Postcard from Evolène - Tony Hilliard, Evolène, Switzerland
Monday February 1, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

Ever heard of it? No neither had some of us, but PlanetSKI reader, Tony Hilliard is there and it is quite a place. It's the first in a series of reports from lesser known ski resorts.

In the heart of the Swiss alpine region of Valais and a 30-minute breathtaking drive from Sion, the commune of Evolène is more popular as a summer destination than a ski resort.

However with direct flights during winter from London Stansted to Sion, or a 2-hour transfer from Geneva, the resort of Evolène holds a few surprises for the skier looking for something off the beaten track.

Officially part of the 4 Vallees region, Evolène isn't anywhere near as popular as neighbouring Thyon or as chic and happening as Verbier, but that is part of it's charm.

Tony Hilliard; bit of a fan! Tony Hilliard; an Evolene fanQuite simply, except for locals and Swiss "in-the-know" it's undiscovered. That means you pretty much have the pistes to yourself.

A rare treat in these days of over-crowded slopes and many people seemingly going far too fast for their ability.

Yes, the infrastructure is a little old, but there are no queues and no hordes of people trying to take lunch at the same time.

A slow and slightly rickety chair-lift takes you from the car-park, it's a free 10-minute transfer from the village centre for those without a car, up to La Meina at 2,121m and the spectacular 4,357m Dent Blanche comes into view as you arrive.

From here you have access, via T-bar lifts, to 11 pistes and 42km of runs.

With only one blue run, providing a winding 20 minute journey through the trees and back to the car-park, it's not a place for absolute beginners.

However the wide, perfectly groomed pistes provide ample thrills and for the more adventurous there are plenty of ski-trails and opportunities to go off-piste.

A particular delight is the 1320m vertical drop from the top of Le Mont-Rouge.

After a day on the slopes the village of Evolène offers great restaurants to unwind in, but there is no nightlife to speak of.

Unlike purpose-built resorts this place has a real community atmosphere. I felt very welcome and even made a few friends. I will definitely be back.

So please, make the effort to visit and you will be rewarded. Don't tell too many people though. Let's keep it a secret. I mean where else can you still be carving fresh tracks at 3pm?

PROS: You have the slopes to yourself. Friendly locals. Cheap hotels and ski-pass. Spectacular views.

CONS: 10 min bus/car journey to lift. Mainly Intermediate skiers only.

We will have a regular series of reports from less well known places - mostly sent in by PlanetSKI readers. So if you are in small resort and want to tell us about it then contact us at inbox@planetski.eu

Next Conrad Sutcliffe reports from St Gervais in France and then Phil Frewer from the slightly better-known, but under-rated, Serre Chevalier. In the meantime see a few pictures of Evolène below.