Central Valais snow forecast

Skiing in Central Valais

Central Valais groups three unlinked ski areas in the middle and upper Rhône valley, each in its own side valley. It has three sections: Crans-Montana, the Val d'Anniviers and the Saas Valley.

Crans-Montana sits on a wide, sunny plateau above the Rhône with about 140 km of mainly south-facing pistes, rising to the Plaine Morte glacier at about 3,000 m. The aspect gives long sunny days and big views across to the Valais peaks, and it suits intermediates and families well, but the lower runs soften quickly in spring and on warm afternoons.

Grimentz-Zinal, in the Val d'Anniviers, has been linked by cable car since 2013 to make a domain of around 115 km. It is a quieter area with a strong reputation for off-piste and freeride, as well as plenty of red runs.

Saas-Fee, in the Saas Valley, is a car-free village at 1,800 m whose lifts climb to the Allalin glacier at about 3,600 m. The glacier keeps snow reliable from autumn into late spring and is skied in summer too, which is why national race teams train there. Much of the terrain is glacial, so stay on marked runs unless you are with a guide.

Main seasons generally run from December to April, longer at Saas-Fee. Visp is the rail hub for the Saas Valley, and Sion and Sierre serve Crans-Montana and Anniviers; Geneva and Zurich are the main airports.