The Valais[1] is exactly that: a long, narrow, L-shaped valley which was cut by glaciers between two alpine mountain ranges. The main cities in the region are along the river Rhone which cuts through the bottom of the valley, between its source at the Rhone glacier in the east and its temporary destination of Lake Geneva in the west. The main tourist resorts and many small villages are in the side valleys to the north or the south.
Valais offers an amazing diversity of landscapes. Within a few kilometers there are the highest glaciers and mountains of the Alps and almost subtropical places where even almond and pomegranate trees grow.
Some of the best spring skiing in the world is available in the Valais, at prices which although high beat the equivalent offerings in Colorado.
Martigny - old Roman town at the bend in the valley with museums and great views
Monthey - a town located near skiable pistes (Champery, Morgins), but not so far from the Geneva lake( 45 minutes from Lausanne, 1 hour and an half from Geneva).
The language divide between French and German speaking Switzerland runs through the Valais, with French and (partially) Franco-Provencal spoken in the west of the canton, and Highest Alemannic dialects at the eastern end. Standard German and English are widely spoken and understood (especially in towns and touristic areas).
The nearest international airport is Geneva, from there you can take the train to Valais. If you want to visit the upper part of the Valais, the nearest airport is Zurich with a travel time of approximatively 2 hours to Visp or Brig. Trains part directly to the Valais from both airports (direction Brig in both cases).
Swiss railways (SBB-CFF) in the main valley. Buses span out from the many train stations in the valley and go to almost every inch of the region. The main interchange station for the region is Brig, where trains from the north (Basel, Berne, Zurich) meet trains from the west(Geneva, Lausanne, Sion) and Italy (Milan).
For timetables and tickets for trains see: [2], Post Buses timetables: [3]
The train from Brig to Zermatt is run by a private company and is expensive. The journey is stunning, and is the only way to get to the centre of Zermatt, as the village is Car-Free.
Cherries Walks, ☎ +41.79.239.2161, [4]. Walk, hike, or snowshoe the beautiful alps. Private, tailor-made trips with a certified mountain guide. Guides fluent in English and French.edit
At Martigny, visit the Gianadda museum ([5]): sculptures and paintings, history of the city (especially when the region was part of the Roman empire)
Near Martigny (Vernayaz): the Pissevache cascade and the Gorges du Trient[6]
If you happen to be in Valais during Carnival, don't miss the carnivals of Sion and Monthey
Easily accessible in the summer, the Great St. Bernard Hospice is a monastery situated on top of the St Bernard Pass. It is possible to eat with the monks and even stay the night. The monastery is open in the winter, but only accessible by helicopter or skis.
Heli-skiing is available in the winter, and you don't have to be a advanced skier to experience back-country terrain via helicopter. Most heli-ski companies are based in Anzere.
At Sion, the basilica of Valère on top of a hill with the oldest organ in Europe. On the opposite hill, the ruins of the Castle of Tourbillon, very nice view on the city and the valley.
Jet Fighter Flight in the Swiss Alps, ☎ +41 44 500 5010, [7]. Departing from Sion Airport, flights in real jet fighters are available. Flights take place in the Swiss alps. Flights manoeuvres according to the passengers preferences.€3400. edit
Get a rail pass and see the area from a train or bus
Close by
Domodossola for cheap everything compared to Swiss prices. Direct train every 2 hours from Brig station. NOTE: Domodossola is in Italy so a passport is required. Also don't go too mad shopping as there are border patrols on the way back and they can search you and make you pay tax.
