Valais, a Vertical Playground
Ever since I’ve been crisscrossing the Swiss valleys for Carnets du Valais, one thing strikes me with every report: Valais isn’t just one destination—it’s a collection of destinations. In less than an hour’s drive, you can go from the terraced vineyards of the Rhône Valley to the glaciers of the Matterhorn, and from the golf courses of Crans-Montana to the car-free streets of Zermatt. This section brings together my regional guides—resort by resort, village by village—to help you choose where to stay depending on the season and your mood at the moment.
I don’t write generic tourist guides copied from one tourism office to another. Each guide in this section is based on my own travels and my interactions with locals, ski instructors, winemakers, and mountain hut owners. The goal: to give you an honest picture of each place—including its strengths and limitations—so you arrive prepared rather than disappointed.
Destination Guides
Three resorts in Valais currently form the backbone of this section, each with its own distinct character:
- Zermatt—the car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, featuring a year-round glacier and a high-end international atmosphere.
- Verbier — the freeride capital and hub of the Quatre Vallées, just as lively in winter as in summer.
- Crans-Montana—the sunny plateau above Sierre, featuring golf, lakes, and a family-friendly ski area.
Other guides will be added to this list as I continue my reporting, but these three already cover the essentials of what makes Valais a renowned tourist destination: high mountains, challenging skiing, and a relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle.
Explore Valais by Theme
If you’d rather plan your trip by activity rather than by village, I’ve also organized the site into themed sections:
- Saas-Fee — the permanent glacier and the neighboring valley of Zermatt, less well-known but just as spectacular.
- Skiing in Valais — comparisons of ski areas, lift passes, the best runs, and the best times to ski.
- Hiking — walking and trekking routes, from family-friendly trails to high-altitude Alpine routes.
- Wellness & Spa — the best thermal baths and mountain spas to unwind after a day of activity.
Are you looking for an authentic village away from the big resorts? My guide to Veyras, above Sierre, and my feature on accommodations and experiences in Valais are useful additions to this section to help you plan a customized trip.
Why these three resorts first?
Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans-Montana weren’t chosen at random. Together, they represent the three main types of vacations you’ll find in Valais: the legendary and challenging high mountains, sporty and festive skiing, and the quieter, sun-drenched plateau. Whether you’re looking to climb the Matterhorn, go off-piste skiing with friends, or enjoy a golf-and-spa weekend in the sun, one of these three guides should fit your plans. Enjoy reading, and have a wonderful stay in Valais.