CANTON OF VALAIS
The Canton of Valais is in many aspects quite similar to Arizona. Both are “go-to” destinations for vacationers from all over the world, and their respective icons are on the bucket lists of millions of people-yes, the Grand Canyon & the Matterhorn. The backdrop of their capitals is similar. Phoenix has the Camelback Mountain and Sion has the two hills of Valère & Tourbillon. Both Arizona and the Valais have unique & diverse landscapes and depend heavily on tourism. In this spotlight we’ll introduce you to the canton and in the future we’ll take a close look at many of the great Valaisian destinations.
“Crisp, playful, a bit naughty, sometimes even daring” is a tantalizing description, but few would have guessed that it was a description given to Swiss wines. For that matter, few realize how much good wine is produced in Switzerland. Perhaps it’s not as well known outside its borders because the Swiss drink most of it. The Valais is known for its Fendant and the highest vineyard in Europe is located on the terraced slopes of Visp in the upper Valais. If you are a wine aficionado or an enologist, a visit to the Wine Museum in Sierre is a must. Many recommend following the 6 kilometer wine growing trail from Sierre to Salgesch. By the way, the labels on bottles of Valais wine always show the grape variety in contrast to regions stressing the estate name or brand.
Many traditions & celebrations are held throughout Europe and the western hemisphere during the period leading up to Shove Tuesday. Whether you call them Carnival, Fasnacht or Mardi Gras, they are fun and fraught with history. The Lötschental region of the Valais which lies between the Valaisian & Bernese Alps has one of the more memorable & fascinating customs -Tschäggättä. Originally it was a courtship ritual practiced solely by local bachelors. Today men & women as well as children don carved masks, then rampage throughout the village streets in pursuit of women & children. Wearing these truly scary masks and covered with pelts of sheep or goat skin with bells hanging from their belt, they try to catch their “victims” to rub their icy gloves over their faces. Needless to say, there is also a parade of participants geared to tourist to the event.
Regardless of the season, a visit to the Valais is always an incredible experience. With its varied terrain & landscapes, its unspoilt villages, its hiking trails and natural beauty, the Valais will draw you back for more visits. Be it a trip to Zermatt with its Matterhorn, to the Goms Valley with its villages, to Saas-Fee who many call the “Pearl of the Alps”, or to any of the cities along the Rhône River, you’ll not be disappointed.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
The Canton of Valais is in many aspects quite similar to Arizona. Both are “go-to” destinations for vacationers from all over the world, and their respective icons are on the bucket lists of millions of people-yes, the Grand Canyon & the Matterhorn. The backdrop of their capitals is similar. Phoenix has the Camelback Mountain and Sion has the two hills of Valère & Tourbillon. Both Arizona and the Valais have unique & diverse landscapes and depend heavily on tourism. In this spotlight we’ll introduce you to the canton and in the future we’ll take a close look at many of the great Valaisian destinations.
“Crisp, playful, a bit naughty, sometimes even daring” is a tantalizing description, but few would have guessed that it was a description given to Swiss wines. For that matter, few realize how much good wine is produced in Switzerland. Perhaps it’s not as well known outside its borders because the Swiss drink most of it. The Valais is known for its Fendant and the highest vineyard in Europe is located on the terraced slopes of Visp in the upper Valais. If you are a wine aficionado or an enologist, a visit to the Wine Museum in Sierre is a must. Many recommend following the 6 kilometer wine growing trail from Sierre to Salgesch. By the way, the labels on bottles of Valais wine always show the grape variety in contrast to regions stressing the estate name or brand.
Many traditions & celebrations are held throughout Europe and the western hemisphere during the period leading up to Shove Tuesday. Whether you call them Carnival, Fasnacht or Mardi Gras, they are fun and fraught with history. The Lötschental region of the Valais which lies between the Valaisian & Bernese Alps has one of the more memorable & fascinating customs -Tschäggättä. Originally it was a courtship ritual practiced solely by local bachelors. Today men & women as well as children don carved masks, then rampage throughout the village streets in pursuit of women & children. Wearing these truly scary masks and covered with pelts of sheep or goat skin with bells hanging from their belt, they try to catch their “victims” to rub their icy gloves over their faces. Needless to say, there is also a parade of participants geared to tourist to the event.
Regardless of the season, a visit to the Valais is always an incredible experience. With its varied terrain & landscapes, its unspoilt villages, its hiking trails and natural beauty, the Valais will draw you back for more visits. Be it a trip to Zermatt with its Matterhorn, to the Goms Valley with its villages, to Saas-Fee who many call the “Pearl of the Alps”, or to any of the cities along the Rhône River, you’ll not be disappointed.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
