Sidetracked Magazine

Waking up at Chez Gaby 1670, it feels like you’re part of the Dents du Midi, so close is the impressive mountain range. The panorama is also served for lunch and dinner; Valais platter, breads, and cheeses are all from the area, and in the evening the dishes are even more elaborate. Surrounded by an impressive collection of more than 190 cowbells!

Chez Gaby 1670

Dents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

The Dents du Midi are the region’s very own seven natural wonders. Circumnavigate the iconic mountain range in two, three or four days, while enjoying the stark contrasts between glacial peaks and verdant Alpine meadows. Well-trained athletes even run the 52km tour or climb the Dents du Midi’s highest peak, the Haute Cime at 3,257m. Either way, keep an eye out for wildlife: you might spot a local chamois, ibex, marmot, or ptarmigan.

Hiking Tour of the Dents du Midi

The ‘Grand 8’ (French term for roller-coaster) is a 40km route to the most beautiful places in the shape of a giant figure-of-eight. The terrain offers everything from smooth tarmac to rocky roads, and with the help of your battery (e-bikes are easy to rent in the villages) you can focus on the panorama – historic Alpine chalets and mountain lakes included.

E-bike Tour ‘Grand 8’ Around the Portes du Soleil

Having lunch on the terrace at the Alpage de la Chaux is hard to beat. The historic wooden chalet, dating from 1871, is located high above the village of Morgins, where the cows graze and the marmots sing. Local meats and cheeses are beautifully arranged on wooden chopping boards and decorated with mountain flowers. It’s a place where time stands still.

Alpage de la Chaux, Morgins

Located 10m (no typo) from the gondola in Veysonnaz, this hotel offers direct access to the mountain beauty around. Its style mingles Alpine tradition with a modern touch, and the sunny terrace is an invitation to try the local Raclette du Valais AOP.

Magrappé

It may look like a normal mountain hut, but this restaurant offers well-composed dishes that could make downtown city venues jealous. It is located in the heart of the bisses; when you hike along the water canals, make sure to stop by on the flowered terrace for some local cheeses or excellent game.

Les Bisses

Right in the heart of the 4 Vallées, the villages of Nendaz and Veysonnaz are an insider’s tip on where to do that best. The area is a paradise for hikers, notably thanks to its unique network of bisses. Back in the old days, these small irrigation canals were dug into the ground, carved or suspended on the rock walls by farmers to water the crops and orchards. What once was smart agriculture is nowadays the perfect hiking terrain, as there are 98km of picture-perfect paths running along the bisses. As if made for mountain lovers, they are gently inclined and traverse varied sites with surprising views of the valleys.

Hike Along Ancient Water Trails

This mountain bike itinerary links three resorts: Nendaz, Verbier, and La Tzoumaz. Thanks to the many lifts, this tour takes in more than 3,000m of descent but barely 511m of uphill: what could be better? With rough Alpine descents and an unforgettable final downhill, this tour winding through the mountains is something special.

Tour du Mont-Fort

Nendaz, Switzerland

At Hotel Waldhaus you will wake up surrounded by trees and with fantastic views to the Matterhorn and other 4,000m peaks. Located next to the cable car mountain station of Bettmeralp, Hotel Waldhaus is very central but still very calm. Offering a romantic fireplace, cool hammocks, and an amazing hot pot on the roof top terrace: you’ll never want to leave.

Hotel & Restaurant Waldhaus

Discover the fascinating ice world under your own soles on a glacier hike. Local mountain guides take you along, in harness and ropes, to explore this natural wonder and explain its intricacies. The total approximate walking time of six hours includes two to three hours on the Aletsch Glacier – you could also enjoy a local speciality after the breathtaking glacier trek in one of the charming mountain huts.

Aletsch Glacier Hike

Who would have guessed that you could have a culinary revelation in a former tool shed? The Chüestall in Riederalp was once home to snow cats and cannons, but now the modern building is one of the most popular restaurants on the hill, with Raclette du Valais AOP, fondue, and an endless panorama.

Chüestall

Aletsch Glacier, Fieschertal, Switzerland

When travelling in a group, this modern lodge offers the individuality of a holiday apartment without missing the hotel’s comforts. With space for up to seven people and spacious living-dining rooms (some with fireplace), they are made for reminiscing about the daytime adventures – and in the morning there’s a huge breakfast buffet waiting.

Elite Alpine Lodge

Above the treeline, the Almagell High-Altitude Trail offers spectacular views of the Mischabel Massif, which features some of the highest mountains in Switzerland. Look down at the turquoise waters of the Mattmark dam, the biggest earthen dam in Europe, have a delicious lunch at the rustic Almagelleralp, and enjoy the unique glacier landscape while soaking up the sun.

Almagell High-Altitude Hiking Trail

Tender pikeperch or mint lamb: no matter which delicacy you feel like, make sure to snatch a table at the big panorama windows at Zer Schlucht. Schlucht means canyon in German; the classy restaurant has a glass-edged floor and you’ll look down on the thunderous waters of the Fee Gorge while delicacies melt on your palate.

Restaurant Zer Schlucht

Located at a lofty 3,206m, the Jägihorn via ferrata is the highest in the Western Alps. Even though the panorama is dramatic, don’t forget to watch your step, as there are 400 pegs (steps and grips) and five ladders leading to the summit. This is a serious challenge, with some of the best climbing in the country.

Jegihorn Via Ferrata

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

A Journey through Time in Switzerland’s Valais Region
Written by Anke Eberhardt // Photography: Johny Cook // Film: Summit Fever Media
Produced in partnership with Switzerland Tourism and Valais Matterhorn Region

Valais - Four Days Four Seasons

Arriving atDents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Check-InChez Gaby 1670
Val-d'Illiez CH, Route de Champoussin 67...

Hiking Tour of the Dents du Midi
Dents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

E-bike Tour ‘Grand 8’ Around the Portes ...
Dents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Alpage de la Chaux, Morgins
Gîte Alpage La Chaux, Troistorrents, Swi...

Departing fromDents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Check-OutChez Gaby 1670
Val-d'Illiez CH, Route de Champoussin 67...

Arriving atNendaz, Switzerland

Hike Along Ancient Water Trails
Nendaz (4 Valleys), Route de la Télécabi...

Les Bisses
Les Bisses Auberge et restaurant, Chemin...

Tour du Mont-Fort
Route Tour du Mont, Chalais, Switzerland

Check-InMagrappé
Rte du Télécabine, 1993 Veysonnaz, Switz...

Departing fromNendaz, Switzerland

Check-OutMagrappé
Rte du Télécabine, 1993 Veysonnaz, Switz...

Arriving atAletsch Glacier, Fieschertal, Switzerlan...

Aletsch Glacier Hike
Aletsch Glacier, Fieschertal, Switzerlan...

Check-InHotel & Restaurant Waldhaus
3992 Bettmeralp, Switzerland

Chüestall
Chüestall, Postfach, Riederalp, Switzerl...

Departing fromAletsch Glacier, Fieschertal, Switzerlan...

Check-OutHotel & Restaurant Waldhaus
3992 Bettmeralp, Switzerland

Arriving atSaas-Fee, Switzerland

Almagell High-Altitude Hiking Trail
Almagell, Saas-Almagell, Switzerland

Restaurant Zer Schlucht
Hotel La Gorge & Restaurant Zer Schlucht...

Jegihorn Via Ferrata
Jegihorn, Saas-Grund, Switzerland

Check-InElite Alpine Lodge
Haltenstrasse 21, 3906 Saas-Fee, Switzer...

Departing fromSaas-Fee, Switzerland

Check-OutElite Alpine Lodge
Haltenstrasse 21, 3906 Saas-Fee, Switzer...

Valais - Four Days Four Seasons

Arriving atDents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Check-InChez Gaby 1670Val-d'Illiez CH, Route de Champoussin 67...

Hiking Tour of the Dents du MidiDents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

E-bike Tour ‘Grand 8’ Around the Portes ...Dents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Alpage de la Chaux, MorginsGîte Alpage La Chaux, Troistorrents, Swi...

Departing fromDents du Midi, Val-d'Illiez, Switzerland

Check-OutChez Gaby 1670Val-d'Illiez CH, Route de Champoussin 67...

Arriving atNendaz, Switzerland

Hike Along Ancient Water TrailsNendaz (4 Valleys), Route de la Télécabi...

Les BissesLes Bisses Auberge et restaurant, Chemin...

Tour du Mont-FortRoute Tour du Mont, Chalais, Switzerland

Check-InMagrappéRte du Télécabine, 1993 Veysonnaz, Switz...