Valais, Switzerland: sunshine, four-thousand-metre peaks and moments of pure enjoyment

Contents:

• Practical tips for a relaxing holiday in Valais
• The most beautiful regions in Valais – which one suits your trip?
• Activities in Valais – here’s what you can actually do
• Cuisine in Valais – a treat combining raclette, wine and mountain air
• Events in Valais in 2026 – highlights to help you plan your trip
• Conclusion: Valais – the perfect blend of mountain scenery and indulgence

Practical tips for a relaxing holiday in Valais

• Combine regions cleverly: The Valais is so diverse that a mix of mountain resorts, the Rhône Valley and wellness is particularly worthwhile – this automatically provides variety without having to be constantly on the move.

• Getting around locally: How to travel from A to B in comfort

  • By train: Many places are easily accessible by train – ideal if you’d like to travel without a car. The Day Saver Ticket is well worth it for particularly good value fares, especially if you book in advance.

  • Swiss Travel Pass: Handy if you’re on the move a lot – it gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as discounts on many mountain railways. 

  • Swiss Half Fare Card: A great option if you want to book individual journeys and mountain railways flexibly – often with a discount of around 50% (for visitors from abroad). 

  • PASS 13* (for travel in Valais): If you travel frequently within the canton, this offer allows you to save on public transport tickets in Valais via the FAIRTIQ app (discount/value-added model). 

  • Important in Zermatt: The village is car-free – park in Täsch and take the Zermatt Shuttle into the village.

Best time to visit – when is it most worthwhile?

• Summer (June to September): ideal for hiking, mountain lakes, cycling and scenic excursions – the days are long and the mountain railways are running at full capacity.
• Autumn (September to October): perfect for leisurely getaways, mild temperatures and golden light in the vineyards – often quieter than in the height of summer.
• Winter (December to March): the best time for skiing, winter walks and a cosy mountain atmosphere – combined with thermal baths, the Valais is particularly attractive.
• Spring (April to May): an underrated time for peace and quiet, sunshine in the valley and the first outings – though there may still be snow at higher altitudes.

The most beautiful regions in Valais – which one suits your holiday?

Valais is not a single, uniform destination – but rather a collection of very different regions, each with its own distinct character. To help you find exactly the right base for your holiday, here’s a brief overview:

• Zermatt & the Mattertal – iconic and high-alpine: For many, Zermatt is the epitome of the Valais: panoramic views of the Matterhorn, spectacular mountain railways and a unique backdrop. Ideal if you’re looking for that quintessential Alpine experience – for hiking in summer and first-class winter sports in winter. Hotel recommendation: The Omnia offers world-class design and an unrivalled view over the village to the Matterhorn. Those who prefer a livelier atmosphere will find a modern alpine lifestyle right on the ski slopes at the CERVO Mountain Resort.

• Aletsch Arena – natural wonders and sweeping views: Around the Aletsch Glacier, you can experience the Valais at its most unspoilt. The region is perfect for anyone who appreciates stunning landscapes, vantage points and leisurely hikes – without the hustle and bustle of larger resorts. Hotel recommendation: The Art Furrer Hotel on Riederalp is a traditional establishment with direct access to nature. On Bettmeralp, the Bettmerhof offers first-class Valais cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere with unobstructed views of the four-thousand-metre peaks.

• Saaletal & Saas-Fee – Mountain romance and a world of glaciers: Saas-Fee captivates visitors with its charming village atmosphere and dramatic high-mountain backdrop. A great choice for active holidays, glacier adventures and anyone who prefers a slightly quieter atmosphere than in Zermatt – but no less impressive. Hotel recommendation: The Capra Saas-Fee is an intimate five-star chalet hotel that combines luxury with cosiness. For wellness enthusiasts, the Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to unwind.

• Rhône Valley (Sion, Sierre & surroundings) – sun, wine and indulgence: in the valley, Valais shows its more Mediterranean side: a mild climate, vineyard-covered slopes, historic towns and a relaxed pace of life. Ideal for leisure trips, short breaks and as the perfect complement to the mountain regions. Hotel recommendation: In Sierre, the Castel de Daval is an insider’s tip – a converted water tower on a vineyard with stunning views. 

• Leukerbad & Surroundings – Wellness meets the mountains: Leukerbad is the premier destination for thermal baths in Valais. Perfect if you want to combine hiking with relaxation – or if you’d like to fit in a deliberate ‘slow day’ between your outdoor adventures. Hotel recommendation: The Hôtel Le Bristol has its own thermal spring and an excellent spa area. Those who prefer something more exclusive should opt for the historic Les Sources des Alpes, where indulgence and wellness come together at the very highest level.

• Verbier & 4 Vallées – sporty, modern, international: Verbier is one of Switzerland’s best-known ski and outdoor destinations. Anyone looking for action, excellent facilities and a touch of alpine lifestyle will find an excellent base here – attractive all year round. Hotel recommendation: The W Verbier combines modern design with energy and is situated right next to the lift.

Things to do in Valais – here are some specific ideas

Whether you’re looking for sport or relaxation: the range of activities in Valais is so varied that you can plan something different every day – depending on the weather and what takes your fancy.

• Panoramic cable car rides: Ideal if you want to head up high without too much effort – perfect for views, photos and short high-altitude walks.
• Hiking: from easy to challenging: from leisurely trails with views to day hikes in alpine scenery – routes featuring mountain lakes, stops at huts or glacier views are particularly popular.

• Skiing & snowboarding in top resorts: Zermatt, Verbier and Saas-Fee are among Switzerland’s best-known destinations – with long slopes, modern facilities and a wide range of winter sports on offer. You’ll find even more inspiration in our other blog posts on Switzerland’s most beautiful ski resorts.

• Winter hiking & snowshoe tours: If you prefer a more peaceful experience, groomed winter trails or guided snowshoe tours will take you into tranquil, snow-covered landscapes away from the slopes.
• Cycling & e-biking in summer: From valley routes to mountain trails – with an e-bike, even steep climbs are a breeze, and the views are your reward.
• Experience gourmet delights: Try Valais classics such as raclette or regional specialities – particularly enjoyable in mountain huts or in the wine-growing villages of the Rhône Valley.

Cuisine in Valais – a feast of raclette, wine and mountain air

The Valais is not only one of Switzerland’s most impressive Alpine regions, but also one of the most delightful. Here, cuisine is not seen as a mere afterthought, but as an integral part of the culture – down-to-earth, regional and full of character. Whether in a cosy mountain hut, a wine bar in the Rhône Valley or on a sunny terrace with a view of the peaks: food in Valais often tastes twice as good because the atmosphere is just right.

Valais classics you should try: When it comes to food, Valais shows its most authentic side – with specialities that are an integral part of the region. Foremost among these is raclette, which here is not simply a dish but a genuine tradition: The cheese is traditionally melted in a whole wheel and served with potatoes, gherkins and pearl onions. Another typical dish is Valais dried beef, air-dried and full of flavour, often served as a starter or on an aperitif platter alongside regional cheeses. After an active day in the mountains, Älplermagronen and hearty mountain fare are particularly welcome – filling, wholesome and just right for the fresh Alpine air. And in summer, you simply must try Valais apricots, which are everywhere – fresh, as a dessert or in local specialities.

Valais wine – the sunny side of the Alps in a glass: thanks to the dry, sunny climate in the Rhône Valley, Valais is one of Switzerland’s most important wine-growing regions. Many winegrowers produce small batches with strong character – perfect for a casual tasting as a moment of indulgence in between. We particularly recommend the St. Jodern Winery in Visperterminen, where you can discover wines from Europe’s highest vineyards, foremost among them the famous Heida.

Restaurant tips: Where to enjoy the best of Valais: whether with a view of the Matterhorn or in a cosy wine bar in the valley – these venues showcase Valais at its most delightful. In Zermatt, Chez Vrony in Findeln (world-class cuisine and the famous Vrony burger) and the rustic Schäferstube, with its lamb specialities and raclette, are true classics. In Saas-Fee, the Waldhüs Bodmen delights with its rustic barbecue cuisine and Alpine charm. In Verbier, Le Carrefour is a standout right on the slopes – and in Leukerbad, the Bodmenstübli invites you to enjoy a relaxing break with home-cooked mountain fare. Anyone planning a detour towards Saanen will find the 16 ART-BAR-RESTAURANT a stylish dining spot with a modern ambience and creative cuisine – ideal for a special evening.

Events in Valais in 2026 – Highlights to help you plan your trip

In 2026, too, it’s well worth combining your holiday in Valais with an event. January already saw some top-class winter sports action: Crans-Montana hosted two slalom races as part of the Men’s Ski European Cup, whilst the Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup brought a World Cup atmosphere to the Goms valley. 

February brings another sporting highlight: the FIS Paralympic World Cup in Veysonnaz from 7 to 10 February 2026. March promises to be particularly varied: On 14 March 2026, the atmospheric Hivernale Sierre-Zinal takes place, and from 15 to 21 March 2026, the Rock the Pistes festival brings musical energy straight to the ski slopes. For freeride fans, the season finale in Verbier is also a must-see: YETI Xtreme Verbier runs from 27 March to 5 April 2026 (with a programme of events surrounding the festival). 

In spring, Zermatt Unplugged, from 7 to 11 April 2026, creates a festival atmosphere against a spectacular mountain backdrop. In summer, Verbier becomes a stronghold of classical music: the Verbier Festival takes place from 16 July to 2 August 2026. The sporting action continues in August – with the legendary Sierre-Zinal mountain race on 8 August 2026 and the iconic Grand Raid BCVS mountain bike marathon on 21 and 22 August 2026. The Foire du Valais in Martigny, running from 2 to 11 October 2026, provides a delightful finale in autumn – perfect if you’d like to combine fine dining, a great atmosphere and regional discoveries.

Conclusion: Valais – the perfect blend of mountain scenery and indulgence

Valais captivates visitors with its spectacular peaks, impressive glacial landscapes and sunny resorts in the Rhône Valley. Whether you’re exploring the area around the Matterhorn, experiencing unspoilt nature in the Aletsch Arena or relaxing in Leukerbad – the region offers the ideal balance between active holidays and relaxation. Added to this are authentic Valais cuisine and wine experiences that make every trip special.