PRESSKIT The sun gives us a new burst of life.
www.valais.ch
1 In summer, the sun recharges its batteries in Valais Valais and the sun – a true love affair: our valley is blessed with 300 days of sunshine every year. And just as the sun’s rays bathe the 45 four-thousanders, meadows, vineyards and trees of the wonderfully unspoilt landscape in a glorious light, you can also recharge your batteries beneath the peerless Valais sky. We have over 8,000 kilometres of signposted hiking paths that lead past rushing mountain streams and mystical Alpine lakes, spectacular mountain bike trails that wind their way over mountain sides and through dense forests, refreshing thermal baths that guarantee pure relaxation. And even at the height of summer you can still have fun in the snow high up on our glaciers. Apart from that, the sun also lends our natural produce its unique taste. Not only are magnificent wines made here in Switzerland’s largest wine-producing region, but wonderful fruit and flavoursome spices are also grown. And the heart and soul the vintners, Alpine herdsman and farmers put into their work can be felt everywhere.
Valais is a land of superlatives. A few examples? It is home to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest of its kind in the Alps. The Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous landmark, stands in Valais – as does the Grande Dixence, the world’s highest gravity dam. And of course there’s the St-Maurice Monastery, the oldest Christian abbey in the world.
Explore and enjoy the many faces of summer in Valais! Contents:
How to get to Valais ...... Page 3
10 reasons to visit Valais this summer ...... Page 4
Valais summer news 2015 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 6
Image database – Valais in pictures ...... Page 9
Contact ...... Page 9
2 How to get to Valais
Whether you arrive by car, public transport or plane, Valais offers outstanding transport connections in all directions.
By car
The main thoroughfare is the A9 motorway, which runs to Sierre. In addition, the Alpine passes of Col de Forclaz (connection to France), Pas de Morgins (France) and Simplon (Italy), and the Grand St-Bernard road tunnel (Italy) are open all year round. The Nufenen Pass (Canton Ticino), Grimsel Pass (Canton Bern) and Furka Pass (Canton Uri) are only open in summer. It is also possible to put your car on the train, using the shuttle services that run through the Lötschberg (canton Bern), Furka (canton Uri) and Simplon tunnels (Italy).
By public transport
There is a guaranteed direct service to Valais from Basel, Bern, Geneva (airport), Lausanne and Zurich (airport) every 30 minutes. What is more, the opening of the NEAT tunnel through the Lötschberg in 2007 has brought Valais considerably closer to German-speaking Switzerland and thus also to Germany. Since then, journey times to Valais from the major population centres such as Basel, Zurich or Bern have been cut by as much as 70 minutes. Within Valais itself, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, RegionAlps, various cable car operators and post bus lines guarantee ideal connections to individual holiday resorts.
By air
International flight connections via Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Bern airports, all of which are ideally linked to the public transport network.
Information on the current traffic situation (traffic jams and road conditions, construction sites, passes, tunnels and webcam) in Valais can be found on the interactive roadmap at valais.ch.
3 10 reasons to visit the Valais in summer
1. Trails to suit every taste Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Valais. With over 8,000 kilometres of marked trails, every hiker can find a trail to suit him: to the top of high mountains, through fragrant larch forests and nature parks, following traditional irrigation channels and ancient footpaths, across hanging footbridges or along wine trails. The Valais is a hiking region with much to explore. More information
2. Discovery tours on two wheels Variety is guaranteed on the mountain-bike trails and cycling paths of the Valais: they lead past gushing mountainside streams and mystical mountain lakes, twist and turn across the sides of mountains and through dense forests or across vineyards from Lake Geneva to high in the Rhone Valley. There is something for everyone, for leisure cyclists and sports- keen road racers, for mountain-bikers and downhill specialists. More information
3. Thermal baths – oases of wellness in the Valais The hot water bubbles up from deep beneath the Valais mountains and offers utter bathing pleasure. Soothing and relaxing – the thermal baths are veritable oases of revitalisation. The therapeutic effect of the alpine thermal baths was known to the Romans, and by the Middle Ages the settlements had began to grow up around the thermal springs. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe could not resist the allure of the warm and beneficial thermal water, when he heard of the warm springs in Leukerbad on his journey through the Valais to Italy. The Goethe House on the village square still recalls Goethe’s stay in November 1779. More information
4. Winemaking heritage - The Valais, land of vineyards and wines With its 5,000 hectares of vineyards, the Valais hosts one-third of Swiss vine cultivation exploiting many of the advantages the canton offers: spectacular scenery enjoying long hours of sunshine, vines planted on hillsides to gain the most from the sun, numerous varieties of grape (nearly 60) producing a multitude of great wines, customs and traditions giving it a character and identity of its very own. Known throughout the world for the excellence of its syrupy wines, the elegance of its Petite Arvine, the nobility of its Fendant or even the character of its Cornalin, the Valais contains many other treasures as well.
More information
5. Valais’ passion for railways. All aboard! Sleeper after sleeper, the railways wind their way throughout Switzerland. There is scarcely anywhere that cannot be reached by train. The railway lines in the Valais are some of the most famous and most beautiful. Here the trains meander through a unique mountain landscape, past unspoilt valleys with idyllic villages, snow-covered mountain peaks, thundering mountain rivers and sheer rock faces. But a railway journey in the Valais is also a journey through history, with the variety of trains ranging from ultramodern to historically notable. More information
4 6. Authentic products - The inimitable flavour of the Valais Wines with subtle aromas, fruit with intense flavours, rare spices, golden cereals: thousands of hours of sunshine are what make the garden of delights that is the Valais prosper. Ancient skills have been able to tame this mountainous scene to achieve the very peak of quality. Diversity, flavour, character, authenticity, passion: the products of the Valais soil invite you to travel and explore this region that is truly one of a kind. More information
7. Gastronomy - The Valais, a gourmet’s paradise If nature is an obvious source of inspiration in the Valais, its cuisine and good wine cellars also occupy a key place in the canton’s scenery. Its diverse wines go just as well with traditional cooking, including raclette and “cholera” (a speciality from the Conches valley), as with sophisticated à-la-carte cuisine in the region’s many gourmet restaurants. With 55 establishments classified by Gault-Millau (between 19 and 12 points), the Valais is a delight for lovers of good food and good living. Didier de Courten, head chef at the Hotel Terminus, for one has been awarded 19 Gault-Millau points, captivating guests with his inventive cuisine of unprecedented sophistication, all the way from appetisers to after- dinner sweets. More information
8. The Valais - home to treasures and art of international importance The arresting alpine panorama and the floral diversity have always been a source of inspiration to artists. The Valais has been portrayed on countless occasions, painted in romantic colours, and its unspoilt beauty has garnered admiration in the works of world- class authors of past centuries such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Mark Twain.
More information
9. Valais – The mountains are alive with the sound of music With its uniquely picturesque scenery, the Valais is a veritable paradise in which tourists enjoy spending their holidays. Another highly attractive feature is the cultural diversity that can be experienced in the region: the Valais offers musical events of international calibre. Be it Classical, Pop/Rock or Electronic, there are musical treats to suit every taste, in summer and winter, on the mountain and in the valley! In other words, the Valais breaks with the tradition of the outright summer festival and offers an especially varied programme of music beginning as early as March. Below you will find an overview of the highlights of the year and an invitation to take a musical journey across the mountaintops of the magnificent Valais landscape.
More information
10. Switzerland’s water reservoir canton Nowhere can majestic glaciers, bubbling springs and torrential mountain streams be experienced more intensely than in the Valais. The region has been under the spell of the watery element since time immemorial. The Valaisans learned to treasure and make use of the precious commodity, for the topography of the Valais offers ideal conditions for the generation of hydropower. In fact, the canton of Valais today generates nearly 30 percent of Switzerland’s hydroelectric power. But the imposing dams are also a tourist attraction. More information
5 Valais summer news 2015
Accommodation
Modernised Hörnlihütte
To coincide with the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, the modernised Hörnlihütte will reopen at the start of July 2015. Together with the adjoining Belvédère mountain lodge, the new Hörnlihütte will now form a single building capable of sleeping up to 130 guests (with more comfort, as dormitories are being replaced by rooms with 6 beds). In addition, the conversion will contribute significantly to reducing the hut’s environmental impact, notably by improving its energy balance and implementing an eco-friendly water and waste management concept. The mountain hut at 3,260 metres above sea level is a popular starting point for people climbing the Matterhorn.
Contact: Kurt Lauber, Hut Warden +41 (0)27 967 22 64 / [email protected] / www.hoernlihuette.ch
Hotel Les Sources in Saxon
Les Sources, a new 3-star hotel, will open in Saxon in 2015. It has 90 rooms, a restaurant with sheltered terrace, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 5 conference rooms (seating 450) and indoor and outdoor parking. In addition to the hotel, the overall complex includes a medical and social care centre and a retirement facility. Synergies will also be established with the thermal spa resort of Les Bains de Saillon.
Contact: Nicolas Crognaletti, Hotel Director [email protected] / 0840 211 211 / www.hotellessources.ch Rue du Léman 29A, 1907 Saxon
Chetzeron mountain restaurant in Crans-Montana
The Chetzeron mountain restaurant in Crans-Montana has been given a new hotel wing, offering 16 rooms and suites with a fantastic view of the Valais four-thousanders.
Contact: Sami Lamaa, Managing Director mail@chetzeron / +41 (0)27 485 08 08 / www.chetzeron.ch 3963 Crans-Montana
The Capra, the new boutique hotel in Saas-Fee
The new five-star establishment in Saas-Fee, The Capra, has 14 suites (for 2 to 4 people) and offers guests a wide range of amenities: spa with steam room, sauna, whirlpool and fitness room. Traditional European dishes made using local produce are served up in the hotel’s very own restaurant.
Contact: Eckart Pfannkuchen, Hotel Director +41 (0)27 958 13 58 / [email protected] /www.capra.ch Lomattenstrasse 6, 3906 Saas-Fee
6 Wellnesshostel4000 & Aqua Allalin
The new wellnessHostel4000 with 168 beds is situated right at the entrance to Saas-Fee. The youth hostel has direct access to the refurbished spa and gym facilities in the Aqua Allalin leisure centre.
Contact: Chantal Anthamatten, Managing Director 027 958 50 50/ [email protected] / www.wellnesshostel4000.ch Panoramaweg 1, 3906 Saas-fee Outdoors
New Fürgangen-Mühlebach suspension bridge
The new suspension bridge at Fürgangen-Mühlebach will officially open to the public on 14 June 2015. At 280 metres long and 1.4 metres wide, the bridge is accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.
New Mattmark glacier trail
The new Mattmark glacier trail is a high-Alpine network of hiking trails consisting of 9 blue-white- blue marked routes of varying difficulty. Culture
150 years of the Matterhorn legend
Throughout 2015, Zermatt is celebrating the first ascent of the Matterhorn, which took place exactly 150 years ago (on 14 July 1865), with a whole host of events. From 10 to 19 July, for example, you can take a journey back in time to 1865. During that period, visitors and locals will be able to dress up in period costume and celebrate together at the world’s longest table while letting the historical dress and activities conjure up the spirit of yesteryear. And from 9 July to 29 August, an open-air theatrical production devoted to The Matterhorn Story will be performed on the Gornergrat. Amateur actors will join the professionals in recounting the dramatic story of triumph and death on this greatest of all mountains. Children and families
A Reka village in the midst of adventure
The new Reka Holiday Village in the quaint village of Blatten opened its doors to families in December 2014. A total of 50 apartments are available. The neighbouring mini-golf course, boasting a full 18 holes, is being renovated in time for summer. The rope park, part of which passes over the mini-golf course, has also been revamped. The park offers three levels of difficulty for children, young people and adults, making the “Hexenkessel Blatten” adventure park the ideal place for a family holiday. Meanwhile, the Reka Holiday Village at Zinal in Val d’Anniviers is being modernised and extended during 2015. 12 additional apartments, a new communal facility and a new setting for memorable experiences are planned. The village will reopen in December 2015.
New children’s course at Saas-Fee Adventure Forest
From summer 2015, even the youngest visitors to Saas-Fee can tackle the Adventure Forest and go wild as they attempt to overcome the 10 obstacles on the new children’s course. It’s a fun way for children aged 4 and over to gain their first climbing experience.
7 “Magical Water” lake and bisses experience in Grächen
Bisses are traditional irrigation channels that for centuries have kept the valleys in the low-rainfall area of Valais supplied with water. Today, these historic water channels are a popular spot for outings. Grächen, a great destination for families, has made them the subject of a fascinating “Magical Water” experience. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in water playgrounds and foot baths or discover oases of peace and well-being.
Moosalbi children’s hiking trail
The new children’s hiking trail in the Moosalp region leads from the Brandalp in Unterbäch along a forest path to the “Wüär” pond in Bürchen. Kids can enjoy new experiences at different stations along the way such as the Tyrolean slide, long jump, fun facts about wood or balancing exercises. The children’s hiking trail is open from around May to October. The trail is also pushchair friendly. Wellness oases
New adventure pool at Leukerbad Thermal Baths
The open-air pool at Leukerbad Thermal Baths has been redesigned to create a new adventure pool: water and light effects, massage jets, whirlpool, waterspouts and steam. It’s an adventurous and highly ambient way for families to discover the world of thermal water.
New Brigerbad spa
Once upon a time it only opened in the summer season, but now the complex is open all year round. 7 areas are available: training pool, thermal bath, grotto with spa area, wellness, organic bar, reception area and restaurant. Top events
9 to 12 April 2015 Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana http://www.caprices.ch/de/
14 to 18 April 2015 Zermatt Unplugged http://www.zermatt-unplugged.ch/
1 May to 31 October 2015 Valais at the Expo Milano 2015 http://www.valais.ch/de/info/landingpage/expo-milano-2015
9 and 10 May 2015 National Final of Herens Cow Fights in Aproz http://www.finale-cantonale.ch/de
22 to 23 May 2015 Rallye du Chablais http://www.rdch.ch/site/
11 June to 12 July 2015 Federal Shooting Festival in Raron/Visp http://www.vs2015.ch/de/
3 to 5 July 2015 International Literature Festival in Leukerbad http://literaturfestival.ch/wwkd14/deutsch/index.html
3 to 5 July 2015 Western Switzerland Yodelling Festival 2015 in Saas-Fee http://www.jodlerfest-saas-fee.ch/sites/de/
8 to 12 July 2015 Sierre Blues Festival http://www.sierreblues.ch/de/
14 July 2015 150th anniversary of first ascent of the Matterhorn http://www.zermatt.ch/150
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17 July to 2 August 2015 Verbier Festival http://www.verbierfestival.com/?language=de
23 to 26 July 2015 Omega European Masters Crans-Montana http://www.omegaeuropeanmasters.com/de/
24 to 26 July 2015 International Alpenhorn Festival Nendaz http://www.nendazcordesalpes.ch/de
7 and 8 August 2015 Official celebrations to mark bicentenary of Valais in Sion/Sitten http://www.valais.ch/de/info/landingpage/wallis-2015/offizielle- feierlichkeiten-sitten-ist-in-schwingung
7 to 9 August 2015 Swiss Food Festival Zermatt http://www.swissfoodfestival.ch/home/
20 to 23 August 2015 Open Air Gampel http://www.openairgampel.ch/
29 August 2015 2nd Nendaz Trail http://www.nendaztrail.ch
29 and 30 August 2015 Shepherds’ Weekend in Belalp http://www.belalp.ch/events/index.php
2 to 4 October 2015 IXS Swiss Downhill Cup Final in Bellwald http://www.bellwald.ch/tourismus/aktivitaeten/top-events.php
Image database – Valais in pictures
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