| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
The Valais is a region in southern Switzerland that borders on Italy and consists mostly of the valley around the upper Rhône River. The valley was called Vallis Poenina by the Romans, and the Germans refer to it as Wallis. The main attractions here include the Matterhorn, the Great St. Bernard Pass, and Zermatt. The area offers excellent skiing and other winter sports (Zermatt has one of the longest ski seasons in Switzerland). The Valais is surrounded by the Alps, with more than 50 major mountain peaks, but the Matterhorn, at 4,410m (14,465 ft.), is by far the most majestic. The Valais contains the largest glacier in Switzerland as well as several others that send tributaries to feed the Rhône, which flows northwest to Lake Geneva, then on through France to the Mediterranean. The Valais also contains about 8 sq. km (5 sq. miles) of lakes. Often called the hiking capital of Switzerland, the Valais is riddled with well-maintained and well-marked mountain paths. Some of this former network of alpine mule paths are called Roman roads, because in ancient times the Simplon and Great St. Bernard passes were the gateways to the Valais from Italy. Walks along irrigation channels -- called bisses -- are among the most intriguing for nature lovers. For centuries the Rhône Valley has been a major route through the Alps. The Celts used the Great St. Bernard Pass and Simplon Pass, and then the Gauls held the territory for 500 years. Hannibal and Napoleon both passed throug
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| When To Go (Source: Fodors) | Top | The Valais is at its sunny best in the high summer and midwinter; foggy dampness overwhelms in late autumn and spring. Mountain weather is impetuous, embracing with its warmth one day and obliterating views and trails the next. Take your cues from local forecasts and mountain operators who have an experienced sense about shifting patterns. Cloud layers and storms move up and down elevations hovering atop cool valley floors, following the flow of riverbeds, and are sometimes snagged on mountain ridges. Misty banks move away in short order opening up the path or vista for those who are patient. Some of the best skiing and hiking can be had in March and September when crowds are the lightest and the sun is at the perfect arc. Because of its radiant orientation, the Valais is a particularly favored destination for Swiss and other Europeans who vacation here year-after-year and for weeks at a time. And remember: May and June plus November to mid-December are renovation, repair, and get away times for locals. Facilities rotate closing periods so you will always find a fluffy bed and good meal, but not always in the one you may prefer.
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