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Veysonnaz Travel Guide
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Veysonnaz © rivieraski |
Overview With panoramic views of the Rhone Valley, Veysonnaz forms a part
of the Four Valleys ski area together with Nandez, Verbier, Thyon
and La Tzoumaz. A more affordable alternative to fashionable
resorts like Verbier, the pretty town of Veysonnaz has managed to
retain its Alpine charm with traditional architecture and events
like the June Cow Processions. There are a range of activities for
non-skiers in both summer and winter, including attractions like
the pyramids of Euseigne and the Grande Dixence dam. The town
itself has a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a few shops
and a recreation centre.
Skiing The Four Valleys ski area has over 250 miles (400km) of runs,
which provide ample off piste opportunities for experts, including
the Tortin snow bowl. There are also runs for intermediates and
beginners, and the runs in general range from 1,640 feet (500m) to
9,842 feet (3,000m) in elevation, though heli-skiing is available
to the Pigne d'Arolla at 12,467 feet (3,800m). The 1936 Neypark at
La Choux is a haven for snowboarding in Veysonnaz, featuring a
skate-style pyramid and a good selection of rails.
Negatives The resorts in the Four Valleys area are spread out, and not
linked together very effectively.
Activities Glacier Express Advertised as the 'slowest express train in the world', the
Glacier Express is also the most panoramic, and is a breathtaking
way to experience the magnificence of the Swiss Alps. The seven and
a half hour journey begins daily from Zermatt. The red mountain
train crosses more than 291 bridges, winds its way through 91
tunnels and seven valleys and over the 6,670ft (2,033m) Oberalp
Pass to the resort of St Moritz, in a spectacular feat of mountain
engineering. The train is equipped with large windows for clear
viewing and the scenery, including mountain panoramas, quaint
villages and wooden chalets, forests and alpine pastures, is
stunning. A dining car provides lunch and the mini-bar contains
tilted wine glasses to counter the lean of the carriages along the
steep mountainous route. The train can be taken in either
direction, and if time is short it is possible to travel along a
short section of the route, but either way it is advisable to make
advance bookings as the train is very popular. There are several
departures a day during summer and one a day in winter.
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