Valais: Switzerland’s Alpine Paradise
Valais (Wallis) offers one of Switzerland’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes, from the highest Alpine peaks to sunny vineyard-covered valleys. This bilingual canton combines spectacular natural beauty with rich cultural traditions, creating a unique lifestyle that attracts outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking an authentic Alpine experience with surprisingly Mediterranean touches.
Living in Valais
Quality of Life
Valais provides an exceptional quality of life centered around its natural environment. The region offers a remarkable contrast between modern amenities and traditional Alpine living. With Switzerland’s sunniest climate, dramatic mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong community traditions, Valais delivers a lifestyle that emphasizes wellbeing and connection to nature.
Safety and Security
Like most Swiss regions, Valais is extremely safe with very low crime rates. Even in tourist-heavy areas, security remains excellent. Mountain safety is a priority, with well-developed rescue services for outdoor activities. The strong community bonds in villages and towns add to the sense of security.
Climate
Valais has Switzerland’s most distinctive microclimate:
- Spring: Sunny and increasingly warm, temperatures between 10-20°C, with Alpine flowers blooming
- Summer: Warm and dry with temperatures of 25-30°C in the valleys, cooler at altitude
- Autumn: Clear and colorful with temperatures of 10-20°C, perfect for hiking
- Winter: Cold and sunny with temperatures between -5-5°C in valleys, colder at altitude with excellent snow conditions
Working in Valais
Economic Environment
Valais’s economy centers around tourism, agriculture (particularly viticulture), hydroelectric power, and some industry. While not a major business hub like Zurich or Geneva, it offers solid employment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and related services. The canton has been working to diversify its economy and attract innovative businesses.
Major Employers
- Tourism & Hospitality: Major ski resorts, hotels, restaurants
- Energy: Grande Dixence, Alpiq, and other hydroelectric producers
- Healthcare: Valais Hospital, clinics, rehabilitation centers
- Agriculture: Wineries, agricultural cooperatives, food processing
- Public Sector: Cantonal administration, education system
Work Culture
The work environment varies between the French and German-speaking regions, with some cultural differences. The tourism industry creates a more international atmosphere in resort areas. Working hours and styles adapt to seasonal demands, especially in tourism-related businesses. Generally, there is good work-life balance with emphasis on quality of life.
Housing Market
Popular Expatriate Areas
Sion
- Profile: Capital city with historic center and modern amenities
- Appeal: Central location, services, cultural offerings, transportation hub
- Average Monthly Rent: CHF 1,600+ for a 3-bedroom apartment
Sierre
- Profile: Sunny town with Mediterranean feel and wine culture
- Appeal: Microclimate, quality of life, vineyard proximity, reasonable prices
- Average Monthly Rent: CHF 1,500+ for a 3-bedroom apartment
Monthey/Aigle Area
- Profile: Towns with growing appeal near Lake Geneva region
- Appeal: Accessibility to Lake Geneva jobs, more moderate pricing, good services
- Average Monthly Rent: CHF 1,600+ for a 3-bedroom apartment
Resort Communities
- Profile: Prestigious mountain locations like Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana
- Appeal: Alpine lifestyle, international atmosphere, outdoor access, luxury amenities
- Average Monthly Rent: CHF 3,000-8,000+ for a 3-bedroom apartment (highly variable by resort)
Housing Considerations
The Valais housing market varies dramatically by location:
- Tourist areas have significant seasonal variation in availability and pricing
- Consider whether you need a primary residence or are interested in second homes (restricted for foreigners)
- Housing in main valley towns is reasonably priced compared to major Swiss cities
- Luxury resort properties command premium prices with international demand
Education Options
International Schools
While Valais has fewer international schools than larger Swiss cities, there are options:
- École Montani: Private school in Sion with bilingual programs
- Lemania-Verbier International School: In Verbier, catering to international students
- Les Elfes International: Combining education with Swiss mountain experience
- Proximity to Lake Geneva: Access to more international schools in the Lake Geneva region
Local Schools
The Valais public school system is excellent and free. Education is provided in either French or German depending on the region (language border near Sierre). Integration programs exist for non-French/German speakers, though these may be less developed than in more internationally-oriented cantons.
Higher Education
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis: University of Applied Sciences with programs in tourism, business, and technology
- Les Roches: Prestigious hospitality management school in Bluche near Crans-Montana
- Swiss Hotel Management School: Campus in Caux, accessible from Lower Valais
- Distance Learning Center: University of Geneva outpost in Sion
Healthcare
Valais offers high-quality healthcare facilities:
- Hôpital du Valais (Valais Hospital): Network with sites in Sion, Sierre, Martigny, Visp, and more
- Clinique de Valère: Private facility in Sion
- Clinique CIC Valais: Private clinic in Saxon
- Air Zermatt/Air Glaciers: Specialized mountain rescue services
All residents must have mandatory health insurance. The canton has developed specialized medical expertise in mountain medicine and trauma care due to its Alpine environment.
Transportation
Public Transport
Valais’s public transportation system is efficient despite the challenging terrain:
- Train service along the Rhône Valley connecting major towns
- PostBus network reaching mountain villages and resorts
- Cable cars and mountain transport in resort areas
- Good connections to the Swiss national rail network
A monthly pass costs approximately CHF 60-70 for regional travel.
International Connections
- Rail Network: Excellent connections including international routes through the Simplon Tunnel to Italy
- Proximity to Airports: Geneva Airport (1.5-2 hours from central Valais), Zurich Airport (3 hours)
- Mountain Passes: Seasonal connections to Italy and France
- Highway System: A9 motorway through the Rhône Valley (partially complete in Upper Valais)
Cultural Life
Arts and Culture
- Fondation Pierre Gianadda: World-class exhibition space in Martigny
- Sion Festival: Classical music events
- Theatre Le Baladin: Performance venue in Savièse
- Médiathèque Valais: Cultural institution with multiple sites
- Local Museums: Highlighting regional heritage and traditions
Events and Festivals
- Cow Fighting Finals (Combat des Reines): Traditional event showcasing Herens cattle
- Vinea Wine Fair: Major wine event in Sierre
- Carnivals: Vibrant pre-Lenten celebrations throughout the canton
- Open Air Gampel: Major music festival in Upper Valais
- Sion Sous les Étoiles: Summer music festival
Recreation
Outdoor Activities
- Skiing & Snowboarding: World-class resorts including Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans-Montana
- Hiking & Mountaineering: Extensive network of trails from gentle walks to challenging Alpine routes
- Mountain Biking: Growing trail network with summer use of ski infrastructure
- Water Sports: Activities on dams, rivers, and alpine lakes
- Paragliding & Adventure Sports: Ideal conditions for aerial and extreme sports
Sports
- FC Sion: Top-tier football club
- HC Sierre: Ice hockey team
- Extreme Sports Community: Strong presence of mountain sports athletes
- Golf: Several Alpine courses including Crans-Montana, host of European Masters
- Winter Sports Training: Centers for Olympic and professional athletes
Languages
Valais is bilingual with French spoken in Lower Valais (west) and German (specifically Highest Alemannic dialects) in Upper Valais (east). The language boundary runs near Sierre/Siders. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, and many residents in the tourism industry speak multiple languages.
Banking and Finance
Valais has branches of all major Swiss banks and regional banking options. The cantonal bank (Banque Cantonale du Valais/Walliser Kantonalbank) has a strong presence. Services are typically available in both French and German.
- Main towns: Conventional shopping in Sion, Sierre, Martigny, and Brig
- Migros and Coop: Major supermarket chains throughout the canton
- Local Markets: Weekly markets with regional products
- Resort Shopping: Luxury boutiques in upscale mountain destinations
- Conthey/Monthey: Commercial zones with larger stores
Dining Scene
Valais offers excellent dining with distinctive regional specialties. Local cuisine features raclette (the canton is its birthplace), dried meat (Viande Séchée du Valais), Alpine cheeses, apricot and pear-based desserts, and wines from native grapes like Petite Arvine and Cornalin. Dining options range from simple mountain huts serving traditional fare to Michelin-starred restaurants in luxury resorts.
Tips for New Arrivals
- Learn the Local Language: French or German depending on your region of residence
- Consider Seasonal Patterns: Be aware of high/low tourist seasons when planning activities
- Winter Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for winter conditions
- Embrace Local Traditions: Participate in traditional events to integrate into the community
- Explore Beyond the Famous Sites: Discover lesser-known valleys and villages away from tourist centers
Valais offers a unique Swiss experience that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, making it particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts, those working in tourism and hospitality, and anyone seeking an authentic Alpine lifestyle with surprising Mediterranean touches.
