The last snowfalls give way to the first crocuses and primroses, announcing the arrival of spring. Farmers are busy putting up fences to welcome cows and sheep in ideal conditions. The 400 kilometres of hiking trails once again allow you to cross fields and pastures from one end of the Région Dents du Midi to the other.
It’s the perfect time to discover over 2’660 types of plants and flowers growing in our mountains, to meet our alpine farmers who welcome hikers and mountain bikers in their centuries-old chalets, or to take in the stunning landscape, living a sweet summer dream. Wood-fired cooking and freshly unmoulded cheeses create a gentle mix of traditional expertise and fragrances that charm visitors. Would you like to discover these places and learn more about our alpine pastures? Here are our suggestions:
Alpage de La Chaux – Morgins
Entirely renovated in 2020, this authentic chalet welcomes you on its terrace facing the Dents du Midi. Its traditional cuisine offers a menu with seasonal and local flavours. Easily accessible on foot or by bike, you can take the Foilleuse chairlift up from Morgins to skip the uphill walk before enjoying the gourmet meal that awaits you.
| Altitude | 1700 m |
| Transportation from Morgins | La Foilleuse Chairlift |
| Suggested hike | Morgins – La Chaux – Foilleuse – Morgins |
Cantine des Dents Blanches – Champéry
Nestled in the heart of the Dents Blanches mountain cirque, the plateau de Barme welcomes you for a relaxing moment out of time. While electricity and running water have yet to reach this unspoilt place, it is still possible to enjoy delicious local dishes for a fully traditional experience. Enjoy the moment and sit back to appreciate the atmosphere and the views.
| Altitude | 1490 m |
| Transportation from Champéry | Barme shuttle |
| Suggested hike | Grand-Paradis – Barme – Sous la Dents – Grand-Paradis |
Alpage Chez Yoyo et Jibi – Les Crosets
Perched at the top of the village of Les Crosets, this farm produces and serves its own cheese, a few steps away from the peaks separating the Swiss and French sides of the Portes du Soleil. Séracs, raclettes and even cured meats thrill the taste buds of guests. An authentic charm for a guaranteed change of scenery in the middle of alpine pastures.
| Altitude | 1855 m |
| Transportation from Champéry | Champéry cable car |
| Suggested hike | Croix-de-Culet – Lac Vert – Champéry |