Vercorin – Mountain Views, Village Culture and Trails

Vercorin lies on a mountain terrace above Sierre at an altitude of 1,330 metres. From here, the view opens out over the Rhône Valley, taking in the Alps and the Rhône plain. The village is a gateway to the Vallon de Réchy nature reserve, a landscape considered to have been preserved from civilisation. Crêt du Midi also rises above Vercorin. It is the northernmost peak in the mountain range that includes Sasseneire, Becs de Bosson and Roc d’Orzival, which separates the Val de Réchy and Val d’Hérens from the Val d’Anniviers.

Hiking and historic water management

Vercorin is a starting point for numerous hikes of varying difficulty, offering ways to explore the Vallon de Réchy. The history of the Bisse de Vercorin offers a different perspective on the landscape. This 6.3-kilometre-long irrigation channel was built in 1358, in the 14th century, as part of local pasture and water management. It was used to irrigate meadows and supply mills downstream.

Village inscriptions and art

Over several years, more than forty inscriptions in Vercorin were catalogued, deciphered and, where necessary, translated and explained as part of the Paroles de Mélèze project. Visitors can explore the village at their own pace and discover the inscriptions on house façades in detail using connected medallions. Individual medallions may be updated; check the latest information beforehand if needed. It is also possible to visit the village accompanied by a local guide. Guide availability may vary.

The Fondation Édouard Vallet exhibits works by Édouard and Marguerite Vallet-Gilliard, as well as contemporary art; exhibitions change seasonally. It is housed in a building the artist couple acquired in 1912, which became an exhibition venue in 2013. Alongside the village inscriptions, art and the history of a historic building offer their own cultural themes to explore.

Summer trails and mountain activities

In summer, the Family Trail starts at the Sigeroulaz gondola’s top station and follows a fun route that gradually descends to Vercorin. The trail is suitable for beginners and more experienced riders alike. The Crêt du Midi Flowtrail can be linked to the Family Trail, making a descent with almost 1,000 metres of elevation possible. As these are seasonal mountain biking routes, check the latest opening conditions in advance.

Forêt Aventures is located above Vercorin, on the Sigeroulaz Alp. This seasonal outdoor park has six courses with continuous belay systems and six zip lines. For safety reasons, the course configuration may be adjusted; check operating conditions before your visit.

Winter activities and leisure area

Seasonal winter activities include 35 kilometres of ski pistes, five ski lifts, a chairlift, a covered conveyor belt, a snowpark and a beginners’ area. For ski touring, the Rando Parc offers three signposted routes through wild landscapes. The ascent to Alp Tracui on the Vercorin Rando Parc / Tracui route is of moderate difficulty; ski conditions may affect access. Snowshoe hikes wind through landscapes covered in fresh snow. A seasonal artificial ice rink is also available.

The free Espace du Lavioz is a family leisure area a five-minute walk from the village centre. Facilities there may change. A seasonal toboggan run lets children try the sport in a relaxed setting. Paragliding flights can take off from the village of Vercorin year-round and land in Chalais in the Rhône Valley; they are weather-dependent.

Getting there and regional products

The Chalais–Vercorin cable car connects the valley floor with the mountain settlement in seven minutes. Check its current operating status before travelling. For regional products, the Duay family offers fresh produce every week: fruit and vegetables, farm eggs, honey, fruit brandies, jams, cheese and sausages. Check dates and seasonal availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Chippis, Veyras, Chandolin, Crans-Sur-Sierre, Sierre, Venthône, Crans-Montana, Lens

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