Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Gornergrat Railway
Europe's highest open-air cog railway from Zermatt to 3,089m — a magical journey through alpine scenery with Matterhorn views throughout. Children are captivated by the miniature train, the station at altitude, and the snow.
Duration: 3–5 hours
Leukerbad Thermal Baths (Burgerbad)
Europe's largest alpine thermal spa resort includes outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, and shallow warm pools perfect for children. The outdoor pool with mountain views is particularly magical in winter.
Duration: Half day
Les Marécottes Alpine Zoo
A charming alpine wildlife park near Martigny with bears, wolves, lynx, ibex, and chamois in natural-style enclosures. Also features a small swimming pool and playground. A children's favourite in Valais.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Saas-Fee Glacial Ice Grotto
An underground ice gallery carved directly inside the Fee Glacier at 3,500m, with sculptures and tunnels of deep blue ice. A genuinely otherworldly experience for children of all ages.
Duration: 1 hour
Ski School at Zermatt
Zermatt's ski schools (Zermatters and Swiss Ski School) offer certified instruction from age 3 upward, with dedicated children's ski areas (Magic Carpet, Kinderland) that are gentle and fun.
Duration: Half day to full day lessons; typically 5–10 day courses
Snowshoeing Tour
Guided family snowshoe tours through winter landscapes are available throughout Valais — no experience needed, and children find the large circular shoes hilariously fun.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Rhône Glacier Ice Grotto
Walk inside the Rhône Glacier near Gletsch through carved ice tunnels lit in blue and white. The world's most accessible glacier interior experience — a fascinating natural wonder for children.
Duration: 1 hour
Saillon Thermal Baths
The Bains de Saillon are Valais' most family-affordable thermal baths, with warm outdoor pools, water slides, and a fun pool environment at approximately one-third the cost of Leukerbad.
Duration: Half day
Verbier Bike Park
Verbier's summer bike park has dedicated green (easy) and blue (moderate) downhill trails suitable for older children and beginners, with a dedicated kids' zone and instructors available.
Duration: Half to full day
Grand St Bernard Hospice Dog Visit
Meeting the famous St Bernard rescue dogs at their historic kennel at 2,473m is one of the most memorable experiences for children in Valais. The hospice museum tells the thousand-year story of mountain rescue.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
Saas-Fee's premier family-friendly luxury hotel with a kids club (ages 4–12), indoor heated pool, large family suites, and babysitting service on request. The car-free village setting means children can explore independently.
Family features: Kids club (4–12), indoor pool, family suites, babysitting service, ski storage, in-village location
Hotel Ambassador
A well-regarded Saas-Fee hotel with indoor pool, family rooms, and access to the car-free village. Comfortable and well-priced relative to Zermatt equivalents.
Family features: Indoor pool, family rooms, sauna, car-free village, ski storage
Art de Vivre Hotel
A sun-drenched Crans-Montana hotel with outdoor pool, spacious family rooms, and easy ski lift access. Children under 6 stay free.
Family features: Outdoor heated pool, family rooms, terrace, ski-in access, playground nearby
Romantik Hotel Julen
A warm, family-run Zermatt hotel with a sauna, family rooms, and genuine hospitality. The owners have children of their own and understand family travel needs well.
Family features: Family rooms, sauna, wellness area, ski storage, warm family atmosphere
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Valais restaurants warmly welcome children; high chairs available on request at virtually all establishments
Kids menus typically include pasta, rösti, and simple grilled items at CHF 10–18
Mountain restaurants (Riffelhaus, Chez Vrony) accessible by train or gondola are exciting for children and have good food
Self-catering from Migros or Coop supermarkets is excellent and affordable — perfect for ski chalet stays
Traditional raclette is a great family meal — children usually love the communal tabletop melting process
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under 16 travel free with a paying adult on SBB trains with the Swiss Travel Pass
Many Valais resorts offer free lift passes for children under 9 when parents purchase passes — check resort websites
Car-free Zermatt and Saas-Fee are the safest resort environments for young children — no traffic stress
Book ski school for children at least 2 weeks before Christmas and February school holidays
Pack high-SPF sunscreen — UV radiation at altitude is much stronger than at sea level, even on cloudy days
The Matterhorn Express gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee (2,583m) offers an exciting journey for young children without the cost of the full Gornergrat Railway