Les Collons

The region stretches over the communes of Vex and Hérémence, its two main villages. ("Commune" is a Swiss term referring to the land surrounding, and administered by, a village or town.) The two communes in our region are, by Swiss standards, vast, running from the Rhone Valley, at 600 meters above sea level, up to the glaciers feeding the Grand Dixence Dam, and then all the way up to the summit of the icy, towering Mt Blanc du Cheilon, at 3870 meters above sea level. That's more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) higher! Needless to say, this allows for an enviable level of bio-diversity in this area: those who wish to can check out the flora, fauna and geology typical of the Mediterranean and of the Arctic Circle -- all in the same day, and all within Thyon-Région. Les Collons is a village at 1800m which links into the Verbier ski system, just under 2 hours from Geneva and 20 minutes from Sion (some flights in the winter from the UK). Located at the end of the 4 Valleys, it is part of one of the largest and highest ski regions in Europe, but the ski area immediately around Les Collons is marvellous – open and sunny and not at all crowded – no queues at all. In the centre of Les Collons there are a couple of hotels, several restaurants (the Chalet Maya has exceptionally good is food and magnificent views) and a few bars, but the real charm of the area is the feeling of traditional Switzerland as you gaze down at the larch forests with their delightful chalets dotted over the slopes and the spires of churches in the quaint villages on the other side of the valley. The views are truly splendid and unspoilt by industry or development. There is a swimming pool and other facilities at Thyon 2000 just ten minutes away on the free ski bus and there are charming bars and local restaurants in the villages of Heremence and Vex. Sion is only 20 minutes away and this charming town has many good restaurants and shops. There are possibilities to build a spa and other facilities in the village of Les Collons and we expect to see some quality development in future but most of the remaining land is zoned for construction only of individual chalets.

The views from Les Collons are magnificent and the Matterhorn is clearly visible (the last peak on the right on the opposite side of the valley). The ski area above Les Collons is fabulous – wide, open and sunny slopes perfect for beginners and intermediates. For those who like to ski fast is one of the most famous ski slopes in the Alps, the fabulous Piste de L’Ours. Best of all there are no crowds –Les Collons is at the very end of the ski system so skiers staying in Verbier don’t come over to enjoy the slopes of Les Collons.