When To Go

When To Go

The Valais is at its sunny best in the high summer and midwinter; foggy dampness overwhelms in late autumn and spring. Mountain weather is impetuous, embracing with its warmth one day and obliterating views and trails the next. Take your cues from local forecasts and mountain operators who have an experienced sense about shifting patterns. Cloud layers and storms move up and down elevations hovering atop cool valley floors, following the flow of riverbeds, and are sometimes snagged on mountain ridges. Misty banks move away in short order opening up the path or vista for those who are patient.

Some of the best skiing and hiking can be had in March and September when crowds are the lightest and the sun is at the perfect arc. Because of its radiant orientation, the Valais is a particularly favored destination for Swiss and other Europeans who vacation here year-after-year and for weeks at a time. And remember: May and June plus November to mid-December are renovation, repair, and get away times for locals. Facilities rotate closing periods so you will always find a fluffy bed and good meal, but not always in the one you may prefer.