The Majestic Scenery of Valais

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The Majestic Scenery of Valais

In the beautiful Valais region of Switzerland, charming little villages are scattered throughout the valleys, with winter resorts nestled among snow-capped mountains. Each place has its own unique allure, enhanced by the Magic Pass. I spent some time exploring these two villages, each leaving a distinct impression on me.

Leukerbad - A Hot Springs Paradise

I arrived in Leukerbad by train from Geneva and hopped on the shuttle bus that the resort provides for each train arrival. Arriving late in the afternoon, I missed out on skiing but had just enough time to unwind at Leukerbad Therme. I soaked in Switzerland's most famous thermal baths, enjoying the soothing massage jets while surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Daubenhorn mountain range.

Leukerbad Therme boasts a total of ten indoor and outdoor pools, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 44 degrees Celsius. There’s also a cold pool, water slides, a dedicated kids' area, a restaurant, and a spa with private treatment rooms. This is where locals and tourists alike gather after a day on the slopes, filled with laughter and stories.

A highlight is the evening fire show that takes place in one of the outdoor pools as night falls.

Skiing at the Torrent Ski Area

The next morning, I was ready to explore the three ski areas in Leukerbad, starting with the largest, Torrent. The Torrent ski area is easily accessible via a cable car from Leukerbad and the Faschen-Torrentalp gondola from the village of Albinen. The slopes here are mostly wide red runs, with a few good black runs and some green ones as well. The total length reaches up to fifty kilometers, catering to everyone from advanced skiers to beginners.

While there are designated ski routes, the exciting part is that you can explore various areas by following the marked trails or creating your own path. It’s advisable to have an experienced guide for your first time.

At the top of the Torrent cable car, you'll find the spacious self-service restaurant Rinderhütte, with a large terrace that attracts both skiers and non-skiers. If you prefer cozy dining options, there are plenty of choices on the lower slopes.

Erli Snowpark - The Perfect Starting Point for Beginners

If you’re a beginner, head to Erli Snowpark, conveniently located just a short distance from Leukerbad, which you can walk to or reach via a free ski bus. This is the ideal spot for complete novices, featuring easy slopes, a magic carpet, and a dedicated toboggan run. It’s a safe place to learn and have fun.

On the children’s slope, there are two additional paths with tow lifts. These runs help you progress easily, and once you’re confident, you can tackle the green and red runs of Torrent. Erli also has a large sports complex with nine different sports, an indoor ice rink, and a restaurant on-site.

Les Marécottes - A Resort Full of Charm

From Leukerbad, I traveled to Les Marécottes, which is accessible via a short ride on the Mont-Blanc Express. Although it’s called an "express," this scenic train leisurely travels along its tracks, with breathtaking views along the way that make the journey enjoyable.

At Les Marécottes, there’s a free ski bus from the station to the cable car that takes you up to the ski area. Unlike many other resorts, Les Marécottes relies entirely on natural snow. Although the number of groomed runs is relatively low, with a fresh layer of snow, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for freeriding, exploring, and off-piste adventures.

Alpen Zoo and Fun Experiences

Les Marécottes also features an Alpen zoo, located near a natural swimming pool on the rocky slopes of the pine forest. This is the highest zoo in Europe, where you can see mountain animals such as black bears, lynxes, gray wolves, deer, and wild boars. While they may not always be visible, spotting them is always thrilling.

In the summer months, the swimming pool closes, but the zoo and other facilities remain open year-round. Guests staying in nearby hotels have the opportunity to participate in morning animal feeding sessions.

Magic Pass - A Smart Solution for Travelers

All the locations I’ve mentioned are included in the Magic Pass, a fantastic solution that brings small resorts like Les Marécottes to life. This pass allows free access to around one hundred different ski resorts. While it doesn’t cover the larger, more famous resorts, it makes exploring various ski areas easier and more enjoyable.

With flexible pricing, the pass also helps reduce costs if purchased early, making it an ideal option for Swiss residents.

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