extremenature - Bonatchiesse

2014 EN
extremenature
verbier.ch
Suisse
Nyon
6
VERBIER | VAL DE BAGNES
8
WINTER
SKI | SNOWBOARD
WINTER SKI MAP
WINTER ACTIVITIES
WINTER CALENDAR
Tunnel de base
du Lötschberg
Lötschenpass
10
12
14
16
Val
de
Ba
gn
es
’Entremont
Val d
S
DK
20
22
GB
Annecy
Col, Hospice et Tunnel
du Gd-St-Bernard
NL
B
24
DE
CH
26
28
32
IT
ES
CZ
36
38
40
42
VERBIER
Place centrale 2
Case postale 300
1936 Verbier
T. +41(O)27 775 38 88
F. +41(O)27 775 38 89
[email protected]
VAL DE BAGNES
Chemin de la Gare 2
Case postale 45
1934 Le Châble
T. +41(O)27 775 38 70
F. +41(O)27 775 38 71
[email protected]
SUMMER
BIKING
HIKING
SUMMER MAP
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
SUMMER CALENDAR
A
FR
P
18
FAMILIES
CURIOSITIES AND CULTURE
GASTRONOMY
EXCURSIONS
PARTNERSHIPS
Brochures & maps
Winter walks & summer hiking, accommodation, walking or
mountain-bike maps: our brochures are available from the
tourist offices of the region. You can also consult all the geoferenced itineraries on our website:
www.verbier.ch
VERBIER | VAL DE BAGNES
02 | 03
APRÈS SKI
FREERIDING
VERBIER | VAL DE BAGNES
04 | 05
THE COMBINS
VERBIER | VAL DE BAGNES
06 | 07
MAUVOISIN DAM
VERBIER | LA TZOUMAZ BIKEPARK
A NATURALLY INSPIRING DESTINATION
Verbier | Val de Bagnes welcomes you summer and
winter alike for sports and culture-filled Alpine holidays
complemented by snow, lush paths, Raclette and all the
many advantages of the mountains!
VERBIER FESTIVAL
Verbier, a name that is known all over
the world and is synonymous with
active holidays in a majestic Alpine
setting. The resort occupies most of a
sunny plateau facing south-west over
the Combins and Mont-Blanc ranges.
With a ski area that is as huge as it
is complete, the most cosmopolitan
of all the resorts in Valais offers
an endless playground, facing
the grandiose panorama of the
Combins range. Hotshot skiers and
snowboarders alike can let rip on
legendary ski runs and freeride routes,
while beginners will find slopes suited
to their level - particularly in the resort.
To enjoy the buzz right through the
season, don’t miss our international
events such as the SWATCH
XTREME VERBIER BY THE NORTH
FACE.
In summer, Verbier provides a
magnificent setting to discover the
many facets the mountains have to
offer: hiking, mountain biking, golf
and paragliding alternate with a
classical music festival, an equestrian
competition or visits to get to know
the region’s traditions.
Made up of picturesque villages, the
Val de Bagnes stretches for more
than 25 kilometres, from Le Châble
to the impressive Mauvoisin Dam.
This is a veritable kaleidoscope of
landscapes – from pastures to eternal
glaciers – and the region is home to
one of Switzerland’s greatest nature
reserves.
Another of the region’s attractions
is its famous gastronomy,
complemented by a number of
flavours from other climes.
WINTER
08 | 09
SNOWBOARDING
VERBIER SKI AREA
FREERIDING
SKI & SNOWBOARD
10 | 11
DOMAINE SKIABLE DE VERBIER ET MASSIF
DES COMBINS
FREERIDING
SKI AREA - LA CHAUX
THE POWDER SIDE OF THE ALPS
APRÈS-SKI
DOWNHILL SKIING
MONT-FORT 3’330M
FREERIDING *
HELISKIING *
SNOWPARK
APRES SKI
The “4 Vallées” ski area combines
more than 410km of ski runs and 92
ski lifts linking the resorts of Verbier,
La Tzoumaz and Bruson, as well
as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon.
Runs for all levels criss-cross the
amazing surroundings in this winter
sports’ paradise with its modern
infrastructure and guaranteed snow.
A panoramic view awaits you from
the top of the Mont-Fort (3,300 m),
the highest point in the ski area,
encompassing the Mont-Blanc,
Matterhorn and Grand Combins
ranges. Admire the countryside
and get yourself psyched up for the
resort’s famous black ski run. The
moguls are all yours – accompanied
by guaranteed thrills and snow.
A freeride paradise, the resort is a
must for skiers and snowboarders
from all over the world. Give backcountry skiing a shot accompanied by
a mountain guide. Take on the Vallon
d’Arby or the “Backside Mont-Fort”
for a powder-filled day.
Who has never felt the urge to fly
down swathes of pristine mountains?
Whether you are a skier or
snowboarder, decide on your itinerary
with the help of a guide, climb aboard
a helicopter and enjoy the immaculate
snow. A breath-taking experience!
Located at La Chaux, the Snowpark
offers a multitude of varied modules:
notably including kickers, rails, boxes
and a big airbag. It has something for
all levels, and is secured and groomed
every day to enjoy maximum pleasure
for grown-ups and children alike! Easy
to access using the Combimix La
Chaux Express – so take advantage of
the opportunity to admire the talent of
the skiers and snowboarders before
taking your turn at a few perilous
acrobatics.
Après-ski and aperitifs on terraces are
a veritable institution.Rub shoulders
with a cosmopolitan, epicurean
clientele of every generation. After an
energetic day on the runs, taste Alpine
delicacies and local produce before
enjoying the fun atmosphere of the
resort’s bars and pubs. From the Pub
Mont-Fort to the Farinet, Verbier is
bursting with exceptional places that
will have you dancing all night long.
* It is highly advisable for you to be
accompanied by a mountain guide for all
these activities.
WINTER SKI MAP
12 | 13
SWITZERLAND’S LARGEST SKI AREA
SKI AREA
FREERIDING
GO-KARTING
KIDS CLUB
WINTER ACTIVITIES
14 | 15
SLEDGING
SLED DOGS
SKIING FOR SURE AND SO MUCH MORE!
SKI TOURING
WINTER HIKING
TOBOGANNING
BACK-COUNTRY SKIING*
SNOWSHOEING
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
WINTER HIKING
WINTER ADVENTURES
Beginners or snow-bunnies –
discover the longest toboggan run
in western Switzerland. Ten km long
with a dizzying 848 metre drop, the
run at the beginning of Savoleyres
guarantees thrills and roars of laughter
right up to La Tzoumaz! When
night falls, enjoy moonlit toboggan
evenings which promise unforgettable
memories.
In search of pristine snow? Get your
back-country skis on and go as far
as your feet will take your thirst for
adventure. And if the ascent requires
a certain taste for effort, the summit
will provide incomparable emotions
and a spectacular panorama. A
back-country ski paradise, the Val
de Bagnes is also the playground
of the legendary Patrouille des
Glaciers, an international military ski
mountaineering race that is also open
to civil competitors.
The 11 groomed trails in Verbier
and the Val de Bagnes lead to a
fascinating discovery of a region
buried under the snow. Get your
snowshoes on and discover isolated
places free of any human touch with
the help of a mountain guide.
Trails in the forest for sports lovers,
high up for lovers of spectacular
panoramas or close to villages for
lovers of authenticity – there’s a trail
for everyone! Be it classic or skating –
pick a style and slide in time to nature.
Let yourself go in sparkling
landscapes and sunny terraces along
four groomed trails around Verbier.
An alternative to snow sports that will
delight both young and old.
Get a shot of emotion and discover
the region in a different manner with
sled dogs, ice climbing or go-karting
on ice. Brand new activities with
guaranteed roars of laughter.
Be it an energetic or relaxing walk,
find your pace and let yourself get
carried away by the beauty of nature.
Snowpark | Ice climbing
Paragliding | Sled dogs | Squash
Indoor pool | Skating rink | Hockey | Curling
Go-karting on ice | Indoor climbing | Wine
tasting | Museums | ...
WINTER CALENDAR
16 | 17
SWATCH XTREME VERBIER BY THE NORTH FACE
© freerideworldtour.com | Dom Daher
PATROUILLE DES GLACIERS
DECEMBER
TROPHÉE VERBIER SPORT +
14.12.2013 / VERBIER
Ski mountaineering race.
www.verbierbooking.ch
JANUARY
FREERIDE WORLD TOUR
QUALIFIER WEEK
13-19.01.2014 / VERBIER - BRUSON
Qualifying rounds – Freeride World
Qualifier 2*.
www.freerideworldtour.com
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
SALON DU FREERIDE
18-19.01.2014 / VERBIER
Freeride fair with equipment testing.
www.freerideworldtour.com
AUDI SKI CROSS TOUR
01-02.02.2014 / VERBIER
Skicross competition, Tour National round.
www.audiskicross.ch
COUPE DU MONDE DE SKI ALPINISME
18-19.01.2014 / VERBIER/BRUSON
Ski mountaineering world cup. Vertical
race in Verbier and individual race in
Bruson.
www.verbier2015.ch
DAHU BRUSON FREERIDE
08.02.2014 / BRUSON
Open Freeride competition .
www.dahushaper.ch
SWATCH XTREME VERBIER BY THE
NORTH FACE
22-23.03.2014 / VERBIER
Every year, Verbier hosts the final of the
Freeride World Tour as part of the Xtreme
event. With its narrow passages and the
extreme slopes of its legendary north
face, the Bec des Rosses is the ultimate
playground for the best freeriders on
the planet. Guaranteed adrenalin for the
audience watching from Gentianes!
VERBIER HIGH FIVE BY CARLSBERG
05.04.2014 / VERBIER
Open competitions (giant slalom, mini
flying kilometre and ski cross) with a large
number of stars involved.
www.verbierhighfivebycarlsberg.com
VERBIER RIDE
16.01.2014 / VERBIER
European slope style freeski competition
at La Chaux snow-park.
www.verbierride.com
Verbier is becoming the world capital for
freeride, bringing together public and
professionals alike with the same passion.
The event is also an opportunity to
develop and enhance freeride skills.
www.freerideworldtour.com
XSPEEDSKI
14-19.04.2014 / VERBIER
World Cup Speed Skiing on the Mont-Fort
Ski Run.
www.xspeedski.net
30TH PATROUILLE DES GLACIERS
29.04-03.05.2014 / VERBIER
The legendary Patrouille des Glaciers
races from Zermatt to Verbier in a
single stage, or Arolla to Verbier for the
short version. This skiing challenge is
distinguished by its length, extreme
altitude and the route profile. Emotions
always run high at the Patrouille des
Glaciers!
www.pdg.ch
The dates indicated are subject to change.
Please check with the various tourist offices
in the area and on our website www.verbier.ch
SUMMER
BONATCHIESSE - HAUT VAL DE BAGNES
18 | 19
CLIMBING IN THE VAL DE BAGNES
HIKING THE PIERRE AVOI
VERBIER | LA TZOUMAZ BIKEPARK
ALPAGE DE SERY
BIKING
20 | 21
A FEW CROSS-COUTRY SUGGESTIONS
LE TOUR DU TOUR
VERBIER, LA TZOUMAZ - 8H – 48KM
Take your pick between the pro and the easy
route and set off to discover this magnificent
mountain bike tour. Enjoy the breath-taking view
over the Mont-Blanc and the Combins range and
hit the big downhill on the Col des Gentianes.
www.tdmf.ch
FAMILIES TOUR
VERBIER, LA TZOUMAZ - 4H – 26KM
Children, parents and mountain bike fans alike will
love this easy route. The lifts will make for an easy
ascent and offer a breath-taking view.
MAUVOISIN DAM TOUR
2H15 – 15KM
Discover the Haut Val de Bagnes, its protected
area and its imposing Mauvoisin Dam (250 m).
MAUVOISIN DAM TOUR
YOUR FILL OF OXYGEN!
Fans of two-wheelers! Want to pump your oxygen levels
through your calves? Make your tyres squeal on our mountain
bike routes! 350km of mountain bike trails and 17
suggestions for cross-country routes await you in Verbier and
in the Val de Bagnes. Enjoy the benefit of the ski lifts to go up
the mountain – bike transport is free!
VERBIER-LA TZOUMAZ BIKEPARK
BIKEPARK
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE
AND IN ADDITION ...
For performance and thrills, the
Verbier-La Tzoumaz Bikepark is the
ideal place to give free rein to your
passion! Experts and beginners alike
can pit their skills in this challenging
arena. Five trails for all levels of
difficulty will lead you to discover
the delights of downhill biking amid
exceptional scenery, with a gradient
of up to 700. The less experienced will
benefit from tips from the mountain
bike school to perfect their riding and
refine their style and technique.
Fresh air, stunning panoramas, fun
and recharging batteries – explore the
mountain with just a few pushes of a
pedal! Hire an electric mountain bike
and get to the peaks effortlessly with
the whole family or with your mates
and enjoy every instant. The e-bike
map will guide you through five routes
with a number of great pit-stops.
And when you’re comfortably settled
on a sunny terrace, you’ll already be
thinking about your next excursion.
Grab your two-wheelers for a unique
way of getting to know the region!
Fans of the Grande Boucle can join
the Valais section of the 2009 Tour
de France, which will take them to
Verbier or to the Grand-St-Bernard
pass, following in the footsteps of
professional athletes. To have a totally
relaxed pedalling outing, opt for an
excursion in the villages and revel in
the magic of the surrounding décor.
HIKING
22 | 23
MONT-FORT HUT
HAUT VAL DE BAGNES
DAYS
GROUNDHOG
100% NATURAL
Set off on a voyage of discovery of a region filled with
character by hiking some of the 400 km of sign-posted
paths in the heart of Verbier | Val de Bagnes region. From
themed paths for all levels of expertise to hikes taking
place over several days, everyone will enjoy both the natural
and cultural wealth of these places. And after a great walk, take
a break on a terrace to savour the region’s gourmet treats,
before a unique panorama, while you savour some of the
region’s gastronomic specialities.
BISSE
BISSES
A FEW SUGGESTIONS
Proof of man’s ingeniousness, the
“bisses” (ancient water courses)
have crossed the Valais since the
Middle Ages, carrying water from
the highest peaks to the fields and
orchards in the valley. Still used for
irrigation, they are a reason to take
off on a refreshing excursion next to
the water. The “bisse de Levron” is
a particularly good example of the
original procedure.
SENTIER DES CHAMOIS
VERBIER - 5H30
From La Chaux (taking the lifts), the path
goes along the south face of the Bec des
Rosses along the heights of the Val de
Bagnes up to the Louvie hut.
VERBIER BISSE DU LEVRON
2H10 ONE-WAY
BRUSON BISSE DES RAVINES | 2H00
TOUR DU BARRAGE DE MAUVOISIN
FIONNAY - 7H30
Explore the perimeter of the spectacular
Lac de Mauvoisin surrounded by gigantic
waterfalls. Stop for a welcome break at
Cabane Chanrion when you are halfway.
TOUR DES LACS
BRUNET - 7H30
The Tour des Lac includes 14 alpine lakes
along the glaciers of the Haut Val de
Bagnes.
TOUR DES ÉCURIES À VOÛTES
FIONNAY - 7H30
TOUR DES COMBINS
6 DAYS
HAUTE ROUTE CHAMONIX – ZERMATT
8 DAYS
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
24 | 25
CLIMBING & PARAGLIDING
GOLF
A THIRST FOR ADVENTURE?
PARAGLIDING
You have never seen Verbier and the
Val de Bagnes from this angle! Touch
your dream of freedom with your
fingertip and fly above Verbier and the
Val de Bagnes in a paraglider! Alone
or in tandem – get your fill of amazing
sensations both summer and winter.
Renowned for its winds and thermals,
the region offers endless possibilities.
CLIMBING AND
MOUNTAINEERING
Flirt with the rocks and place your
emotion at the summit! You will
use strength and balance on the
mountainside to reach a unique
view-point. With 850 faces, 64
climbing sites and seven different
types of rock, the region is a natural
playground which you can attempt to
master. Beginners can cut their teeth
on the external walls or introductory
gardens devoted to training.
SUNRISE ON THE MONT-FORT
Fans of the mountains will find their
Eldorado in Verbier | Val de Bagnes.
The region has several legendary
summits for experienced climbers,
including the Aiguilles du Tour and
the Dolent. The most mythical ascent
remains the Grand Combin, which
peaks at 4,314 metres.
The Haute Route, which links
Chamonix to Zermatt, also crosses
the region. Both spectacular and
demanding, this itinerary will take you
on a voyage of discovery of the most
beautiful 4,000 metre mountains over
several days of effort and emotion.
GOLF
THE SPORTS CENTRE
AND THEN
Practicing one’s swing in the Alps?
Golfers have something to look
forward to because Verbier will
turn on the charm with the 18 hole
Esserts Gold Course, as well as
the Moulins approach golf course
located at the top of the resort.
Challenge your friends to the technical
difficulties of mountain greens. The
surrounding courses in Sion, Sierre,
Crans-Montana and Loèche-lesBains complement the offering and
guarantee a wide range of different
fairways.
Pool, sauna, Turkish bath, skating rink
volley-ball grounds, tennis and squash
courts or ping-pong and go-karting on
ice – so many possibilities for you to
have fun with family and friends.
If you still have loads of energy?
From sunrise on the Mont Fort to a
riding lesson in the resort, we offer a
wide number of varied activities, like
scooters, go-karting, trampolining or
Kids Days and walks next to the Train
des Combins. On your marks, get set,
go!
Themed trails | Jardin des Roches
mauvoisin dam | Fishing Minigolf Hockey
Curling | Pétanque Football | Wine tasting
Craft market | Moviers | Museums ….
SUMMER MAP
HORSE RIDING
26 | 27
THE SPORTS CENTRE
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE VAL DE BAGNES
TENNIS
SUMMER CALENDAR
28 | 29
BAGNES CAPITALE DE LA RACLETTE
VERBIER FESTIVAL
18.07-03.08.2014 / VERBIER
Every year, the greatest
classical music performers
meet at the Verbier Festival,
for two weeks of pure
enchantment! The event
offers a wide range of music
shows, from the splendour
of symphony masterpieces
to the intimacy of recitals.
Although the festival is
mainly devoted to classical
music, it also opens the
door to jazz and world
music. Free concerts in
bars and cafés, rehearsals
and open workshops,
concert presentations and
conferences: music lovers
and curious onlookers of all
persuasions will be in seventh
heaven.
JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE VERBIER
www.verbierfestival.com
VERBIER BIKEFEST
MAY
JULY
AUGUST
FONDATION 3-D
24.05-05.07.2014 / VERBIER
The 3-D Foundation hosts several
contemporary artists in Verbier for nearly
a month. Every day, check out their works
and creation process.
www.3-dfoundation.com
TRAIL VERBIER ST-BERNARD
12-13.07.2014
Long distance running race through five
valleys and seven communes. Three
routes on option: 111 km, 61 km, 29 km.
www.trailvsb.com
NATIONAL DAY
01.08.2014 / VERBIER | VAL DE BAGNES
JUNE
VERBIER MARKET
Every Sunday from 06.07 to 24.08.2014
TOUR DU VAL DE BAGNES
08.06.2014 / LE CHÂBLE
Running race around the Val de Bagnes
with a three person relay.
MARTIGNY – MAUVOISIN
COURSE CYCLISTE
20.07.2014 / VAL DE BAGNES
www.vcmartigny.ch
FINISH OF 8TH STAGE OF THE TOUR
DE SUISSE 21.06.2014 / VERBIER
TROPHÉE DES COMBINS
02-03.08.2014 / FIONNAY
Mountain running race.
www.combin.ch
FÊTE DES FAMILLES
15.08.2014 / VERBIER
In the pastures at La Chaux, free concerts
and entertainment for the young and the
young at heart.
www.verbierbooking.com
15 AUGUST MARKET
15.08.2014 / FIONNAY
Craft market.
JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE
VERBIER 15-24.08.2014 / VERBIER
Horse-riding competition attended by the
best Swiss and international riders .
www.verbier-cso.com
GRAND RAID VERBIER – GRIMENTZ
16.08.2014 / VERBIER
International mountain bike marathon
starting from Verbier.
www.grand-raid.ch
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
VERBIER BIKE FEST
05-07.09.2014 / VERBIER
Motorbike meeting with concerts and
spectacular demonstrations.
www.verbierbikefest.ch
RALLYE INTERNATIONAL DU VALAIS
22-25.10.2014 / VERBIER
Car race on the roads in Verbier and the
Val de Bagnes.
BAGNES CAPITALE DE LA RACLETTE
27-28.09.2014 / LE CHÂBLE
Big village fair with PDO Raclette cheese
tasting from the various pastures and cow
procession.
www.Bagnesraclette.ch
The dates indicated are subject to change.
Please check with the various tourist offices
in the area and on our website - www.
verbier.ch
FAMILIES
30 | 31
KITEFESTIVAL
BISSE
SLEDGING
FAMILIES
32 | 33
SLED DOGS
GRAND RAID - KIDS
CHILDREN’S PARADISE
Experience something new with your family
in Verbier | Val de Bagnes. This is the perfect
destination for both littlies and not so little with
the region offering loads of activities indoors
and outdoors. Roars of laughter and happy
kids – a sure bet!
KIDS DAYS - CLIMBING
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES
GUIDED ACTIVITIES
FOR GRASS SKIERS
Sled dogs | Hiking | Mountain biking
Cows | Recreation park | Mini golf
Trampolino | Sports Centre | Scooters
Climbing walls and introduction to
climbing walls | Visits/Excursions
Dogs | Museums | ...
KIDS DAYS
VERBIER KID’S CLUB
THINGS TO DO IN BAD
WEATHER
Sports centre | Movies | Library
Climbing walls | Célestin le Bouquetin
Dam Trail | ...
Daytime holiday camps for groups of
children aged 4 to 7, 8 to 13 and 14
to 17 years old, featuring sports and
artistic activities.
CAMPS
Multisport | languages | art | hockey
football | tennis.
SCHOOLS
Creche | Babysitters | language school
Horse-riding.
From 3 to 6 years old, Ski run
reserved for Swiss Ski School, Snow
village, Half or full day (with lunch)
* Discover further activities for your kids, on
the excursions pages - 40 | 41.
CURIOSITIES & CULTURE
34 | 35
LOURTIER
MAUVOISIN DAM & HEIZER’S SCULPTURE
SAW & MILL OF SARREYER
CURIOSITIES & CULTURE
BOCHERESSE
36 | 37
MILLE’A PASTURE
ITRE & MAUVOISIN LAKE
THE HIGHEST ARCHED DAM IN EUROPE
MAUVOISIN DAM
THE MUSEUMS
CONTEMPORARY ART
In the heart of the Haut Val de Bagnes
Reserve, Mauvoisin Dam rises up in
a spectacular landscape dominated
by the Grand Combin range (4,314
m). Built in the 1950s, it is used to
produce hydraulic energy. Between
the path and the inside galleries, an
educational path takes you to the
very heart of the dam, to discover its
history. On the summit, a fantastic
view over Mauvoisin Lake and its
gushing waterfalls awaits you along
with a contemporary photo exhibition.
The Musée de Bagnes offers themed
exhibitions and exhibitions by local
artists inside the walls of the old
Châble priory as well as outside
through the Art en Balade programme.
The six Maisons du Patrimoine offer
visitors unparalleled experiences
retracing the history of the region and
its traditions: manufacturing of tools
and bells, soapstone cutting, saw mill
or ancient dwellings. Discover the
culture and history of Alpine societies
through the Val de Bagnes.
At 2,500m, facing the majestic
Alps, discover distinguished and
internationally renowned artists in
the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park. For
a journey between Art and Nature,
lose yourself in the Tangential Circular
Negative Line, a brand new work
by Michael Heizer, one of the most
significant American Land Art artists.
Photographs are exhibited outdoors
through the Art en Balade initiative
offered by the Musée de Bagnes
above Verbier or at Mauvoisin Dam.
HAUT VAL DE BAGNES
NATURE RESERVE &
GEOPARC
The second largest Swiss nature
reserve, the Haut Val de Bagnes has
been a protected area since 1968.
Take in the wealth of its flora and
be on the lookout for ibex, chamois
deer and marmots. Located at
Bonatchiesse, the garden is an open
invitation to spot the different kinds
of rock, the reflection of the region’s
mineral heritage. To enrich your walks,
a simplified geological guide to the
Val de Bagnes is on sale in the Châble
and Verbier tourist offices.
HÉRENS BREED COWS
With a natural desire to fight, cows
belonging to the Hérens species
gambol in the pastures making their
bells ring far and wide. After fiery
battles, the queens become the rulers
of the pastures. These gentle dairy
cows are key participants in upholding
the reputation of the famous Bagnes
cheese. You’ll see them during the
inalpes (when they go up to the
mountain pastures) and the désalpes
(when they come down again) or
simply around the pastures.
TRADITIONAL
ARCHITECTURE
In the olden days, traditional chalets
and “mayens” were lived in, while
attics, granaries and barns were
used for storing hay, grain or other
feed. These buildings with their
original charm underscore the
character of the villages in the Val de
Bagnes. Along the road are arched
stables and memory stones bearing
witness to shepherd activity in days
gone by. Other notable buildings
include medieval bread ovens
which are regularly fired up for local
celebrations.
GASTRONOMY
38 | 39
TRADITIONS
GASTRONOMY
MELT WITH DELIGHT!
PDO Raclette cheese, spiced dried meat, skilfully
leavened rye bread – the region is bursting with Alpine
culinary traditions and delights. Due to its privileged
geographical location, the Val de Bagnes enjoys and
ideal climate which is the basis of the richness of its
local produce. Local specialities rub shoulders with top
gastronomy and quality wines that will easily conquer
your heart in one of the region’s many restaurants.
RACLETTE
LOCAL PRODUCE
BAGNES CHEESE
Follow your taste buds and discover
flavours typical of Verbier | Val de
Bagnes! Renowned for its PDO
Raclette, the region also offers a rich
palette of local produce and gourmet
addresses. Salting meat and cheese
– previously required to conserve
produce – is today an integral part of
the region’s culinary traditions. Taste
and enjoy – you’ll never be able to do
without.
From the pasture to the dairy,
discover the process of manufacturing
Bagnes cheese and end your day with
a taste of authentic PDO Raclette.
“Bagnes the Raclette Capital”, an
event which is living proof of the
taste culture which rules supreme
in the region and brings generations
together. And for the cherry on the top
– taste the highest fondue in Europe in
the igloo bar on the peak of the Mont
Fort at an altitude of 3,330 metres.
AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL
PLANTS
Famous for its mountains and
gastronomy, the region is also wellknown for its aromatic and medicinal
plant cultures. Thyme, lemon balm,
mint and several dozen other species
are used to make herb teas, sweets
and well-known cosmetics, bringing
the freshness and benefits of the
mountain within everyone’s reach.
Bagnes cheese | Raclette PDO | Fondue | Cold meats | Dried meat | Raw ham | Sausages | PDO rye bread Apricots from the Valais | Eauxde-vie (Abricotine et Williamine) | Handmade fruit juice | Honey
EXCURSIONS
40 | 41
AND THEN…
IN THE SURROUNDINGS
ADVENTURE PARKS
NATURE & HERITAGE
GRAND ST-BERNARD PASS AND
HOSPICE
Visit the hospice and its museum which
covers the history of this shelter and stopoff point since the beginning of time. Take
advantage of your visit to have a walk with
the famous St-Bernard dogs.
WESTERN CITY | MARTIGNY
Theme park for kids.
www.western-city.ch
DURNAND GORGES
LES VALETTES / BOVERNIER
This one hour walk provides a spectacular
aquatic show, orchestrated by 14
waterfalls on a tumultuous river.
www.gorgesdudurnand.ch
CHAMPEX-LAC AND ITS ALPINE
GARDEN
Visit the magnificent “Flore-Alpe” Alpine
Garden for a combination of summer
botany and romanticism. Whatever the
weather, don’t miss a pleasant walk
around the lake.
THERMAL CENTRES
SAILLON | www.bainsdesaillon.ch
OVRONNAZ | www.thermalp.ch
VAL D’ILLIEZ | www.thermes-parc.com
LOÈCHE-LES-BAINS | www.leukerbad.ch
LAVEY-LES-BAINS | www.lavey-lesbains.ch
LABYRINTHE AVENTURE | ÉVIONNAZ
The largest permanent labyrinth in the
world.
www.labyrinthe.ch
HAPPYLAND | GRANGES
Theme park for kids.
www.happylandnew.ch
AQUAPARC | LE BOUVERET
Waterworld.
www.aquaparc.ch
SWISS VAPEUR PARC | LE BOUVERET
A miniature replica of Swiss trains and
railway heritage.
www.swissvapeur.ch
ALPINE ZOO
LES MARÉCOTTES
Mountain animals at Les Marécottes Zoo
develop in their natural environment.
www.zoo-alpin.ch
DINSOSAUR FOOTPRINTS AND DAM
ÉMOSSON
Marvel at the dinosaur footprints at VieuxEmosson! This is the most important
Palaeontology site of its kind in Europe.
www.emosson-lac.ch
UNDERGROUND LAKE
ST-LÉONARD
Discovered in 1943, this is the largest
navigable underground lake in Europe.
www.lac-souterrain.com
CITIES & MUSEUMS
VAL D’HÉRENS
This region is home to the Grande Dixence
– the biggest gravity dam in the world –
whose unparalleled height is a fascinating
285m. The Euseigne pyramids are also an
amazing natural phenomenon.
www.valdherens-tourisme.ch
MARTIGNY
Explore remnants from the ancient
Roman era in the town of Octodure or
enjoy an artistic moment at the Fondation
Gianadda.
www.martigny.com
ICE SEA
CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC
Tons of excursions to go and explore
around the Mont-Blanc.
www.chamonix.com
SION
With its 7000-year history, the capital of
Valais is the matriarch of Swiss towns.
Visit its colourful old town and the castles
overlooking it.
www.siontourisme.ch
ALETSCH GLACIER
RIEDERALP
This glacier is the longest in Europe and is
classified a UNESCO world heritage site!
www.aletscharena.ch
SIERRE
The sunniest town in Switzerland is home
to one of the two sites belonging to the
Valais Museum of Vineyards and Wine.
www.sierre-anniviers.ch
PAVILLON DE GLACE
SAAS-FEE
The highest in the world at 3,500 m!
www.saas-fee.ch
ST-MAURICE
Founded in the 6th century, the Abbey of
St-Maurice hosted pilgrims on their way to
Grand-St-Bernard.
www.saint-maurice.ch
MATTERHORN
ZERMATT
Switzerland’s iconic image.
www.zermatt.ch
MONTREUX
The magnificent Château de Chillon on
the banks of Lake Geneva is a must for all
history lovers. In town, take a stroll down
Montreux’s promenade, lined with exotic
trees.
www.montreuxriviera.com
LAUSANNE
Lausanne’s museums will show you art in
all its forms. Those not-to-be missed at
all costs are the Olympic Museum and the
Gothic Cathedral.
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
GENEVA
Known all over the world for its Jet d’eau,
the city at the end of the lake glitters with
its wealth of museums and its cathedral.
www.geneve-tourisme.ch
PARTNERSHIPS
42 | 43
Moving
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