February 2021

Valais is just a click away

Dear journalists,

In 2020, we learned that it is more important than ever to clear our minds. This year, we want to pursue this path. From the comfort of your home, flat, chalet or office, draw inspiration from the Valais for your research work. Discover our new digital marketplace to book a full stay in just a few clicks, find out about the current situation with regard to coronavirus, learn a few words in Valaisan dialect, or get to know two personalities who are passionate about the traditions and customs of the Valais.

Would you like to find out more about Valais? Don’t hesitate to contact us: we would be delighted to provide you with further information or organise interviews.

Discover our new digital marketplace for Valais.

Discover our new digital marketplace for Valais

Faced with this unprecedented global crisis, Valais remains actively creative and innovative. Guests in Valais can now book and pay for their entire stay in just a few clicks via a single online platform. From a hotel overnight stay to a wine & gourmet food experience or a ski pass – and much more besides. It's a chance to dream about the next holiday, take a virtual breath of fresh air and prepare to feel a real sense of freedom.

Mountains from the Aletsch region, Valais, Switzerland

“Bonzò! Güete Tag ! “: find out more about Valais culture

“Bonzò! Güete Tag ! “: find out more about Valais culture

Valais is a home to many people, who actively continue making their mark on this region, from north to south, with their traditions and customs. Valais dialects – of which there are several, each with its own local peculiarities – continue to shape everyday speech, particularly through certain words and expressions. On Instagram, Walliserditsch.ch presents a word or expression in dialect every day.

Overview of Sion with a view of a castle, Valais, Switzerland

Clear your mind

Clear your mind

In full compliance with public health measures, getting a deep breath of fresh air in Valais is always possible and even highly recommended. Be it for ski lifts, hotels (and their restaurants and spas) or shops, you’ll find all the information on the current situation on our website.

Herens Dents Veisivi, Wallis, Schweiz

Did you know?

Starry sky over the Matterhorn, Valais, Switzerland

“Wallisertiitsch” (“Valais German”) is spoken by more than 80,000 people living between Sierre and Oberwald. It is notable for being the oldest language spoken in Switzerland.

The originals of the peluches and empaillés from Evolène probably date from this period, Valais, Switzerland

The Celtic peoples who lived in Valais in the Bronze Age observed rituals throughout the winter to banish evil spirits and allow the spring to come. The peluches and empaillés featured in Evolène’s Carnival no doubt owe their origins to this period.

Our tips

  • Tip 1

    Valais is an open, creative and dynamic canton, which is capable of innovation and dares to combine tradition with modernity. The Valais is all about its native men and women endowed with exceptional ideas, an extraordinary history, a unique lifestyle and a wealth of passions. It is also enriched by the “adopted” sons and daughters who have made the Valais their homeland or who have brought their life plan to fruition there. Make yourself comfortable and let our stories inspire you.

    Stories

  • Tip 2

    Mountains, lakes, plain, valley, vineyards: what are the top attractions and must-see sights during a stay in Valais? We have picked out for you the unmissable places to experience and the best things to do next time you are here. From Upper Valais to Central Valais and Lower Valais, discover the most beautiful spots to visit for an unforgettable trip.

    Further information

Portraits

Edith Vuignier is enthusiastic about the traditional costume of Evolène, Valais, Switzerland

Edith Vuignier

From: Evolène

Activity: Tourism specialist

Note: Edith Vuignier is passionate Evolène's folk costume. Due to its geographical isolation, the authenticity of Evolène and its village atmosphere have been preserved. The Evolène patois is one of the few dialects in French-speaking Switzerland that has not vanished. Still very much alive, it is spoken by representatives of the different generations.  

Further information

Thanks to the association "Clownvisite" founded by Susanne Hugo-Lötscher, since 2011 sick, elderly and disabled people in Upper Valais have also enjoyed moments of joy through visits from health clowns, Valais, Switzerland

Susanne Hugo-Lötscher

Birthday: 27.12.1960

From: Agarn

Activity: Storyteller and public relations specialist

Note: Thanks to the "Clownvisite" association founded by Susanne Hugo-Lötscher, sick, elderly and disabled people in the Upper Valais have been able to enjoy moments of joy through the visits of health clowns since 2011.

Further information

Valais in figures

300 days of sunshine a year
45 summits more than 4,000 metres high
55 grape varieties
1/3 of Switzerland’s vineyards
3,000 km of dry-stone walls
8 AOP and IGP products
56 typical products with the Valais brand label
1,815 tons of Raclette AOP produced in 2020
5 thermal spa resorts
8 family resorts with the “Family Destination” label

Coronavirus

Current situation in Valais

Lac Fenetre Val Ferret La Fouly Valais Wallis Schweiz Suisse

Press kits

Full press kit on activities and new developments in Valais

Flowers in the Val Ferret Valais Wallis Schweiz Suisse

Media trips in Valais

We offer themed press trips to various destinations in Valais.

Landscape with stones and fir trees in the Vallon de Réchy Valais Wallis Schweiz Suisse

Photo library

You will find more than 18,000 pictures of Valais in our photo library, available for editorial use. Please re...