Immerse yourself in Swiss Alpine life at its most vibrant in the Région Dents du Midi, comprised of six picturesque villages nestled in the gorgeous Illiez Valley. Easily accessible from major Swiss transport hubs, the area is part of Les Portes du Soleil, famous as a vast ski playground in winter and doubling up as a truly spectacular backdrop during the autumn months for a whole range of activities.
And when it comes to those autumn activities, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Lose yourself in 800 kilometres of hiking routes and 600 kilometres of biking trails, give your taste buds a gourmet treat or two at some of the many excellent restaurants, crank up the thrills with some full-on outdoor activities or take the family for a day out. Whatever you decide on, just make sure to grab your Multi Pass before you head out, as this brilliant little card gives you access to a whole world of discounts and free experiences.
Below, we’ve picked ten fantastic activities that showcase exactly what the Région Dents du Midi is all about. For more inspiration on where to go and what to do, simply click here – and then start booking to get your autumn adventure underway.
Immerse yourself in Région Dents du Midi Explor Games to experience a unique way of enjoying the area. Using a mobile app, players will be guided through outdoor courses and escape games, where you’ll need to solve puzzles to progress. Get your thinking cap (and walking boots) on.
The opening of The Région Dents du Midi’s cable cars and lifts has been extended beyond autumn, now lasting until November 1. This makes it super-easy, fun, quick and scenic to zip around the area and cram in all your favourite sights and activities.
Get physical by embarking on one of six orienteering adventures in the Région Dents du Midi. You’ll scan QR codes as you go to move on to the next task, exploring new places and discovering new skills you didn’t even know you had. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a time to let you know how quicky you solved the course. A great active day out!
Whether you’re more in the mood for mountain biking or e-biking, the many charming villages around the Région Dents du Midi are captivating spots to visit when you explore them using just pedal power. Take things up a notch further by visiting the nearby Champéry-Morgins Bikepark in Portes du Soleil, a huge bike park that’s a paradise for cyclists of all abilities. And if you’re still looking for an adrenaline fix after that, take the cable car from Champéry and Morgins, where you’ll be able to hurtle downhill at breath-taking speeds. One for the daredevils.
Combine the best bits of an escape game and a treasure hunt and you’ll find The Curse of the Red Water, an immersive and highly interactive experience in Morgins. Search for the four totems out in nature, admiring the incredible scenery as you solve fiendish puzzles to advance in your quest. Anyone who likes thinking creatively will love the missions you’ll encounter in this adventurous game.
Cycling 40 kilometres may sound like a bit of a challenge, but when you’re on an e-bike, this potentially strenuous activity suddenly becomes a joyful, relaxed way of seeing some of the area’s finest scenery. The 40km figure-of-eight loop has been designed especially for rechargeable e-bikes and leads cyclist of all abilities through the Région Dents du Midi, all with the absolute minimum of effort, if that’s what you need. Along the way you’ll encounter panoramic views and pass by plenty of Alpine restaurants (feel free to stop-in for a bite to eat) and charging points, which will keep you zooming through and able to simply enjoy the ride.
What could possibly make autumn in the Région Dents du Midi any better? How about an array of free and discounted experiences? That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Multi Pass, a card that opens up a whopping 60 free and discounted activities. Best of all, the Multi Pass will be gifted to everyone on an overnight stay in the Région Dents du Midi. Take your pick from swimming pools, museums, tennis, mini-golf, escape rooms, paragliding, an indoor climbing wall and much more. And if you’re planning on doing any hiking during your trip (which you really should), take advantage of the free buses, trains and cable cars that the Multi Pass entitles you to, allowing you to get to the starting point or return home after a day of walking without any fuss.
Foodies, this one’s for you. The Trophée des Alpages is an adventure that takes you on a gastronomic tour of the Région Dents du Midi, guiding you to various Alpine restaurants around the area. In your chosen venues you’ll be able to enjoy local dishes and traditional specialities, with stunning Alpine views framing your indulgent meal. As a bonus, you’ll then be entered into a prize draw at the end of the season, in which you can win some outstanding prizes, including a ski weekend for two and a CHF 1,000 voucher. Simply pick up a Trophée des Alpages game card before setting out and ask restaurant staff for a sticker when you pay the bill.
Thrill-seekers will love the opportunity to go canyoning while in the Région Dents du Midi. This exhilarating outdoor pursuit involves making your way down various rocky gorges and through waterfalls into flowing water below. As for how you get down there, it could be abseiling, climbing, scrambling or even leaping into the water. And if that all sounds a little too thrilling, fear not, as an experienced guide will make sure you’re doing everything safely and responsibly. It’s one of the most special ways to experience the Région Dents du Midi and see nature at its most raw and rugged.
What do you get when you cross mountaineering and hiking? Via ferrata, an exciting experience that lets participants safely navigate otherwise-treacherous Alpine terrain thanks to harnesses, cables and sturdy iron rungs. Suitable for both adults and children, it’s a unique way of navigating the landscape around you and is even more fun when that landscape is the beautiful surroundings of the Région Dents du Midi. See for yourself at the newly renovated Tière via ferrata, a popular route measuring 460 metres, with an altitude gain of 125 metres. You’ll be ascending steep rock walls and crossing the River Tière using suspension bridges, all to be rewarded with jaw-dropping views.
