Veysonnaz - Verbier's quiet neighbour

Veysonnaz is a traditional alpine village with protected flora & fauna, perched in the mountains above Sion, the historic capital of the French speaking Canton of Valais (also known as Wallis). Situated between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on the crossroads of several valleys, it has magnificent panoramic views over the Rhone valley to the Bernese Oberland.

The original village at 1350m is complete with church, restaurants, old chalets and the authentic upland way of life. Above the old village at 1400m is the new ski resort of Veysonnaz Station with good restaurants & bars, shops (inc butcher, baker, supermarkets, sports), wellness centre/swimming pool, playground & new high speed gondola directly up to 2100m into Les 4 Valles. Both apartments are located in Veysonnaz Station and are convenient for the gondola and all amenities. With little traffic, it is safe for children to walk to the shops, swimming pool and play areas.

The ski season starts in mid-December and runs through to mid-April. Veysonnaz is part of one of the world's best ski systems, www.4vallees.ch. The vast 4 Valleys region is suitable for people of all abilities and ages - there is truly something for everyone: board parks, world cup race pistes, freeride championships, numerous ski de fond trails, torchlight descents and snow-walking on raquettes. The snow reliability is excellent thanks to the high altitude. This is the same ski area that encompasses Verbier but Veysonnaz is quieter and less expensive. Even during the peak season there are virtually no queues and it still retains its peaceful small resort charm. Away from the crowds and the queues, but with easy access to the vast 4 Valleys, Veysonnaz is truly a hidden gem.

Many people overlook the Swiss Alps as a destination for any season. The mountains are breathtakingly beautiful during spring and summer when they are verdant and lush. Autumn on the other hand is a technicolour of yellow, orange and red hues - quite different from the white winter wonderland most people envisage. A unique micro-climate provides over 300 days of sunshine per year and a Mediterranean climate. The area is idyllic for a wide range of outdoor activities, providing endless opportunities to take in the amazing scenery of Veysonnaz and the surrounding Valais region.

The Valaisans have a multitude of local traditions and festivals which take place throughout the spring and summer months. The picturesque "inaple" ascent of the cows to the higher pastures in June and the famous Combat des Reines (bloodless) cow fighting festivals between the naturally combative Eringer cows of the Valais are traditions that are still alive and well here. The International Alpenhorn Festival is held at the end of July at nearby Tracouet.

Despite Veysonnaz's high altitude it is a mere 15 minutes from the motorway at Sion - which is serviced by its own airport and train station. Less than 2 hours drive/train from Geneva and less than 3 from Zurich, Veysonnaz is easily accessible.

For those in search of culture, Switzerland's oldest town, Sion, is a mere 15 minutes away and offers exciting medieval tales set in the Valère and Tourbillon Hills, ancient chateaux, churches and museums. From ancient hamlets, authentic alpine villages, and Roman towns like Martigny to the dazzling lake-side Montreux, made famous by the Jazz festival, those wishing to explore further than Veysonnaz have a diverse and rich region at their fingertips!

Links to Veysonnaz Tourisme, Sion Tourisme & Valais Tourisme