The highs and lows of canton Valais

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The high peaks and ritzy resorts of canton Valais' keep it head and shoulders above most other regions in the Alps. Since the early 19th century, climbers have been drawn to the dizzying heights of the Matterhorn and the numerous other 4,000-metre peaks of the region.

On their heels came ordinary tourists, merely seeking a glimpse of the alpine giants.

Poor alpine villages such as Zermatt, Saas Fee and the spa town of Leukerbad were transformed into fashionable resorts, which to this day have retained a certain amount of authenticity.

Verbier and Crans-Montana rose out of the ashes in the latter half of the 20th century to become world-famous resorts.

Verbier offers world class skiing while it’s the après ski in Crans-Montana that attracts the wealthy hordes. Both towns pay only lip service to traditional Swiss culture.

Longest glacier

Families flock to the resorts of the Aletsch region in Upper Valais, which border on the Aletsch Glacier – the longest in the Alps.

The resorts are also car-free.

The long Rhône Valley that cuts through the middle of Valais is ideal for wine growing with vineyards dominating the slopes.

Zermatt and Saas Fee

At the eastern end of the valley, the small town of Brig is the starting point for the mountain railway excursions to the Aletsch region, Saas Fee and Zermatt, but is worth a look in its own right.

The impressive Stockalper castle in the town centre recalls the glory days in the 17th century when a local baron controlled the vital salt trade over the Simplon Pass.

Julius Caesar

The town of Martigny at the western end of the valley is home to the prestigious Gianadda art gallery.

From Martigny, visitors have a choice of heading to Lake Geneva, or following in the footsteps of the legions of Julius Caesar or armies of Napoleon by taking the road over the Grand St Bernard Pass to Italy.

swissinfo, Dale Bechtel