VISIT SION
Visit the capital of the Valais, Sion. This city dates from the time of the Romans and is overlooked by the Chateau Tourbillon and Valere Basilica. The Friday market is well attended and there is always a fine selection of local fruits, vegetables and cheeses available. Find out more.
GRAND DIXENCE DAM
Take the high road to the Grande Dixence Dam which can be accessed by a short cable car ride. This gravity dam is an impressive 285 meters high and is the source of power for over 400,000 residents. There are numerous walks originating at the cable car station. Find out more.
WALKING & HIKING
There are walks for people of all levels. In front of the restaurant is the 'Bisses' - a wonderful network of easily accessible walking trails with little variation in altitude. For the more adventurous, you can access the Four Valleys via the Thyon or Veysonnaz lift stations. Find out more.
ROAD CYCLING
The Swiss Alps are superb for road cycling enthusiasts. The choice of routes is endless from short and steep in the mountains to long and flat along the valley floor. There are a number of mountain passes nearby for those looking for a much tougher challenge! Find out more.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is a great opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. Nearby Veysonnaz, attracts many enthusiasts each year and provides you with thrilling downhills, natural single tracks (for all levels) and hundreds of kilometres of cross-country. Find out more.
PLAY GOLF
One would not usually associate Switzerland with golf but there are two courses within easy reach. Both the Sierre Golf Club and the Sion Golf Club are worth playing and visitors are welcome. Crans Montana is also nearby; home to the OMEGA European Championships. Find out more.
WINE & VINEYARDS
A remarkable feature of the Valais is its extraordinary mix of terroirs, which make it an ideal place for producing wine. There are some fantastic producers, many who still use traditional grape varieties rather than the more contemporary ones. Many of the vineyards are open to the public and allow visits, wine tasting and tours. Find out more.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding or 'paraponting' is very popular in the Valais and is a magnificent way to see the scenery of the region of Thyon and the Val d’Hérens. Many of the resorts nearby (Thyon and Veysonnaz) offer piloted paragliding flights as well as pilot training courses for beginners and the more advanced. Find out more.
VIA FERRATA
A variant of rock climbing, via ferrata involves following a route through the rocks, equipped with a double-length safety rope. Awe-inspiring glaciers, spectacular ravines and breathtaking views across mountain peaks are just waiting to be explored! Nearby villages Evolène, Nax and Grimentz offer via ferrata routes. Find out more.
HORSE RIDING
The ranch Le Caribou at Thyon 2000 offers horse riding and treks through the mountains every day throughout July and August. They also offer pony riding lessons. Find out more.
HIGH ROPES
The Adventure Forest is situated above Vercorin in the middle of the Sigeroulaz alpine pastures. Suspended on a continuous safety line, you move from tree top to tree top at your own speed, meeting the challenge of each new obstacle as it occurs: suspension bridges, creepers, aerial cableways and more! Find out more.
VISIT MARTIGNY
This ancient Roman city has an original amphitheatre and is a site of archeological interest. It is home to the Pierre Gionadda Foundation, a prestigious art and sculpture gallery with regular exhibitions of work by world renowned artists. It also boasts a superb classic car exhibition and the Great St.Bernard dogs museum. Find out more.