With far more sunny days than most other areas of Switzerland, Valais is generally a bright region, even when it's cold. High ski season (late December through Easter) is chilly, of course, with lows well below freezing most days. (0-10?F is not unusual). Days can be bright and clear or cloudy and grey, depending on current weather systems. Temperatures begin their steady climb up the thermometer around April, though alpine snow doesn't melt until June or later. May and June are beautiful times to visit Valais; temperatures are cool but pleasant, and the mountains are green and dotted with wild flowers. Summers are warmer still, and in July and August, mountain-loving crowds from Switzerland and throughout Europe descend on Valais. Autumn is cool and damp, and is generally considered the low season here.

Valais is relatively easy to reach from the rest of Europe. Though there is no airport within the region itself, several major airports are a moderate drive or train ride away. Zurich's airport is 3 1/2 hours by car (5 hours by train) from Valais; Geneva's airport is 3 hours by car (3 1/2 hours by train) from Valais; Basel's airport is 3 1/2 hours by car (5 hours by train) from Valais; Milan's airport is 3 1/2 hours by car or train from Valais; and Sion's airport is 1 1/2 hours by car (2 hours by train) from Valais. For the privileged few, there is a small heliport in Zermatt. Numerous international airlines fly to the above airports from the UK.

Once in Valais, you may or may not decide to hire a car. While having a car makes it easy to hop from one resort to another, many people decide to stay put in one town and use local transportation (and of course ski lifts) to get around. Some resorts, like Zermatt, are virtually car-free and require visitors to park in a lot outside town.

Valais is best known for its ski resorts, and of course downhill skiing is the star activity here. No matter which Valais resort you choose, you're bound to find an abundance of ski-rental outfits and numerous boutiques selling the latest in slope-side fashion. You can buy day, 1/2-day, or multi-day passes to ski or snowboard on the challenging Alpine slopes. In some areas of Valais, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is available too.

In summer, the atmosphere around Valais changes completely. Backpacks replace skis, and hikers arrive in droves just weeks after the ski season ends. If you plan to hike in early spring, be prepared for icy, snowy conditions on some of Valais' higher slopes. Later in the season, the mountains emerge green and flower-filled, making an ideal backdrop for short hikes or longer treks through the Alps. Many people make use of the ski lifts to get into the mountains; from there, it's easy to walk or simply sightsee. You could also undertake a more challenging hike (with guide if necessary), reaching peaks like Zermatt. Glacier walks are also popular in Valais.

Believe it or not, there are some areas of Valais that even offer summer skiing. In Gravity Park, near Zermatt, there are up to 21 kilometres (13 miles) of slopes and man-made courses that attract mainly snowboarders and freeskiers.

Other summer activities include golfing at the Matterhorn Golf Club, sightseeing from cable cars or the cog-railway, and taking scenic drives through Valais' high Alpine passes.