Sky Islands
Sometimes, when clouds flood the Val d'Anniviers, the mountains seem to become islands in the sky
Sometimes, when clouds flood the Val d'Anniviers, the mountains seem to become islands in the sky
For centuries, the towering mountains surrounding the Val d’Anniviers stood as a natural barrier, isolating the valley from the outside world. Tourism was therefore rare until the mid-19th century, mainly due to the difficulty of accessing the valley.
Starting in 1860, majestic peaks such as the Weisshorn, Matterhorn, and Zinalrothorn attracted many English mountaineers. Numerous hotels were built, marking the beginning of tourism development. Tourist activities remained limited to the summer months until the development of ski resorts in the villages of Chandolin, Grimentz, Saint-Luc and Zinal in the 1960s and 1970s.
These mountains, which had once isolated the valley, became the driving force behind its transformation into a leisure destination, drastically changing the way of life for its inhabitants. From a traditional farming existence, the valley evolved into a lifestyle primarily focused on the development of tourism.
In ancient legends, it is said that the people of Anniviers, once still connected to pagan beliefs, worshiped the mountains, considering them as deities. This practice has long since disappeared. One might wonder if their accessibility, now made easier by roads, cable cars, helicopters, and marked trails, has stripped them of their dimension as sacred rock giants that once inspired fear and mystery. What is certain is that they continue to inspire deep respect for many, awakening a lost connection with something greater.
