Switzerland Valais

Zermatt is famed as a mountaineering and ski resort of the Swiss Alps. Until the mid-19th century, it was predominantly an agricultural community; the first and tragic ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 was followed by a rush on the mountains surrounding the village, leading to the construction of many tourist facilities. Much of the local economy is based on tourism, with about half of the jobs in town in hotels or restaurants and just under half of all apartments are vacation apartments. The petroglyphs and prehistoric grinding stone at Hubelwang is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance..

Its location close to glaciers provides winter sport opportunities throughout the year, and neighbouring peaks are popular climbs in the summer season. Saas Fee is considered to be a very attractive winter sport destination in the Swiss Alps. Typical activities include skiing, carving, snowshoe trekking, canyon climbing and ice climbing, snowboarding, paragliding, hang gliding, and tobogganing. Saas-Fee can be reached by car or bus. No cars are allowed to enter the city; only small electric vehicles operate on the streets. The resort offers many culture, sports and off-slope activities, including classical music, a sports and leisure complex, restaurants, and nightclubs.

The Champery – Planachaux cable-car and the 6 seater chairlift in Grand-Paradis takes skiers to the Portes du Soleil recreational area. With 194 ski lifts and over 650 km (400 mi) of ski slopes, this is the largest international ski area in the world. The Portes du Soleil recreational area keeps 24 chairlifts open for the summer, giving access to over 600 km of paths. The Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches mountain ridges also offer walks and hikes. Champéry’s Palladium, the National Centre for Ice Sports, offers indoor and outdoor activities and regularly hosts national and international ice-sports training camps and competitions.

Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. Landmarks include the Basilique de Valere and Chateau de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use. There are 14 sites in Sion that are listed as Swiss heritage site of national significance, including secular buildings, religious buildings, as well as the remains of a neolithic settlement and the modern city of Sion. The entire town of Sion and the village of Bramois are both part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

The Gemmi Daubenwand is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. The Gemmi Pass is accessible by the cable-car. From the pass, there is a magnificent view of the Alps. Known in summer for its hiking trails, it is enjoyed by families because of the small beautiful lake Daubensee. In winter, Daubensee is ideal a variety of winter sports and hikes. The cablecar to Torrent Alp goes to the Rinderhutte. In winter it is a paradise of skiers who have 50 km of runs. In summer it offers a network of hiking and mountain bike trails. The panoramic views from the Rinderhütte are breath taking. Leukerbad is also home to famous Thermal Baths, whose history dates back to the Roman times.

Saint-Maurice is a municipality and district capital of the district of Saint-Maurice in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is the site of the Roman outpost of Agaunum and the mediaeval St. Maurice's Abbey, which has become a famous high school in Switzerland. St-Maurice D’Agaune Abbey, Saint-Maurice Castle with the Cantonal Military Museum, Maison de la Pierre and the Bridge over the Rhône (shared with Bex, Vaud) are listed as Swiss heritage site of national significance. The entire Saint-Maurice castle and city area are part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

Martigny lies at a junction of roads joining Italy, France and Switzerland. In winter, Martigny is boasts numerous nearby Alp ski resorts. The Centre valaisan du film, La Bâtiaz Castle, the 3 museums, and the Roman era city are listed as Swiss heritage site of national significance. The entire town of Martigny-Ville and the town of Martigny-Bourg are part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. The Romans left many archaeological remains, and the city is known for its amphitheater. Cow fights are held in the amphitheater during early autumn. The city is notable for its Pierre Gianadda Foundation museum, the most important cultural attraction in Martigny, as well as The Earth Science Museum.

Brig is a picturesque small town in Upper Valais, situated at the foot of the northern slope of the Simplon Pass, on the right bank of the Saltine stream, and slightly above its junction with the Rhone. Brig is located close to the Swiss-Italian borders. Brig is popular among winter sport athletes, as it is surrounded by many Alp summits. Due to the high altitude, the temperatures in winter often remain below zero, but during the summer season, heat can be intense. The Stockalperpalast, the Gamsenmauer and the Church of Mariä Himmelfahrt withossuary are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. The entire old town of Brig is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

It is a holiday resort and ski area in the Swiss Alps and is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" resorts in the world. Some areas are covered with snow all year. Verbier is known for its off-piste and itinerary ski runs. In the summer there are lots of hiking trails and hikers can trek through the mountains, some of them covered with snow all year round. Other activities include climbing, paragliding, swimming, golf, badminton, Ice karting, mountain biking, trips aboard the mountain railways in the area, and an annual music festival.

Champex (also Champex-Lac) is a village located in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais, part of the municipality of Orsières. The village lies at 1,470 metres on the shore of Lac de Champex, at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is a starting point for many hikes into the surrounding mountains and huts (La Breya, Cabane du Trient, Le Catogne). Champex is also a small ski resort. The Champex Pass is located a few hundred metres west of Champex.

Montana is a municipality in the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is one of the six municipalities that form the ski resort Crans-Montana (together with Icogne, Lens, Randogne, Mollens and Chermignon). The Hotel Bella Lui is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.