Ovronnaz: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Located on a sun terrace above the Rhone Valley, the charming Valais holiday resort of Ovronnaz enjoys a pleasant climate and magnificent views of the peaks of Grand Chavalard, Muveran, and Haut de Cry. Ovronnaz is primarily known for its thermal baths.
Table of contents
Ovronnaz - Must-see attractions
Ovronnaz Thermal Baths
The beneficial water in the thermal baths of Ovronnaz comes from deep within the mountain. The bathing and wellness oasis features three thermal pools, two of which are outdoors with water temperatures up to 35°C. Additionally, you can enjoy a bubbling whirlpool and cozy relaxation areas. After hiking or skiing, the year-round open thermal center in Ovronnaz offers additional relaxation options in its own spa. The offerings include massages, cosmetic treatments, as well as a sauna and a hammam. The panoramic view over the Rhone Valley and the Bernese Alps is also magnificent.
Fenestral Pass
The Swiss mountain Col de Fenestral serves as a connection between Ovronnaz and the Dents de Morcles. It is considered a popular starting point for tours to the Grand Chavalard, on whose western flank lies the Lac Supérieur de Fully reservoir. Additionally, numerous hiking routes lead over the Col de Fenestral. A frequently sought-after excursion destination is the Dent de Fenestral. From this mountain, there is a magical view over the majestic Mont Blanc and the Rhone Valley.
Fully See
The Lac de Fully is nestled into the western flank of the Grand Chavalard, which rises above the Rhone Valley. Dense larch forests, crisscrossed by hiking trails, grow around the lake. The destination of your hike is the power plant in Fully. Particularly popular is the Belle Usine, the beautiful factory. Surrounded by shady vineyards and fragrant chestnut trees, this part of the power plant is dedicated to cultural events. Performances are regularly held here, and sculptures and paintings by local artists are displayed.
"Farinet" pedestrian bridge
The Farinet suspension bridge was inaugurated in 2001. It is named after the smuggler and counterfeiter Joseph-Samuel Farinet, who died under unclear circumstances in the Salentze Gorge in 1880. In the nearby Saillon, there is even a counterfeit money museum dedicated to him. From the suspension bridge, you have a beautiful view over the Rhone Valley and the peaks of the Valais Alps. Right next to the suspension bridge, there is a picnic area, and the Via Farinetta climbing route, established in 2011, runs here.
Trip to Martigny
From Ovronnaz, you can reach Martigny by car or train. Particularly popular are the Barryland St. Bernard Museum and the Pierre Gianadda Foundation. Barryland is dedicated to the breeding of St. Bernards, descended from the dogs of the St. Bernard Hospice. The Pierre Gianadda Cultural Foundation was built on the remains of a temple dedicated to the Roman god Mercury and showcases artworks from various eras, including many paintings by renowned Swiss artists. A highlight is the gardens with Japanese cherry trees and the vintage car museum.
Rock of Orzival
The summit in the Swiss canton of Valais separates the valleys of Val d'Anniviers and Val de Réchy near the holiday resort of Grimentz. The snow-covered Roc d'Orzival and the surrounding mountain panorama offer an impressive backdrop for skiing and hiking. From the summit of Roc d’Orzival, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of crystal-clear lakes and deep green forests. A ski lift leads from Grimentz to the mountain station just below the summit, allowing for enjoyable descents in the ski area.
Ovronnaz - Secret spots
Durnand Gorge
Near Martigny, not far from Ovronnaz in the Valais Alps, lies the Durnand Gorge. The wild and romantic gorge can be explored on a hike over wooden walkways, tunnels, and stairs with a total of 3,330 steps. Here you will encounter steep rock walls and 14 powerful waterfalls. You will need about an hour for the route.
Cave of the Giants - Head of the Giant
The Cave of the Giants and Head of the Giant in Saillon are unique natural wonders immortalized in Gustave Courbet's painting "The Cave of the Giants." This picturesque site, known for its geological features, includes a hiking trail about 5 kilometers long, which can be completed in approximately 55 minutes.
The Farinet Footbridge
The Passerelle à Farinet, erected in 2001, is a 97-meter-long pedestrian bridge that towers 136 meters above the Salentse gorges. It is named after the famous counterfeiter Samuel Farinet, who lost his life in these gorges in 1880. The bridge offers a breathtaking view of the valley.
Minizoo Jorasse in Valais
With the chairlift, you can reach the Jorasse mini zoo from Ovronnaz in Valais at an altitude of 2,000 m. Here, fresh mountain air and numerous animals await you, which especially delight young visitors. The kids can pet friendly rabbits, goats, sheep, and alpacas or go for a pony ride.
Ovronnaz - In 3 days
Day 1
Unpack your bags and set off on your first mountain adventures after arrival and a short break. Ovronnaz in the Valais Alps is a nature-loving paradise for hiking enthusiasts in the warm season. The trail towards the approximately 1,500 m high L'Ardève starts directly in the village. A moderately challenging circular hiking trail of 10 km leads up to the summit, known for its panoramic viewpoint over your holiday destination. Those hiking with children can choose the 5 km long Legends Trail for an interesting tour, where you can immerse yourself in the world of the region's legends and myths on display boards. In winter, snow hikes invite you into the mountain world around Ovronnaz. Popular tours start from Ovronnaz amidst the silence of the winter-white forest up to the Alp Odonne, 4 km away.
Day 2
On the second day, it's off to the slopes. The small but fine ski area of Ovronnaz offers 30 kilometers of slopes. These mostly correspond to an intermediate level of difficulty, but there is also a selection of easy and challenging runs for beginners and professionals. On skis or a snowboard, you can enjoy plenty of winter fun with the whole family at altitudes of up to 2,500 meters. Afterwards, warm up at the mountain restaurant at the top station with an alpine panorama, a hot cocoa, and Swiss cuisine like hearty rösti or cheese fondue. From spring to autumn, sporty guests have around 50 kilometers of trails available for mountain biking along the wooded ridges. For those who crave real action, a paragliding flight fulfills the dream of flying. Together with a professional paraglider, you can discover the fantastic landscape of the Valais Alps from a bird's eye view during the tandem flight.
Day 3
The third day around Ovronnaz starts with family fun and a trip to the mini-zoo. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters at Jorasse, goats, rabbits, and cute alpacas live there, among others. Children enjoy ponies for petting and a short ride. In the afternoon, a visit to the botanical nature trail is worthwhile. High above Ovronnaz, you immerse yourself in a fragrant and colorful sea of flowers with over 200 subalpine plants. Spring is particularly suitable for strolling through the freshly blooming gentian, the white narcissus windflowers, or the elder-flowered orchid from the orchid family. Pure relaxation after a varied day awaits you at any time of the year at Les Bains d'Ovronnaz. In the thermal bath with water temperatures up to 35°C, you can swim in the outdoor pools with a view of the Alps or relax in the indoor pool with a bubbling whirlpool.