VALAIS / WALLIS
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Valais / Wallis is the Alpine canton of the Matterhorn and snow-capped peaks: the Rhone Valley, ancient villages where vineyards grow directly under glaciers and produce some of the best Swiss wines.
VALAIS / WALLIS: ICONIC LANDMARKS
The Rhone Valley and the famous Matterhorn make the region the true heart of the Alps.
Valais in French, or Wallis in German, stretches along the Rhône Valley, from its glacial headwaters to Lake Geneva. It's a canton of dramatic elevation changes: vineyards cling to sunny slopes, and dozens of four-thousanders rise above them.
The capital, Sion, lies amid vineyard terraces, between two rocky hills housing the castles of Tourbillon and Valères. From here, the Rhône Valley opens up into a long, green ribbon of orchards and vines, cut by ancient irrigation canals. These narrow waterways have distributed glacial water over the dry slopes for centuries and still define the landscape.
Further up the valley, the country's most recognizable peaks emerge. The Matterhorn pyramid rises almost vertically above Zermatt, while the glaciers around Saas-Fee descend to alpine pastures. To the east, the Monte Rosa massif rises, with the Dufour peak — Switzerland's highest point at 4,634 meters .
Switzerland is a mountainous country. And this isn't just another cliché: over a thousand mountains here reach altitudes of around 3,000 meters, and nearly fifty peaks exceed 4,000 meters. The canton of Valais is home to the top 10 Swiss four-thousanders. There's plenty to do for both climbers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Valais feels vertical: from the warm valley floor to the icy ridges, it's only a few hours' journey. Here, one can see especially clearly how grapes and eternal snow meet within the confines of a single canton.
VALAIS / WALLIS: COAT OF ARMS' HISTORY
The stars symbolize the valleys united into a canton.
The history of the canton of Valais dates back to the era of Ancient Rome and the Kingdom of Burgundy – a region with that same ancient, almost Alpine-like, dense historical soil.
A silver and red flag of the local bishopric was already known in the early 13th century. The choice of color scheme is explained simply and elegantly: the shades of the bishop's vestments create a striking and solemn combination. This continuity is easily traced today in the coat of arms of the canton's capital, Sion.
The Bishopric of Sion had been a state of the Holy Roman Empire since the 12th century. By 1189, it had received the privilege of imperial immediacy, and the local bishops, who also held the title of Counts of Valais, became princes of the Empire.
In 1634, the Republic of Seven Tithes was formed here, effectively limiting the bishop's secular power. He retained the title of Prince of the Empire, but his political influence rapidly declined — the era of spiritual-secular states ended, leaving us with an impressive heraldic tradition.
Since the 16th century, the Valais coat of arms has gradually been enriched with stars. The first official depiction in its current form dates back to 1548. The stars symbolize the number of districts of the canton — their number allows us to trace the region's political evolution: from the original six to today's thirteen. A visual chronicle of territorial growth, inscribed directly on the shield.
And finally, a small modern detail: since May 2017, the canton has circulated its own currency, the farinet, named after the legendary 19th-century counterfeiter Joseph-Samuel Farinet. The exchange rate is stable: one farinet equals one franc. This initiative has a beneficial economic effect and simultaneously serves as a charming tourist attraction.
VALAIS / WALLIS: FUN FACTS
Of the chocolate mountain and tireless rescuers.
The main symbol of Valais is the majestic Matterhorn, standing 4,478 meters high: that iconic pyramid, recognizable even by those who have never held an Alpine map. It adorns the logo of the Zermatt ski resort and, of course, the famous Toblerone chocolate bar, produced since 1908. Geography, marketing, and heraldry exist in a surprising symbiosis here.
An equally recognizable symbol is the Saint Bernard Monastery Dog, bred on the high mountain pass of Saint Bernard. It is one of the most humane creatures ever given to the world by Alpine monks: harsh climate, deep snow, inclement weather, but... a heavy sigh — and the dog sets off to rescue travelers trapped in snowdrifts, carrying with him a keg of life-giving rum and hope.
VALAIS / WALLIS: ALPINE SKIING
The canton has over 2,000 kilometers of pistes. Just think about it, over two thousand kilometers of pistes! And Zermatt and Verbier are among the best ski resorts in the world.
The resort's name speaks for itself: Les Portes du Soleil (Gates of the Sun). It's one of the largest ski regions in the world, encompassing 12 resorts in France and Switzerland, including the most famous: Champéry-Les Crosets and Morgins-Champoussin on the Swiss side, and Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, and Châtel on the French side . The total length of pistes is over 650 km! The true beauty of this place is that you can easily travel between countries without even taking off your skis. In a single day, you can have breakfast in Switzerland, ski in France, and be back in time for dinner.
The region is ideal for family holidays, with plenty of easy and intermediate trails, as well as dedicated children's areas. Experts will also find something to enjoy: the famous "Swiss Wall" (Le Mur Suisse) is more than just a slope, it's a true legend: a vertical, incredibly steep slope, strewn with enormous bumps, considered one of the most challenging in the Alps and a true test for even the most daring skiers.
Welcome to the Four Valleys (4 Vallées), Switzerland's largest ski area! It boasts a network of resorts, including the renowned Verbier , La Coumas , Nendaz , Veysonnaz , and others, all united into one vast region. It's a true paradise for those who love unlimited skiing, with over 400 km of varied pistes and routes.
The highest point is Mont Fort (3,330 meters), offering incredible views, and extreme sports enthusiasts can try the famous Mont Fort black run. Incidentally, Verbier is also the freeride capital of the world, hosting the annual final of the prestigious Freeride World Tour, making it a must-see for anyone who enjoys off-piste skiing.
Zermatt is a true ski legend and one of the most famous resorts in the world! There's no hustle and bustle here, and the air is filled with an air of true grandeur, as the legendary Matterhorn accompanies you at every turn. The resort itself is located in Switzerland, but its slopes are linked with Cervinia, Italy, allowing you to ski in two countries in a single day!
You can also ski here year-round thanks to the glacier, which is the highest ski area in the Alps. In the height of summer, you can slice through perfect snow while alpine meadows bloom below! One of the fun local attractions is the cogwheel train, which you can race against on skis to see who can ski the fastest down the slope. The highest point for skiing in the resort, the Klein Matterhorn , is located at 3,883 meters.
The "Pearl of the Alps," Saas-Fee , is surrounded by thirteen four-thousander peaks. Saas-Fee is a completely pedestrian village, making it incredibly cozy and tranquil. Thanks to its glacier, skiing is possible here year-round. A ride on the world's highest underground railway, the Metro Alpin, takes you to the world's highest revolving restaurant at 3,500 meters.
You can also meet friendly marmots here, who have become the resort's true mascots. These animals are very friendly because they have lived alongside people for many years, especially in the area of the Spielboden cable car. They are accustomed to tourists and taking photos with them.
Crans-Montana sits on a sunny plateau, literally bathed in sunshine. It's one of the most glamorous destinations in the Alps, attracting both ski enthusiasts and those simply seeking a luxurious getaway. There's no shortage of sports activities, and thanks to its location, Crans-Montana is renowned for its wide, gentle slopes, ideal for leisurely skiing and learning.
It's also one of the world's golf capitals . Prestigious tournaments are held here in the summer, making the resort attractive year-round. Shopping deserves special attention. It's not just a simple purchase, but a true ritual. The resort's main street is lined with boutiques representing the world's most famous brands. So, while some conquer the mountain slopes, others stroll the sunny streets, leisurely choosing new designer outfits and jewelry.
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