VALAIS ALPS & ALETSCH
This guide unlocks the majestic heart of the Swiss Alps, a world of towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and sun-drenched valleys. Discover iconic resorts, rich mountain culture, and the awe-inspiring Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the longest glacier in the Alps.
Why Visit Valais Alps And Aletsch?
Alpine Giants: Home to 47 peaks over $4,000 \text{ meters}$, including the legendary Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
The Aletsch Glacier: Hike, view, or even ski alongside the most massive ice flow in the Alps, a true natural wonder.
Swiss Charm and Cuisine: Experience traditional villages, sun-drenched vineyards, and unique local specialties like raclette and fondue.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (Mid-June, September): This is the sweet spot for hiking. The high-altitude trails are open, the weather is stable, and the major resorts are much quieter.
Deep Off-Season (Mid-April–Mid-June, Mid-October–Mid-December): Many cable cars and hotels close down. While the value is good, check opening times carefully. A great time for lower-altitude walks.
Peak Season (July–August, December–Mid-April): Summer offers the best hiking weather, but trails and villages are crowded. Winter is the prime ski season, with high prices and busy slopes.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Zermatt & The Matterhorn
This iconic, car-free village sits at the base of the magnificent Matterhorn. It is a world-renowned destination for mountaineering, hiking, and skiing, with a charming center and a fantastic network of mountain railways and cable cars.
Your Smart Tip: To get the best view of the Matterhorn without the summer crowds, take the early morning Gornergrat Railway in the shoulder season. The air is clearest, and the train is less busy.
Aletsch Arena
The Aletsch Arena comprises the resorts of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiesch-Eggishorn, which offer unparalleled access to the Great Aletsch Glacier. This area is famous for its panoramic viewpoints, family-friendly atmosphere, and extensive hiking/skiing domain.
Your Smart Tip: Purchase a multi-day pass (like the Aletsch Explorer Pass) if you plan to use the cable cars often. It saves a significant amount of money compared to buying individual tickets for each ride.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is highly alpine. Summers are mild in the valleys but can be cold at high altitudes. Winters are severely cold and snowy, with guaranteed snow cover for skiing. Sun exposure is high, especially on the glacier.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: German is the dominant language in the Aletsch/Upper Valais region, and French in the Lower Valais (like Verbier). English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Punctuality: Swiss public transport is famously punctual. Be at your station or stop on time—trains and buses will not wait.
Cable Cars: People are efficient when boarding and disembarking. Have your ticket ready, and don’t block the exit.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($50–$80), mid-range hotels ($150–$250), luxury ($300+). Prices are significantly higher in luxury resorts (Zermatt, Verbier) and during peak winter/summer.
Food: Lunch menu ($25–$40), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($50–$80 per person), fine dining ($120+). Switzerland is expensive.
Transport: Train ticket (varies greatly, check Swiss Travel Pass options), cable car day pass ($60–$100).
Activities: Ski pass day rate ($80–$120), glacier hike with guide ($100+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $100–$150 (hostels, grocery food, public transport with a Swiss Pass).
- Mid-range: $200–$350 (hotels, some restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $400+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network is superb and highly recommended. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn connects the main valleys and resorts.
By Car: While the major valley road (A9 motorway) is excellent, parking is expensive. The resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee are entirely car-free; you must park in a nearby village (like Täsch for Zermatt).
Cable Cars/Gondolas: This is the primary way to access hiking and skiing areas in the mountains.
Must-Try Food
Raclette: A plate of boiled potatoes, pickles, and pearl onions, topped with the melted, scraped cheese of the Valais.
Fondue: Melted cheese (usually a mix of local varieties) served in a communal pot, typically eaten with bread cubes.
Valais-style Dried Meat (Viande séchée): Thinly sliced, air-dried beef seasoned with herbs, often served as an appetizer.
Rösti: Shredded, pan-fried potato patties, often served as a side or a meal with cheese, eggs, or bacon.
Älplermagronen (Alpine Macaroni): A rustic Swiss version of “mac and cheese” with potatoes, cream, cheese, and often topped with fried onions.
Walliser Teller (Valais Plate): A platter of local dried meats, artisanal cheeses, and rye bread.
Hörnli: Small, curved macaroni noodles often served with a meat sauce.
Meringues with Double Cream (Crème Double): A classic dessert of light, crisp meringue shells served with a thick, rich, slightly sour cream.
Tarts and Cakes: Look for bakeries offering seasonal fruit tarts, often with local apricots.
Saffron Risotto: A specialty in areas with Italian influence, known for its rich flavor and vibrant color.
Must-Try Drinks
Fendant: The classic dry white wine of the Valais region, made from the Chasselas grape. It is light, fruity, and perfect for raclette.
Dôle: A renowned light red wine from Valais, made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes.
Apricotine/Abricotine: A clear, strong brandy distilled from the local apricots (Marille/Abricots du Valais), a prized eau-de-vie.
Glühwein: Mulled wine, a popular warm drink in the winter and ski resorts.
Riesling-Sylvaner: Another high-quality, fragrant white wine produced in the Upper Valais.
Hot Chocolate (Heisse Schokolade): Swiss hot chocolate is famous for its richness and quality, perfect after a day in the cold.
Williamine: A clear, powerful brandy distilled from pears (often the Williams pear), another traditional eau-de-vie.
Local Beers: Look for regional craft brews like Valais’s Doppelleu Boxer or smaller local microbreweries.
Rivella: A unique and popular Swiss soft drink made from milk whey, a non-alcoholic staple.
Herbal Teas (Kräutertee): Excellent mountain-grown herbal teas, sometimes mixed with local schnapps.