Anzère

Anzère lies on a sunny terrace at 1500m above the Rhone Valley. Anzère is also wonderful walking country in summer with interesting tours along historical irrigation channels known as suonen. Anzère is part of the central Valais community of Ayent at the foot of the Wildhorn massif. It nestles amidst larch and pine forests and enjoys an almost Mediterranean micro-climate.

Because the Ayent-Anzère occupies such a sunny location and has one of the driest climates in Switzerland, farmers in the region have constructed a network of suonen, the irrigation channels ('Bisses’ in French) so typical of the Valais. Three main suonen, 70 km in length, traverse the community. The first suonen date from the middle of the 15th century, and there is an interesting little suonen museum in Anzère.

Summer
The gentle slopes and babbling waters have made the suonen popular as walking trails, including the three-hour tour from Anzère to the reservoir at Tseuzier (and beyond via the Rawil Pass to Lenk in the Bernese Oberland).
There are mountain trails up to the Wildhorn Glacier at 3247 m, and a total of 166 km of marked footpaths in the region. Anzère in summer is ideal for mountain bikes (5 routes, 80 km) and also 2 downhill tracks (black and red) start at the top of the cable car. It also offers climbing, riding, fishing, a hang-gliding school, mountain huts, tennis courts, mini-golf, volleyball, football and a giant children’s playground. Close by are wine cellars, golf courses, thermal baths and an observatory.

Winter
The ski region stretches from altitudes of 1500 m to 2500 m. There are 11 lift facilities and a wide range of courses and trails for downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders and winter hikers. Toboggan enthusiasts will find a super toboggan run, and there are plenty of opportunities for winter hikers and snowshoe walkers. Every week mulled wine is ladled out of a huge cauldron, providing a chance to make new friends.