I knew I wanted to tour some vineyards in the Valais, Switzerland’s largest wine-making region, but this French-speaking canton southeast of Lake Geneva offers much more. Alpine peaks tower over ski resorts, idyllic river valleys and quaint mountain villages, and I was eager to get out and explore. With so many summertime activities to choose from, I turned to the Travel Office to help narrow down the options and arrange something special.

My advisor set up an unforgettable excursion: a full day of exploring Alpine trails and savoring Valaisan specialties. Our private guide, the warm and friendly Catherine Antille Emery, has deep roots in the region. Her paternal grandfather opened Crans-Montana’s first luxury hotel in the 1890s, and her maternal grandfather was a vigneron. I couldn’t have been in better hands.

We began the day with a brisk hike along the Bisse du Ro. Bisses (irrigation canals) played a vital role in the region’s agricultural development, transporting glacial meltwater from the mountains to vineyards and pastures. Buried pipes have replaced many of the bisses, but portions of them still function as they always did. Following the narrow paths along these canals, some of which date to the 14th century, makes for a beautiful outing.