extremenature
latzoumaz.ch
Suisse
Nyon
Tunnel de base du Lötschberg
Lötschenpass
Val de Ba gn
es
’Entremont Val d
GB
Annecy Col, Hospice et Tunnel du Gd-St-Bernard
NL B
CH FR P ES
LA TZOUMAZ TOURIST OFFICE LA TZOUMAZ Case postale 99 1918 La Tzoumaz T. +41(O)27 305 16 00 F. +41(O)27 305 16 01 info@latzoumaz.ch
2
WELCOME TO LA TZOUMAZ
8
WINTER WINTER SKI MAP SKI/SNOWBOARD WINTER ACTIVITIES
10 12 14
S DK
16 18 20 22 24
DE
CZ A
IT
26 28 32 36 38
SUMMER SUMMER MAP BIKING HIKING SUMMER ACTIVITIES CALENDAR FAMILIES CURIOSITIES AND CULTURE GASTRONOMY EXCURSIONS
Brochures & maps Winter walks & summer hiking, accommodation, walking or mountain-bike maps: our brochures are available from the tourist offices of the region. You can also consult all the geoferenced itineraries on our website:
www.latzoumaz.ch
WELCOME TO LA TZOUMAZ
A NATURALLY GREAT DESTINATION La Tzoumaz welcomes you summer and winter alike for sports and culture-filled Alpine holidays complemented by snow, lush paths, Raclette and all the many advantages of the mountains!
02 | 03
LEARNING TO SKI
10KM SLED RUN
ALPHORN ENSEMBLE
The resort overlooks the Rhône Valley from the slopes of a sunny valley on Verbier’s northern slope. Its warm welcome makes it an ideal location for families. The longest ski run in Western Switzerland (10km) is guaranteed to delight thrill seekers. The ski area, which is part of the 4 Vallées, is ideal for all levels of athletic prowess. In summer, don’t miss the “bisses” (ancient water courses), the Sentier des Sens and the Maison de la Forêt which provide a fun, original opportunity to become acquainted with the Alpine environment.
Situated between vineyards and orchards, Riddes lies on the left bank of the Rhône. The village is the starting point of the route de la Tzoumaz, perched high above this commune. Another of the region’s attractions is its famous gastronomy, complemented by a number of flavours from other climes.
WELCOME TO LA TZOUMAZ
04 | 05
WELCOME TO LA TZOUMAZ
06 | 07
WINTER
SNOW GARANTEED
08 | 09
FREERIDING
WINTER SKI MAP
SWITZERLAND’S LARGEST SKI AREA
HIGH-QUALITY CONDITIONS
10 | 11
KIDS CLUB LA TZOUMAZ
SKI & SNOWBOARD
THE POWDER SIDE OF THE ALPS DOWNHILL SKIING
MONT-FORT 3,330M
FREERIDE*
The “4 Vallées” ski area combines more than 410km of ski runs and 92 ski lifts linking the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson, as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. Runs for all levels criss-cross the amazing surroundings in this winter sports’ paradise with its modern infrastructure and guaranteed snow.
A panoramic view awaits you from the top of the Mont-Fort (3,300 m), the highest point in the ski area, encompassing the Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn and Grand Combins ranges. Admire the countryside and get yourself psyched up for the resort’s famous black ski run. The moguls are all yours – accompanied by guaranteed thrills and snow.
A freeride paradise, the resort is a must for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Give backcountry skiing a shot accompanied by a mountain guide. Take on the Vallon d’Arby or the “Backside Mont-Fort” for a powder-filled day.
12 | 13
PANORAMA
AFTER SKI AT LA TZOUMAZ
HELISKIING*
THE SNOWPARK
AFTER SKI AT LA TZOUMAZ
Who has never felt the urge to fly down swathes of pristine mountains? Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, decide on your itinerary with the help of a guide, climb aboard a helicopter and enjoy the immaculate snow. A breath-taking experience!
Located at La Chaux, the Snowpark offers a multitude of varied modules, notably including kickers, rails, boxes and a big airbag. It has something for all levels, and is secured and groomed every day to enjoy maximum pleasure for grownups and children alike! Easy to access using the Combimix La Chaux Express – so take advantage of the opportunity to admire the talent of the skiers and snowboarders before taking your turn at a few perilous acrobatics.
Après-ski and aperitifs on terraces are a veritable institution. Rub shoulders with a cosmopolitan, epicurean clientele of every generation. After an energetic day on the runs, taste Alpine delicacies and local produce before enjoying the fun atmosphere of the resort’s bars and pubs.
* It is highly advisable for you to be accompanied by a mountain guide for all these activities.
WINTER ACTIVITIES SLEDGING IN LA TZOUMAZ
SKIING FOR SURE AND SO MUCH MORE! SLEDGING
SNOWSHOES
ICE RINK
Beginners or snow-bunnies – discover the longest sledging run in western Switzerland. Ten km long with a dizzying 848 metre drop, the run at the beginning of Savoleyres guarantees thrills and roars of laughter right up to La Tzoumaz! When night falls, enjoy moonlit sledging evenings which promise unforgettable memories.
The 3 groomed trails in La Tzoumaz lead to a voyage of discovery of a region buried under the snow. Immerse yourself in nature, savour the silence of unexplored snow fields and enjoy the sheer magic of the scenery. La Tzoumaz has 3 snowshoe trails stretching over 13.5 km, for relaxed strolls or more energetic outings.
Come and practice your moves on the new ice skating rink free of charge at the Central Square. Music and lights guarantee a good atmosphere from morning to night. Rental skates are available beside the rink.
14 | 15
SWIMMING POOL
SKI DE RANDONNﾃ右
WINTER TREK
BACK-COUNTRY SKIING*
WINTER ADVENTURES
In search of pristine snow? Get your back-country skis on and go as far as your feet will take your thirst for adventure. And if the ascent requires a certain taste for effort, the summit will provide incomparable emotions and a spectacular panorama.
Get a shot of emotion and discover the region in a different manner through weekly activities organised by the resort: cellar tours and wine tastings, nocturnal snowshoe excursions, torchlight descents, movie evenings, live concerts, etc. Ski/Snowboard | Groomed snowshoe trails Indoor pool | Skating rink | Wine tasting...
SUMMER
16 | 17
ROCKCLIMBING ON THE PIERRE AVOI
PONY RIDE
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE FOREST
SUMMER MAP
AT THE HEART OF NATURE
A MOUNTAIN BIKE EXCURSION
18 | 19
FISHING IN THE LAC DES VAUX
PANORAMIC VIEW
BIKING
A FEW CROSS-COUTRY SUGGESTIONS LE TOUR DU MONT-FORT
VERBIER, LA TZOUMAZ - 8H – 48KM Take your pick between the pro and the easy route and set off to discover this magnificent mountain bike tour. Enjoy the breath-taking view over the MontBlanc and the Combins range and hit the big downhill on the Col des Gentianes. www.tdmf.ch PARCOURS DES FAMILLES VERBIER, LA TZOUMAZ - 4H – 26KM Children, parents and mountain bike fans alike will love this easy route. The lifts will make for an easy ascent and offer a breath-taking view.
revel in
YOUR FILL OF OXYGEN! Fans of two-wheelers! Want to pump your oxygen levels through your calves? Make your tyres squeal on our mountain bike routes! 135 km of mountain bike trails and 4 suggestions for cross-country routes await you in La Tzoumaz. Enjoy the benefit of the ski lifts to go up the mountain – bike transport is free!
20 | 21
VERBIER-LA TZOUMAZ BIKEPARK
BIKEPARK
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE
AND IN ADDITION …
For performance and thrills, the Verbier-La Tzoumaz Bikepark is the ideal place to give free rein to your passion! Experts and beginners alike can pit their skills in this challenging arena. Five trails for all levels of difficulty will lead you to discover the delights of downhill biking amid exceptional scenery, with a gradient of up to 700. The less experienced will benefit from tips from the mountain bike school to perfect their riding and refine their style and technique.
Fresh air, stunning panoramas, fun and recharging batteries – explore the mountain with just a few pushes of a pedal! Hire an electric mountain bike and get to the peaks effortlessly with the whole family or with your mates and enjoy every instant. The e-bike map will guide you through five routes with a number of great pit-stops. And when you’re comfortably settled on a sunny terrace, you’ll already be thinking about your next excursion.
Grab your two-wheelers for a unique way of getting to know the region! Fans of the Grande Boucle can join the Valais section of the 2009 Tour de France, which will take them to Verbier or to the Grand-St-Bernard pass, following in the footsteps of professional athletes. To have a totally relaxed pedalling outing, opt for an excursion in the villages and revel in the magic of the surrounding décor.
HIKING
100% NATURAL HIKING
TRAIL OF THE SENSES
Set off on a voyage of discovery of a region filled with character by hiking some of the 41 km of sign-posted paths in the heart of La Tzoumaz. From themed paths for all levels of expertise to hikes taking place over several days, everyone will enjoy both the natural and cultural wealth of these places. And after a great walk, take a break on a terrace to savour the region’s gourmet treats, before a unique panorama, while you savour some of the region’s gastronomic specialities.
The Trail of the Senses invites you to take your time to stroll along its route and discover an accessible world to anyone wanting to put their senses to good use. This trail allows you to discover nature through sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. During this journey, you’ll encounter dozens of different plants - and some insects – under the sharp eye of the shy chamois deer and nutcracker birds. The Trail of the Senses also tracks the route of the black grouse from the House of the Forest to search for its gourmet meals. In its footsteps you will discover its favourite foods such
as rowan, bilberry and blueberry and you will find its majestic beauty and famous spring courtship displays. The Senses Trail is located in the heart of a nature protection zone in which the black grouse flourishes in peace.
22 | 23 TRAIL OF THE SENSES
MARMOT (GROUNDHOG)
THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST
BISSES
The House of the Forest and its café is open daily from May 31 to September 29, from 9am to 5pm. Fresh, tasty snacks made from local produce are available. The House of the Forest is a haven for animals in the region. Come and get to know them through the exhibits at the House. There is a playground for our young guests. Free organised activities for children are held every Friday mornings in July and August. The lookout huts built on stilts provide an observation point for viewing the surrounding wildlife.
Proof of man’s ingeniousness, the “bisses” (ancient water courses) have crossed the Valais since the Middle Ages, carrying water from the highest peaks to the fields and orchards in the valley. Still used for irrigation, they are an excellent reason to set off on a refreshing excursion next to the water. The “bisse de Saxon” is a particularly good example of the original procedure.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
delightful
A THIRST FOR ADVENTURE? THE GREEN PENCIL
PARAGLIDING
This activity introduces the whole family to learning how to draw the natural landscape. With the help of some basic equipment and outlines available to you at the House of the Forest, you can try to reproduce the delightful beauty of the Vallon d’Arby. Sharpen your pencils !
You have never seen La Tzoumaz from this angle! Touch your dream of freedom with your fingertips and fly above La Tzoumaz in a paraglider! Alone or in tandem – get your fill of amazing sensations both summer and winter. Renowned for its winds and thermals, the region offers endless possibilities.
CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING Flirt with the rocks and place your emotion at the summit! You will use strength and balance on the mountainside to reach a unique view-point. With 850 faces, 64 climbing sites and seven different types of rock, the region is a natural playground which you can attempt to master. Beginners can cut their teeth on the external walls or introductory gardens devoted to training.
24 | 25 DOWNHILL SCOOTERS
PARAGLIDING
TENNIS
Fans of the mountains will find their Eldorado in La Tzoumaz. The region has several legendary summits for experienced climbers, including the Pierre Avoi. The most mythical ascent remains the Grand Combin, which peaks at 4,314 metres.
SCOOTERS Looking for thrills? Hurtle down the slopes from Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz on all-terrain scooters. Kids and adults alike will have a blast with guaranteed surges of adrenalin!
TENNIS
AND THEN
Get your racquets out and pull on your shorts – the synthetic grass tennis court awaits you. Organise a round with friends or family in a magnificent Alpine setting – game set and match!
If you still have loads of energy? From the sunrise on Pierre Avoi to a cellar tour and wine tasting, try your hand at any one of a number of varied activities such as pony rides, cooking using plants or handiwork for kids. On your marks, get set, go!
SWIMMING POOL
Hiking | Bisses | Themed trails | Mountain biking | All-terrain scooters | Sunrise on the Pierre Avoi | Paragliding | Horse-riding | Swimming pool | Wine tasting | Craft market
With its sauna and its outdoor relaxation area, La Tzoumaz is the ideal location to take time out after an active day. Your childhood will soon resurface!
CALENDAR
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
JUNE
FREERIDE WORLD TOUR QUALIFIER WEEK 13-19.01.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ VERBIER Qualifying rounds – Freeride World Qualifier 2* www.freerideworldtour.com
SLEDGING SESSION 02.02.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ Round of the Valais Sledge Trophy. www.latzoumaz.ch
TRAIL DE LA PIERRE AVOI 07.06.2014 www.tpva.ch
MOONLIGHT SLEDGING SESSION 17-18.01.2014/14-15.02.2014/1415.03.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ www.latzoumaz.ch
NIGHT SKI MOUNTAINEERING RACE 07.03.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ
MARCH
JULY LA TZOUMAZ MARKET 19.07.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ www.latzoumaz.ch
26 | 27 NIGHT-TIME SKI MOUNTAINEERING RACE
SUMMER MARKET
MTB RACE
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
SWISS NATIONAL DAY 01.08.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ
LA TZOUMAZ BIKE 07.09.2014 / LA TZOUMAZ Mountain-Bike Race. www.trophee-valaisan-vtt.ch
GRAND RAID VERBIER – GRIMENTZ 23.08.2014 / VERBIER International mountain bike marathon starting from Verbier and passing through La Tzoumaz . www.grand-raid.ch
The dates indicated are subject to change. Please check with the various tourist offices in the area and on our website - www.latzoumaz.ch
FAMILIES
KITE FESTIVAL
DOWNHILL SCOOTER
28 | 29
FAMILY CYCLING
FAMILIES
CHILDREN’S PARADISE Experience something new with your family in La Tzoumaz. This is the perfect destination for both littlies and not so little with the region offering loads of activities indoors and outdoors. Roars of laughter and happy kids – a sure bet!
30 | 31
NATURE ACTIVITY
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES
GUIDED ACTIVITIES
FOR BUDDING SKIERS
Ski | Tobogganing | Hiking | Mountain biking | Swimming pool | Scooters | Climbing walls and introduction to climbing walls | Playgrounds
CAMPS
LA TZOUMAZ KIDS CLUB
THINGS TO DO IN BAD WEATHER Indoor swimming pool | Visits & Excursions | St. Bernard dogs | Museums | Thermal centers
Multisport, languages, art, hockey, football, tennis SERVICES
Babysitters | Handiwork workshops | Pony rides.
Offering indoor activites for 2 to 6 year-olds. From 4 years of age, optional ski classes. * Discover further activities for your kids, on the excursions pages - 38 | 39.
CURIOSITIES & CULTURE
BISSE DE SAXON
32 | 33
ALPINE VILLAGE
ETABLONS ALPINE PASTURE
CURIOSITIES & CULTURE
A RICH AND VARIED HERITAGE HOUSE OF THE FOREST / LA TZOUMAZ The Maison de la Forêt has a permanent exhibition on regional fauna, while kids’ activities are offered during summer. This is the starting point for the Sentier des Sens, a network of educational trails for kids and adults alike.
HÉRENS BREED COWS With a natural desire to fight, cows belonging to the Hérens species gambol in the pastures making their bells ring far and wide. After fiery battles, the queens become the rulers of the pastures. These gentle dairy cows are key participants in upholding the reputation of the famous Rac cheese. You’ll see them during the inalpes (when they go up to the mountain pastures) and the désalpes (when they come down again) or simply around the pastures.
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE In the olden days, traditional chalets and “mayens” were lived in, while attics, granaries and barns were used for storing hay, grain or other feed. These buildings with their original charm underscore the character of the village of Isérables (10 minutes from La Tzoumaz). Along the road are arched stables and memory stones bearing witness to shepherd activity in days gone by. Other notable buildings include medieval bread ovens which are regularly fired up for local celebrations.
34 | 35
TRADITIONAL SAWMILL
VALLON DE CHASSOURE / LA TZOUMAZ Traversed by the Fare River, the sunny slopes of the Vallon de Chassoure are home to a wealth of fauna and flora as well as to the famous Black Grouse. La Tzoumaz overlooks the Rhône Valley – an exceptional valley whose vineyards and cellars are legendary. Get to know them better through wine tastings, accompanied by the best wine-makers in the region. Cheers!
GASTRONOMY
MELT WITH DELIGHT! GASTRONOMY
LOCAL PRODUCE
PDO Raclette cheese, highly spiced dried meat, skilfully leavened rye bread – the region is bursting with Alpine culinary traditions and delights. Due to its privileged geographical location, La Tzoumaz enjoys and ideal climate which is the basis of the richness of its local produce. Local specialities rub shoulders with top gastronomy and quality wines that will easily conquer your heart in one of the region’s many restaurants.
Follow your taste buds and discover flavours typical of the region! Renowned for its PDO Raclette, the region also offers a rich palette of local produce and gourmet addresses. Salting meat and cheese – previously required to conserve produce – is today an integral part of the region’s culinary traditions. Taste and enjoy – you’ll never be able to do without.
Raclette cheese | Fondue | Cold meats | Dried meat | Raw ham | Sausages | PDO rye bread Apricots from the Valais | Eaux-de-vie (Abricotine et Williamine) | Handmade fruit juice | Honey
36 | 37 LOCAL PRODUCE
ALPINE PASTURE CHEESE
WINE CELLAR VISIT
CHASSOURE CHEESE From the pasture to the dairy, discover the process of manufacturing Chassoure cheese and end your day with a taste of authentic PDO Raclette. And for the cherry on the top – taste the highest fondue in Europe in the igloo bar on the peak of the Mont Fort at an altitude of 3,330 metres.
CELLAR VISIT AND WIN TASTING
AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS
La Tzoumaz overlooks the Rhône Valley – an exceptional valley whose vineyards and cellars are legendary. Get to know them better through wine tastings, accompanied by the best wine-makers in the region. Cheers!
Famous for its mountains and gastronomy, the region is also wellknown for its aromatic and medicinal plant cultures. Thyme, lemon balm, mint and several dozen other species are used to make herb teas, sweets and well-known cosmetics, bringing the freshness and benefits of the mountain within everyone’s reach.
Fendant | Johannisberg | Petite Arvine | Amigne | Païen | Humagne Dôle | Pinot Noir | Cornalin
EXCURSIONS
AND THEN... IN THE SURROUNDINGS
ADVENTURE PARKS
NATURE AND HERITAGE
MAUVOISIN DAM Take advantage of the educational trail and discover the highest arched dam in Europe (250m), with the additional advantage of a spectacular view of Mauvoisin Lake and its steep cascades.
WESTERN CITY | MARTIGNY Theme park for kids. www.western-city.ch
DURNAND GORGES LES VALETTES / BOVERNIER This one hour walk provides a spectacular aquatic show, orchestrated by 14 waterfalls on a tumultuous river. www.gorgesdudurnand.ch
MONT-FORT 3’330M A panoramic view awaits you from the top of the Mont Fort (3,300m) encompassing the Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn and Grand Combin ranges. Ascent by cablecar. Excursions – sunrise and breakfast – arranged in summer. GRAND ST-BERNARD PASS AND HOSPICE Visit the hospice and its museum which covers the history of this shelter and stopoff point since the beginning of time. Take advantage of your visit to have a walk with the famous St-Bernard dogs. CHAMPEX-LAC AND ITS ALPINE GARDEN Visit the magnificent “Flore-Alpe” Alpine Garden for a combination of summer botany and romanticism. Whatever the weather, don’t miss a pleasant walk around the lake.
LABYRINTHE AVENTURE | ÉVIONNAZ The largest permanent labyrinth in the world. www.labyrinthe.ch HAPPYLAND | GRANGES Theme park for kids. www.happylandnew.ch AQUAPARC | LE BOUVERET Waterworld. www.aquaparc.ch SWISS VAPEUR PARC | LE BOUVERET A miniature replica of Swiss trains and railway heritage. www.swissvapeur.ch
THERMAL CENTRES SAILLON | www.bainsdesaillon.ch OVRONNAZ | www.thermalp.ch VAL D’ILLIEZ | www.thermes-parc.com LOÈCHE-LES-BAINS | www.leukerbad.ch LAVEY-LES-BAINS | www.lavey-lesbains.ch
ALPINE ZOO LES MARÉCOTTES Mountain animals at Les Marécottes Zoo develop in their natural environment. www.zoo-alpin.ch DINSOSAUR FOOTPRINTS AND DAM ÉMOSSON Marvel at the dinosaur footprints at VieuxEmosson! This is the most important Palaeontology site of its kind in Europe. www.emosson-lac.ch UNDERGROUND LAKE ST-LÉONARD Discovered in 1943, this is the largest navigable underground lake in Europe. www.lac-souterrain.com
38 | 39
TOWNS AND MUSEUMS VAL D’HÉRENS This region is home to the Grande Dixence – the biggest gravity dam in the world – whose unparalleled height is a fascinating 285m. The Euseigne pyramids are also an amazing natural phenomenon. www.valdherens-tourisme.ch
MARTIGNY Explore remnants from the ancient Roman era in the town of Octodure or enjoy an artistic moment at the Fondation Gianadda. www.martigny.com
ICE SEA CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC Tons of excursions to go and explore around the Mont-Blanc. www.chamonix.com
SION With its 7000-year history, the capital of Valais is the matriarch of Swiss towns. Visit its colourful old town and the castles overlooking it. www.siontourisme.ch
ALETSCH GLACIER RIEDERALP This glacier is the longest in Europe and is classified a UNESCO world heritage site! www.aletscharena.ch
SIERRE The sunniest town in Switzerland is home to one of the two sites belonging to the Valais Museum of Vineyards and Wine. www.sierre-anniviers.ch
PAVILLON DE GLACE SAAS-FEE The highest in the world at 3,500 m! www.saas-fee.ch
ST-MAURICE Founded in the 6th century, the Abbey of St-Maurice hosted pilgrims on their way to Grand-St-Bernard. www.saint-maurice.ch
MATTERHORN ZERMATT Switzerland’s iconic image. www.zermatt.ch
MONTREUX The magnificent Château de Chillon on the banks of Lake Geneva is a must for all history lovers. In town, take a stroll down Montreux’s promenade, lined with exotic trees. www.montreuxriviera.com LAUSANNE Lausanne’s museums will show you art in all its forms. Those not-to-be missed at all costs are the Olympic Museum and the Gothic Cathedral. www.lausanne-tourisme.ch GENEVA Known all over the world for its Jet d’eau, the city at the end of the lake glitters with its wealth of museums and its cathedral. www.geneve-tourisme.ch