Sunday, August 25, 2024 - Thursday, September 5, 2024
Valais,
International,
Switzerland
What happens when one combines one of the most visually exciting sections of the Haute Route, the popular, classic trek from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland, with an exploration of the mountains surrounding one of Switzerland's most attractive alpine valleys? It would result in this trip, which starts by a luggage supported trek from Sierre to Grimentz and ends with spectacular day hiking in the Saas valley. It should be no surprise that the Canton of Valais, located in southwestern Switzerland, would encompass all of our travels. After all, it has more 4,000-meter peaks than anywhere else in Western Europe: the Dom, the highest mountain entirely in Switzerland, stands majestically above the charming, car-free village of Saas-Fee. Together, we will experience the Valais in all its glory: we will hike every day in this tranquil, almost unworldly alpine paradise across varied terrain, with views of glaciers and snow-covered mountains. We will watch for wildlife, such as marmots and ibex. Our holiday also includes time for exploring the cultural and historical aspects of this region. In Sierre, we will become acquainted with this major wine growing region via a walk through vineyard paths to the regional wine museum. In Grimentz, we will tour the main village which consists entirely of 16th century structures of traditional Swiss chalet architecture - rich wooden weatherboarding, gabled roofs and carved ornaments - and learn about mountain life in those times. As we climb to arguably the most spectacularly-set mountain hut in all of Switzerland, Cabane de Moiry, we will walk adjacent to one of Switzerland's high mountain dammed lakes, a major source of hydroelectric power. For this 12-day, 11-night holiday, we have arranged luggage transfer during our trek from Sierre to Grimentz, comfortable traditional accommodations, group meals that highlight the local Swiss-German cuisine, and transportation via cable car, gondola, funicular, bus, and train. Join us!
