reason lies in the culturally rich history of the region which, separated from the North by a

majestic chain of mountains, basks in the sun and cordial Mediterranean-like climate. Or perhaps

it’s because native folk here have grown up in a matchless spot that delights in tradition and

exciting contrasts. Rugged mountain summits, gentle valleys and no end of beautiful powdery

The Alpine Source of Fun Valais

snow all united under sky-blue heavens. And a fun loving folk open to innovation as well as pure

and natural fun. But don’t go on our basic assumption as to why we are so proud of our

homeland – come along and see for yourselves. We look forward to sharing our bewitching

winter- wonderland with you!

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Powdery Snow that Defeats the Sun

You’re sure to find snow in sunny Valais! You may ask yourself why, but the answer is simply

due to its stupendous position. And nine winter sport locations and skiing areas extend as

high as 3000 meters above the sea and more, so it’s no surprise to feel your heart beat faster

at the sight of superb ski tracks – part of which lead over the eternal ice of the glaciers.

It’s only in the lower sun-blessed regions that, whenever necessary, nature is lent a technical

hand in scattering snow.

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Way Above Cloudy Days Valais

Valais welcomes guests with a sunny smile when the majority of central European flatlands lie

under a blanket of dismal fog that freezes emotions. Here the cold and grey everyday is soon

forgotten as the sun warms your heart and penetrates deep into your soul, as you breathe in the

healthy fresh air. And from the Rhone Valley a number of beautiful valleys pave the way to

famous spots such as Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee, Verbier and Zermatt – as well as

lesser known but equally as lovely little villages worth discovering.

www.valais.ch/snowreport

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On getting to know Valais better, one could almost believe it was made by the Gods purely to

delight the hearts and souls of winter enthusiasts. Seldom does one get to see such over-

whelming generosity on behalf of Mother Nature! Valais is best described as a treasure trove for

winter sports. And whether skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow-shoe hikes or

exciting sled rides are your passion, there’s no better place to enjoy them than this winter

paradise with its endless snowy slopes and modern mountain railways. With so much to see

and do, there’s no need to even ski or climb the same slope twice – and the delightful descents

range from easy to world cup worthy. Furthermore, you don’t have to go far to discover the

beauty of virgin snow and scenes so stunning that almost take your breath away. But take a

deep breath and permit yourself to be taken in by the beautiful surroundings – because this is

all real and all yours to enjoy in any way you like.

Endless Freedom Valais

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Good Morning – Guten Tag, Bonjour, Buongiorno

How about coffee around 11 in Switzerland and three stimulating descents later French Kir as

aperitif? Or a Raclette lunch accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine – and then on the other

side of the mountain, something sweet to accompany the “dolce far niente” lifestyle. In Valais

none of this is too far away, and a touch of French and Italian lifestyle melts into this extensive

skiing and sports arena, adding a diversified and international touch.

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Although in earlier times sleds and wooden boards served to transport bread and cheese through

the snow and cover great distances, probably nobody ever dreamt they would one day serve

a purely fun purpose as they do to date. Today, all is focussed on fun and excitement in the

region of pearly-white snow. And all sorts of sport arts invite one to actively take part in winter

fun on steep and daring descents, broad as well as narrow slopes, never-ending paths and

perfectly prepared cross country tracks.

Your Heart Beats Faster in Valais

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For some, the surrounding scenery alone presents an unforgettable highlight – with mountains

so high and names so funny you can’t help but smirk: Mischabel, Wildstrubel and Gitzifurgge to

name just a few. And we’ll be happy to personally tell you the tale behind some of these names

over a delightful cup of coffee – with or without the addition of intoxicating Williamine! Spirited

Williamine is a pleasing and potent drop typical to Valais – and you’re in good company while

having your leg pulled as the locals tell and spin their own often fictive and humorous yarns.

Valaisans are a homely and fun loving folk, whose warm heartedness and spirited character most

probably seeped in from the south. Hospitality is not a mere word, instead a way of life here –

further complemented by a number of traditional restaurants proposing exquisite culinary treats;

the names of which have long found their way into the pages of many a prestigious gourmet

guide.

Home to a Fun Loving Folk Valais

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Wine Country Valais – a Glass of Pure Pleasure

The classics among the Valais wines are Fendant, Johannisberg, Dôle and Pinot Noir. Indigenous

grape varieties are making a growing contribution. The rare and exquisite white varieties Petite Arvine,

Amigne, Heida and Humagne Blanche as well as the strong red wines Cornalin and Humagne Rouge

are held in high regard by wine connoisseurs. Moreover, both Europe’s highest-altitude vineyard and

the smallest vineyard in the world are to be found in Valais.


Thanks to the mild climate, Valais agriculture is able to offer a wide range of unique and superior-

quality products. The delicacies are best enjoyed by taking one of the culinary mystery tours,

from the rustic alpine hut to the friendly village bistro to the utterly elegant gourmet restaurant.

Superb Valais wines enrich the culinary experience. With 5200 hectares of vineyards and an an-

nual production of 50 million litres, Valais is Switzerland’s most important wine-growing canton.

Numerous national and international awards are proof of the high quality of Valais wines.

A Reason to Toast Valais

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Valais Delicacies

Valais is one of the few regions where food with the AOP label guarantees the local origin and

strict production standards. Anyone who compares a genuine AOP Valais raclette cheese with a

conventionally produced raclette cheese is won over by the striking difference in taste and

quality. Other protected foods are the IGP Valais dried meat and AOP rye bread. They all have

their place on the typical Valais platter alongside bacon, sausages and air-cured ham.


Fruits of the Valais Earth Valais

Valais is a land of plenty. Fruit and vegetables that don’t grow anywhere else in Switzerland

thrive in its dry climate and fertile soil – first and foremost the apricot. Even more unique is

saffron, which is cultivated in Mund and which cannot be found anywhere in the world at a

higher latitude. Other genuine Valais natives are the green and white asparagus. Spice up your

stay with our regional products and take a piece of Valais home with you.

To talk of Valais as European Water Wonderland seems exaggerated to most folk who live here –

although there’s no concealing facts that speak for themselves! The region is blessed with

plentiful water and one of the earths most sought after resources. Natural valleys and imposing

damns (worth a viewing) deliver clean energy and a source of pure and healthy water that’s

delivered way beyond the borders of our home country – as well as donating people relaxation

to bathe in, in much the same way as it did back in the 19th century for such prominent figures

as Alexandre Dumas and Leo Tolstoi. Numerous thermal sources in the Valais and Bernese Alps

supply warm water from the deeps to all kinds of thermal baths, ranging from ultra modern to

nostalgic and inspired by ancient Roman architecture. These oasis-like sources of wellbeing are

particularly appreciated after a tough but thrilling day on the surrounding slopes.

Bubbling with Ideas Valais

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From Sole Baths to Vine Therapies

The feeling that Valaisians don’t take short cuts concerning health & wellbeing can only be

confirmed. Six thermal centres, one a sole bath, spoil guests with superb wellness offers. Besides

the classics like steam baths, massages and physiotherapy etc., extraordinary offers exist, such

as sauna nights with mystic say ings, straw-flower wraps and Far East body treatments, for internal

and external use, as well as vine therapy – a treatment based on grape seeds from the Valais.

These contain the vital OPC ingredient that combats premature skin ageing.


On unrolling the story of bathing, the circle appears complete. Up to the 19th century bathing

was a fervent and frivolous event, during which people ate, drank and danced. However, this era

soon came to a scornful end – although thermal water continued to proffer a source of well-

being, usually in sterile ambiance and accompanied by bed rest, until around the middle of the

last century. Today, bathing has again taken on a more pleasurable nature, and the benefits of

the approximately 51°C thermal sources warm the hearts of many in and around water.

Warmth for the Heart and Soul Valais

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Capital city of Valais is Sion. The historic centre of which was described as a mix between Spain

and the Provence by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke – “The old houses and ancient castles flicker in

an optical illusion that is all the more enchanting as vineyards very often form the backdrop”.

An excursion to the little town embedded at the foot of the Châteaux de Valère and Tourbillon

reveals past treasures and a meticulously maintained cultural heritage. A visit to the museum

of history is the fastest way to become familiar with the history of Valais – and meandering

through the narrow streets, where galleries, boutiques and cafés are found, a delightful way

to discover contemporary Valais. But not only Sion is worth a visit. Sierre bribes with its slogan

“Sun City”, Martigny is rich in Roman traces and Brig is known as the door to the south. In fact,

the 300-page book “Cultural and Tourist Guide” available in book stores, is your best tip to find

out plenty more about cultural aspects and places a pity to miss.

A Journey Through Time and Space Valais

www.visitvalais.ch

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Honour and Fame

A number of pioneers stem from Valais – like the famous mountain farmer’s son, César Ritz, who has

undoubtedly left his mark in the history of hotels. Or Joseph Favre, the premiere pope of French cuisine

whose “Universal Dictionary of Practical Cooking” is still viewed as standard works for the arts of

cooking. Léonard Gianadda from Valais, founder of the Fondation Gianadda in Martigny, is yet another

prominent figure – whose exhibitions in the museum of the same name continue to attract flocks of

visitors from all over the world.

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Amazing Cultural Diversity Valais

Excitement is born by extremes – and Valais is a prime example, with cute grocery stores in

sleepy mountain villages in strong contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern shopping centres.

And the traditional farming lifestyle maintained in the numerous valleys is worlds apart from the

urban hub of the Rhone Valley with its high-tech industries. Here folklore and ancient traditions

followed with passion and constantly newly adapted, go hand in hand with rocking open air

concerts and are celebrated with exactly the same enthusiasm.

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Due to the region’s long winters, in the past many villages were cut off from others. Diversity in

cultural habits hence developed, with ancient as well as innovative traditions and events. One

such curious example is the Belalp descent of the witches – and you’re right to ask what on earth

lies behind a mass of people who attempt an approximately 12-kilometre-long descent with

obstacles such as snow bars! Come along to find out – and share the fun with the locals and

other guests. Believe us, there’s no better way to get to know people from all over the world

and gain new friends and acquaintances – plus an unforgettable experience. Carnival is another

colour ful event celebrated in nearly all locations between January and the end of March – and its

superstitious nature in aid of ridding the place of bad spirits is unrivalled compared to common

carnivals. And once again in this canton of contrasts, such delightful and ancient traditions are

balanced by cool and exciting events in skiing locations that set today’s up-to-date pace.

Secrets to Share Valais

www.visitvalais.ch

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From Tschäggättä to Snow Festival and Cow Fights

Numerous events take place in Valais throughout the year. The Tschäggättä event in the Lötschental

Valley is just a single highlight – and a matchless, mystic kind of carnival with fearful masks like no

other. Animating party entertainment with live music acts until the early hours is a must for party

freaks at the riotous Snow Festival in Saas-Grund – and, although not notorious bull fights, spring

sees the famous Valais cows locking horns for a winner. And what a sight this is, in contrast to those

that otherwise graze peacefully on the surrounding pastures!


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In other words there’s never a dull moment! Not only concerning living traditions, but also with

the addition of constantly new and exciting ideas. This mountain world is a place of multiple

voices and activities – ranging from folkloric events to classic concerts, jazz evenings and pop

and rock events; as well as a broad variety of regional and international sport events . . . and

we’d better not forget to mention the unique and romantic torch walks under the region’s

starry heavens that grant lasting memories!

A Rocking Mountain World Valais

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From Big Industry to Fine Mechanics Valais

Further Education to a High Standard

Get your degree where other people spend their holiday! The University of Applied Sciences

HES-SO Valais offers 6 courses of study and a multitude of advanced training courses. Over the

next few years, the range of courses on offer will be substantially expanded to include several

professorships of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale (EPFL) with a focus on biotechnology,

bio-engineering and sustainable energy generation.

The fascinating Valais countryside also offers an inspiring setting for the highly developed centre

of technology and numerous world-renowned research institutes. A multitude of small and

medium-sized companies produce specialised quality goods that are exported all around the

world. Leading international corporations from the fields of chemistry, metal and pharmaceuti-

cals have long been represented in the valley, some for more than a century. One thing that

characterises all these companies is that they have always been firmly embedded in the local

economy, all the way up to the mountain villages.

From Big Industry to Fine Mechanics Valais

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nd.Valais / Wallis Promotion

Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, P.O. Box 1469, CH-1951 Sion

T +41 (0)27 327 35 90, F +41 (0)27 327 35 71

[email protected], www.visitvalais.ch

Winter (en)

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