In the heart of French-speaking Valais, six villages have joined together to form the largest skiing and hiking area in Switzerland.
We are talking about the villages of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, La Tzoumaz and Siviez. Les 4 Vallées overlooks the Rhone Valley and is not far from Sion, the capital of the Valais region. It is a particularly attractive area from a landscape point of view, surrounded by the Bernese and Valais Alps and with a view that ranges from Mont Blanc to the Grand Combin.
The area offers over 412 km of slopes, which unfold through glaciers, canals directly set in the rock and woods. The highest peak in the region is Monte Fort, whose 3.300 meters are made accessible by the cable car that leaves from Haute Nendaz (near the village of Siviez) or from Verbier: it is here that the longest slope in the area is located, with over 15 km in length and a difference in altitude of 2.500 metres, which reaches up to the valley.
Furthermore, the presence of numerous humps and the steep slope also allow speed skiing, through a route reserved for athletes where it is possible to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. From the same locations it is possible to access the Col des Gentianes, 2950 meters high: the glacier and the summit can be reached with the cable car of the same name, and from there it is also possible to reach Verbier.
Among the most beautiful, but also most challenging slopes, there are those that descend the Gentianes, also known as "Tortin humps". Another slope that requires a certain level of technique is the "Piste de l'Ours", located on the slope of the village of Veysonnaz: this descent has also been a stage of the world championship many times.
Discover the best offers for a snow holiday in the best Alpine chalets and huts in the Dolomites, the best facilities immersed in the heart of the Dolomites with typical Alpine style.
Alpine skiing lovers, however, will find an unmissable starting point in Verbier: from here the "Haute Route" stage makes the crossing that connects Zermatt to Saas Fee possible.
Conversely, the "Les Attelas" slopes are much simpler, although they stand out for being among the most beautiful in the area with their 10 km up to Verbier, or the slopes in the Ethérolla and La Chaux area.
Verbier is also among the favorite destinations for lovers of freestyle and extreme ski sports. Events are held here which attract enthusiasts from all over Europe, such as the O' Neill Xtreme held in March and a 24-hour Freeride.
Snowboarders and freestylers, however, will find plenty to satisfy their appetites in the various snowparks located in the Les Quatres Vallées ski area. The Thyon and Verbier areas are particularly noteworthy, with slopes accessible to both beginners and professionals, as well as the park located along the "La Jean-Pierre" slope near Nendaz, where wooden obstacles, boxes, slides, and panoramic jumps promise maximum fun for freestyle enthusiasts. A final tip for those who enjoy competitive challenges is the skicross on the "Fontanet" slope, which features jumps and undulating slopes that allow up to four people to compete in a speed race.
Coming to the technical data, the entire area can boast the presence of over 82 facilities, reachable via 5 different cable cars, 18 chair lifts, 40 ski lifts and 13 gondola lifts. The particularity of the region is given by the extreme environmental compatibility of the facilities and other infrastructures for skiing, which have been designed and built (or updated in recent years, for the older ones) in order to reduce the environmental impact to a minimum and favor eco-sustainability.
The services are also completed by numerous ski schools, present on most of the main slopes. Also pay attention to the baby snow clubs for children and specialized courses for the little ones, on special slopes with reduced difficulty.
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What to do if you don't ski in Les Quatres Vallées?
Although the area is known above all for the almost infinite possibilities of skiing fun, in the area it is also possible to practice other winter sports, as well as visit the villages of the area and savor culinary specialties during events parallel to the main activities aimed at skiers.
For example, there are many restaurants near the main slopes, such as in La Chaux or Ruinettes: in the first it will be possible to wait for family or friends busy on the slopes while taking advantage of gourmet cuisine overlooking the terrace which allows you to admire the Bec des Rosses; at the second, however, a nocturnal downhill race is regularly held accompanied by tastings of Valais wines and a dinner with typical products: followed, for those who want, by a spectacular group descent with torches illuminating the route.
In the seven villages that make up the area, however, not everything revolves around the slopes. In the various locations, in fact, it will be possible to go shopping and visit the local villages and Alpine walks, which are among the most intact compared to the past. There are also many other possibilities for fun and relaxation off the slopes: for example, take advantage of a day of rest from the snow in one of the many wellness centers near the main destinations, or visit the Veysonnaz art museum, known for the works that are kept there.
Obviously, it will also be possible to practice other winter sports: in Nendaz, for example, there is a beautiful 3 km long toboggan run and an ice skating rink, not to mention the possibility of following over one hundred beaten paths and special snowshoe trails snow, such as the Bisse du Milieu itinerary, or ski mountaineering excursions to reach the main peaks, such as the Grand Combin (with its 4.314 metres) and paragliding launches from Mount Tracouet. Furthermore, there are numerous activities dedicated to children, so much so that the location has been indicated among the 21 "Families Welcome" Swiss destinations. Here, in fact, you can find treadmills, snow-tubing slopes and a playground not far from the sled runs.
Nightlife is also particularly intense, mainly in Verbier. Here après-ski is a real cult and there are many terraces and happy hours where you can refresh yourself after a ski run or to spend moments meeting with friends and family.
Snow holidays
With breathtaking slopes and fun for all ages and abilities, the Les Quatres Vallées ski area is a truly perfect destination for a ski holiday. The variety of options available to fully enjoy this resort make it appealing to everyone.
Considered a temple for freeriders, thanks to the many legendary slopes that can be found there, the largest area in Switzerland offers dozens of slopes for the most diverse levels of preparation (from children to beginners, from enthusiasts to professional athletes), but also , as seen, many alternatives for those who don't ski: excursions, different winter sports, extreme experiences. Furthermore, there are special facilities and locations intended for children's entertainment, making the location in the heart of Valais a perfect destination for families too.
