An eight-kilometre visitor trail along the Bisse de la Muraz leads through alpine pastures, forests and the resort of Les Collons. The canal offers a tangible introduction to the area’s landscape and history: it is considered to be the oldest canal in the valley. A document from 1328 mentions it in connection with an arbitration ruling by the Bishop of Sion concerning grazing and water rights.
Winter activities and different starting points
Le Petit Vallon, a ski practice area for children and beginners, is located in Les Collons 1850. Two conveyor belts help visitors practise; access is free. It operates seasonally, and access conditions may change. The snow park also has clearly described features: between the La Muraz and Theytaz II ski lifts, there is a blue and a red line, the Gaspard play zone and a relaxation area. The winter configuration may change. Historically, Thyon was among the first winter sports resorts in Switzerland to open a snow park. In winter, Thyon is linked to the 4 Vallées ski area, which has 410 kilometres of pistes; its configuration may also change.
The two ski touring routes to Thyon 2000 can be distinguished by their starting points. The Les Collons 1800–Thyon 2000 route starts behind the tennis courts in Les Collons 1800, 150 metres from the Thyon Tourisme tourist office. The Les Collons 1900–Thyon 2000 route starts in front of the Hotel-Restaurant La Cambuse on the Les Collons 1900 plateau. It is graded easy. From Cheillon, it offers views of Mont Blanc; views of the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn are also mentioned. For both routes, opening and conditions depend on the winter season and lift operations; visibility may depend on the weather.
Hiking trails and nature experiences
The bisse trail is one way to combine a longer walk with the canal’s history. Another walk through Les Collons passes La Muraz, the Les Collons chapel and other points of interest. A walk through the resort is also part of a child-friendly Rally of Riddles: questions are hidden along the route. Notre-Dame des Neiges Chapel in Les Collons is open on Saturdays during the day until 4:30 pm; confirm availability before your visit.
The hike along the CrĂŞtes de Thyon is led by mountain hiking guide CĂ©line Gaspoz. The trail offers sweeping views on both sides and leads to the Gouilles and the highest-altitude peat bogs in the Alps. The tour is subject to seasonal changes in trail conditions. Reservations are required for an excursion to observe marmots, chamois and deer. A bus takes the group to the Mandelon alpine pasture at an altitude of 2,066 metres; from there, a guided hike of about 1.5 hours begins. The animals can be observed in the wild, but sightings cannot, by their nature, be planned.
A seasonal birdwatching hike in Les Collons invites visitors to see, hear and identify local birds. It includes a light breakfast in the forest. For a different perspective on the 4 Vallées, there is a guided e-bike tour along scenic trails with electric assistance. The meeting point is at the Thyon-Région tourist office in Les Collons 1800; the activity is seasonal.
Discover alpine cheese-making
A seasonal guided tour of an alpine cheese dairy offers an insight into cheese-making: visitors can take part and learn about the production of Valais alpine raclette cheese. The tour also includes a tasting of local products, including tomme, herb cheese and milk. The focus here is therefore not on a hiking route or winter sports activity, but on the production and tasting of regional cheeses.
Several guided activities are seasonal; bear this in mind when choosing when to travel and check the dates as you plan. Discover more destinations: Thyon.
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