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.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Haute Route (Chamonix to Zermatt)
The legendary high-level trail from Chamonix in France to Zermatt is considered one of the finest long-distance mountain routes in the world. Passing beneath dramatic glaciated peaks through remote valleys, it is a true wilderness experience.
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2
Gorner Glacier Trail (Rotenboden to Riffelalp)
One of the most spectacular easy walks in the Alps, descending from Rotenboden station past the iconic Riffelsee lake to Riffelalp with continuous views of the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier, and Monte Rosa.
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3
Aletsch Panoramaweg
The definitive Aletsch Glacier walk, traversing the UNESCO World Heritage Site along the glacier's edge with continuous panoramic views of the 23km ice flow and surrounding 4000m peaks.
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4
Matterhorn Trail (Five Lakes Walk)
The famous Five Lakes Walk (Fünf-Seen-Weg) around Zermatt passes five mountain lakes that each reflect the Matterhorn in their calm waters. A once-in-a-lifetime hike with some of the most photographed views in the Alps.
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5
Sierre–Zinal Race Route
The route of the world-famous Sierre-Zinal mountain race (run annually in August) makes for an extraordinary day hike through Val d'Anniviers with views of five four-thousand-metre peaks. A serious mountain trail for fit hikers.
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6
Bisse de Clavau Wine Trail
A delightful walk along an ancient bisse (irrigation channel) through terraced vineyards above Sion, with sweeping views of the Rhône Valley and the twin castle hills. Wine tasting at family wineries possible in season.
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7
Gemmi Pass to Daubensee
Take the cable car from Leukerbad to the Gemmi Pass (2,322m) and walk across the open alpine plateau to the beautiful Daubensee lake. Stunning views and easy terrain make this ideal for families and less experienced hikers.
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8
Mont Fort Summit (Verbier)
From the top of the Verbier cable car at 3,330m, a marked trail leads to the Mont-Fort summit (3,328m) with one of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramas in the Alps, encompassing the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Grand Combin, and Mont Blanc.
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9
Val d'Anniviers Trail (Zinal to Cabane du Grand Mountet)
A demanding but rewarding day hike from Zinal village to the Cabane du Grand Mountet mountain hut (2,886m), surrounded by glaciers and four-thousand-metre peaks in complete wilderness. The views of the Zinalrothorn and Besso are extraordinary.
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10
Saas-Fee Glacier Trail (Fee Glacier)
A circular walk through the heart of the Saas-Fee arena, approaching the Fee Glacier and offering close-up views of the ice and surrounding 4,000m peaks including Dom, Taschhorn, and Lenzspitze.
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11
Obergoms Aletsch Cross-Country Trail
A beautiful alpine walk through the Obergoms valley toward the Rhône Glacier, with sweeping views across the remote eastern Valais landscapes. Outstanding for wildflowers in July.
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12
Grand St Bernard Pass Circuit
A circular walk around the Grand St Bernard Pass and its lake, visiting the famous hospice and enjoying views across the Swiss-Italian border landscape. The area is steeped in Napoleonic and medieval history.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Valais.
- Spring
- April–May: lower valley trails open from April; mountain trails accessible from mid-May; wildflowers spectacular; some snow on higher routes
- Summer
- June–September: peak hiking season with all trails accessible; best for high-altitude routes; carry sunscreen and afternoon thunderstorm awareness
- Fall
- September–October: arguably the finest season — cooler temperatures, golden vineyards, autumn colours, fewer crowds; high trails closing from mid-October
- Winter
- November–April: low-altitude valley trails possible; mountain trails mostly snow-covered; snowshoeing trails replace hiking; check avalanche conditions
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Sudden weather changes — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July–August; check MeteoSwiss forecast every morning
Hazard: UV radiation increases significantly at altitude — apply SPF 50+ sunscreen even on cloudy days above 2,000m
Hazard: Loose rocks and scree on alpine trails — stay on marked paths and watch your footing on descent
Hazard: Glacial terrain is crevassed — never walk on glaciers without a certified mountain guide
Hazard: Altitude sickness can affect visitors above 2,500m — ascend gradually and descend immediately if severe headache or disorientation occurs
Hazard: Mountain rescue (Rega) is expensive without travel insurance — always take out comprehensive alpine travel insurance
Hazard: Wildlife encounters with marmots and chamois are common and safe; maintain distance from cattle and take care around alpine fences