Discover Thyon

Thyon is located on the western slope of the Val d’Hérémence and is a district of the municipality of Vex in the Hérens district of the canton of Valais. At around 2,095 metres above sea level, the view stretches to the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche and Mont Blanc. The mountain panorama is complemented by activities that vary significantly by season: hiking, cycling and leisure activities shape the summer, while skiing and snow experiences are available in winter.

Hiking and summer activities

The summer hike “Randonnée Thyon - Combatseline” is 7 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours. It has an elevation change of 199 metres and is rated difficulty level 1/5. The route starts in Thyon, at the upper station of the Veysonnaz gondola lift, and heads towards the Bisse de Chervé. Along the way, you can enjoy views across the Val de Nendaz and the Rhône plain. As trail conditions can change, check them and access by gondola lift before setting off.

The outdoor escape game takes place in the Forêt de Thyon. “Escape game en pleine nature” starts at the Thyon Tourist Office and takes around 3 hours, of which 1 to 2 hours are spent walking. These time estimates are approximate and help distinguish this activity from a shorter outing such as the hike described above.

You can explore the Thyon alpine pasture in the heart of the 4 Vallées and Val d’Hérens on all-terrain scooters. “La trottinette tout terrain pour tous” is offered as a family experience in summer, from the opening of the chairlifts. Children must be at least 8 years old and 135 centimetres tall; confirm these requirements before booking. The season and lift operations affect access.

Below Thyon 2000’s square, electric quad bikes, remote-controlled boats, table tennis and volleyball are available in summer. The leisure area by the pond also includes a covered picnic area beside the pond and a 9-hole mini-golf course. Cycling is also part of the summer programme: with “Le Bike à Thyon,” you can ride alone or in groups along Thyon’s trails and discover alpine landscapes. Bikes for marked cycling routes can be rented from sports shops in the region; providers and available equipment may vary.

Winter sports and snow experiences

Thyon is connected to the 4 Vallées ski area, which includes La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Verbier and Veysonnaz. In the ski area around Thyon, easy and intermediate runs predominate. For “4 Vallées Backcountry,” certified ski instructors offer a guided 7-hour ski day exploring the 4 Vallées. Participants need a backpack containing an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, as well as a valid ski pass. Equipment is not included in the course price.

A dog-sled ride, or an introductory dog-sled experience, in Thyon 2000 is described as an easily accessible family activity. Participants take turns on a route that is covered multiple times. The seasonal offer may change in terms of dates and booking arrangements. Another winter experience is “Raquettes & Saveurs Montagnardes”: a guided snowshoe hike through the forest under the starry sky. Snowshoes are included in the price; check availability before your trip.

Cheese and local character

At Alpage de Thyon, you can learn how raclette and other regional cheese specialities are made; a tasting is included in the visit. In the cellar, you can see around a hundred cheeses and learn more about the cheesemaker’s craft. A visit is held there every Wednesday evening between July and August. As this is a seasonal programme, check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Les Collons.

For the main travel overview: Vex.