Grüezi!
Paul & Loris, our Valais experts, are here today to introduce you to the top tourist highlights around Siders: Crans-Montana to the north and Val d'Anniviers to the south.

The two regions complement each other perfectly: On one side, you have the chic alpine destination on a sunny high plateau with an endless array of tourist attractions; on the other, the rustic, winding mountain valley with its traditional wooden houses, steep slopes, and white glaciers. All in all, the area around Siders offers the perfect blend of enchanting nature, rich history and culture, sports, adventure, and relaxation.

Val d’Anniviers – Pure Alpine Romance

Our journey begins in Siders. The winding ride on the post bus up to Val d'Anniviers is almost an adventure in itself. After a few hairpin turns, you'll soon be rewarded with charming mountain villages and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Chandolin

Perched high above the valley entrance at 2000 meters above sea level, Chandolin is one of the highest year-round inhabited villages in Europe, boasting an extraordinary number of sunny days. This picturesque village, with its charming alleys and panoramic views, is the perfect place to relax in nature and recharge your energy.

In winter, Chandolin transforms into a ski and snowboard paradise with direct access to the slopes of the St-Luc/Chandolin ski area. In summer, Chandolin becomes a green oasis with spectacular hiking trails and stunning views of the Matterhorn and Zinalrothorn.

Grimentz

Next, we move on to Grimentz. Situated at 1564 meters, Grimentz is a true postcard village with its geranium-adorned streets, sun-darkened alpine huts, and centuries-old raccards.

A visit to Grimentz is like a journey back in time. Enjoy a slice of cake in Bendolla and stay overnight at Hotel Alpina. In winter, the Grimentz-Zinal ski area delights winter sports enthusiasts, while in summer, hiking and the Lac de Moiry attract nature lovers.

Zinal

From Grimentz, a post bus line takes you directly to Zinal. This charming village, nestled at the end of the valley at 1,674 meters above sea level, is surrounded by a breathtaking crown of peaks. It’s an eldorado for alpinists and the venue for sports events like the "Race of the Five 4000s." For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a hike along the Navizence is recommended. Along the way, you can stop at the Relais de La Tzoucdana restaurant, where a delicious tart awaits you.

Vercorin

Vercorin is an authentic mountain village located on the right side of the valley entrance, accessible by post bus from Siders, by cable car from Chalais, or directly by post bus from Grimentz. Nearby lies the Vallon de Réchy, an untouched valley with edelweiss and diverse wildlife. In autumn, the deer rutting season offers a spectacular display.

Vallon de Réchy © Sierre Anniviers Marketing

To fully enjoy the panoramic views, consider staying at the nearby Hostellerie d'Orzival. Alternatively, take the gondola to Crêt du Midi and discover the beauty of this region.

Our hotel recommendations in Val d’Annivier

Chandolin Boutique Hotel ****
The Chandolin Boutique Hotel offers breathtaking views of the valley and the Valais peaks, along with an excellent spa and a delightful restaurant.

✅ Breakfast included

Hotel Alpina Grimentz
The charming Hotel Alpina Grimentz is located right next to the base station of the Grimentz-Zinal cable car and offers spacious rooms, a wellness & spa area, and a restaurant.

✅ Breakfast included

Hotel Europe
Ideally located in the heart of Zinal, the charming Hotel Europe is just 300 meters from the Zinal-Sorebois cable car.

✅ Breakfast indlcuded

Hostellerie d'Orzival
High above the Rhône Valley, on the "Balcony of Valais," lies the Hostellerie d'Orzival. Here, you can enjoy unique sunsets.

✅ Breakfast included

Crans-Montana – Chic Alpine Destination

The resort town of Crans-Montana, situated on a high plateau at an altitude of 1500 meters, is easily accessible by public transport thanks to one of the longest funicular railways in Europe. From Siders, you can reach Crans-Montana in just 12 minutes.

After your arrival, you can explore one of the many lakes, such as Lac de la Moubra, Lac Grenon, and Etang-Long. Discover the twin centers of Montana and Crans, or stroll along Rue du Prado and browse through the numerous luxury boutiques./p>

Hike along the Bisse du Tsittoret

The next day, discover the Bisse du Tsittoret, an irrigation channel that collects water from the mountains and distributes it to the fields. This easy hike takes about two hours and starts in the hamlet of Colombire. You can reach Colombire from Crans-Montana by taking the free shuttle bus or driving.

Bisse du Tsittoret @Crans-Montana Tourisme

Ro irrigation channel and Rawyl dam

Another great tip is a trip to the Rawyl Dam. Start at the shore of Lac Grenon and follow the bisse through the forest and marshlands. After Plan-Mayens, the trail becomes spectacular. The bisse, built in the 14th century, runs along the cliff face. Below, you can see the Lienne River and, in the valley, the Rawyl Dam, which is the hike's destination.

The highlight is crossing the Ro bisse suspension bridge. After that, you can either return and descend back to Crans-Montana the same way (4 hours round trip) or continue to the dam (about 7 hours one way, return by post bus).

Our hotel recommendations in Crans-Montana

Hôtel de l'Etrier ****
This 4-star hotel near the center of Crans offers a spacious wellness area, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Fantastic views included.

✅ Breakfast included

Crans Ambassador *****
The luxury hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the center of Montana and offers breathtaking views. Recharge in the spa and delight your taste buds in one of the restaurants.

✅ Breakfast included

Enjoy our hotel offers and spend an adventurous summer in the mountains!
Best regards
Loris Minotti and Paul Fellay