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.
Valais is one of the safest destinations in Europe, with Switzerland consistently ranking among the world's lowest-crime countries. The main safety considerations are mountain-specific: alpine weather, avalanche risk in winter, and altitude effects.
Current safety advisory
Low
Switzerland receives a Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) advisory from the US State Department. No significant security threats; the primary risks in Valais are natural and related to mountain activities.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Switzerland is a very safe country. Exercise normal precautions and standard mountain safety protocols when engaging in alpine activities.
Advisory: Mountain Activity Awareness
Over 40% of ski accidents in Switzerland involve falls. Take a refresher lesson if you haven't skied in several years, and always ski within your ability.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Check the avalanche bulletin at slf.ch every morning during winter before skiing or snowshoeing — risk levels change daily
Never ski or hike off marked trails without a certified mountain guide in unfamiliar terrain
Carry a fully charged phone with the local emergency number (112 or 1414 for alpine rescue) saved
Download the weather forecast from MeteoSwiss every morning before mountain activities — conditions change rapidly at altitude
Inform your hotel or a trusted contact of your planned hiking or skiing route and expected return time
Carry at least 1 litre of water per person when hiking — mountain springs are generally safe but carry a filter just in case
Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) year-round when outdoors in Valais — UV radiation increases significantly at altitude
Wear appropriate layers and carry waterproof jacket even on sunny days — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
Altitude sickness can affect visitors above 2,500m — ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms appear
Mountain rescue (Rega) operates in Valais but is expensive without travel insurance — always take out comprehensive travel insurance
Petty theft is rare in Valais but secure your valuables at ski areas and leave nothing visible in parked cars
The roads over high passes (Simplon, Nufenen, Furka, Grand St Bernard) close November–May — check pass status on viasuisse.ch
Winter driving requires snow tyres or chains (mandatory from November 1 in mountain areas); carry chains as a minimum
Be aware of mountain bike trails — hikers and cyclists may share the same paths; yield accordingly
In case of a medical emergency in Valais, call 144 (ambulance) or 112 (European emergency number)
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxi overcharging
Unofficial or unlicensed taxis may charge inflated rates, particularly from airports and ski resorts
How to avoid: Only use licensed taxis (white vehicles with official signage) or pre-booked transfers; agree on price before getting in if the meter is not running
Fake hotel/chalet rental
Fraudulent holiday chalet listings sometimes appear on third-party booking sites, particularly for peak ski weeks
How to avoid: Book through established platforms (Booking.com, official hotel websites, or recognised agents) and verify the property independently
Overpriced ski equipment rental
Some ski hire shops near the lifts charge premium prices compared to shops in the valley
How to avoid: Compare prices at multiple shops; often the best value is found in the village centre rather than at the lift base
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for Switzerland. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A) recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is recommended for hiking in forested areas below 1,500m from April–November.
- Water
- Tap water is perfectly safe and excellent quality throughout Valais. Mountain spring water (marked as potable) is generally safe to drink.
- Food
- Food safety standards in Valais are among the world's highest. No special precautions needed at any restaurant.
- Facilities
- Valais has well-equipped hospitals in Sion (Hôpital du Valais), Visp, Martigny, and Brig. All major resort areas have medical centres. Air rescue by Rega helicopter is available for mountain emergencies.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Valais is an excellent destination for solo travellers. Crime rates are extremely low and Swiss locals are generally helpful and speak excellent English. Solo hikers should register routes with hotel staff and carry a fully charged phone. Zermatt and Verbier have active après-ski scenes where solo travellers can easily socialise.
Female travellers
Valais is very safe for female solo travellers. Swiss society is respectful and harassment is rare. Standard precautions apply after dark in après-ski venues in resorts like Verbier — stick to busy areas and use licensed transport home. Mountain activities: always hike with someone or on well-marked, populated trails.
Families
Valais is an excellent family destination with strong child-safety infrastructure at resorts. Ski schools and kindergartens are of the highest standard. Mountain activities should be appropriate for children's fitness and experience levels. Many cable cars and mountain trains have excellent child safety measures.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Switzerland is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, with same-sex partnerships legally recognised since 2022. Valais is generally welcoming though more conservative in rural areas than Zurich or Geneva. Zermatt and Verbier have a notably international and inclusive resort culture.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 117
- Medical
- 144
- Embassy
- US Embassy Bern: +41 31 357 70 11; UK Embassy Bern: +41 31 359 77 00
- Tourist Police
- N/A — contact local Kantonspolizei Wallis: 027 326 51 00
- Alpine Rescue
- 1414 (Rega air rescue) or 144 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 118
- General Emergency
- 112