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    Switzerland, Europe

    Evolène

    Evolène: 41km piste, 1228m vertical, CHF 43 day pass. Quiet alternative to Verbier in traditional Valais village.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    21 Dec 2025
    Closes
    23 Mar 2026
    Days open
    92
    Annual snow
    4m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Evolène operates 41.1 kilometres of piste across 11 marked runs between 1404 and 2632 metres, delivering 1228 metres of vertical drop in the Val d'Hérens. The terrain splits into 38 per cent beginner, 27 per cent intermediate and 35 per cent advanced, with four red runs, three black runs and two blue descents threading through high-alpine terrain facing the Dent-Blanche and Matterhorn. The ski area receives an annual average of 4.3 metres of snowfall, with predominantly north and east-facing slopes that hold cover reliably from late December through March.

    The upper slopes above 2000 metres provide access to extensive off-piste zones that track out slowly due to modest visitor numbers, whilst groomed runs include the demanding Vouasson descent and an ungroomed black variant favoured by powder seekers. Lifts depart from the hamlet of Lannaz, located 2.1 kilometres above Evolène village at 1404 metres, with free shuttle buses connecting the two. Chamois are frequently visible from the Lannaz-Chemeuille chairlift during the ascent to mid-mountain terrain. The ski area extends to the Arpilles sector when snow conditions permit, adding two additional runs to the upper mountain.

    The resort maintains a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere distinct from the packed pistes of nearby Verbier and Zermatt, with aged but functional infrastructure and minimal on-mountain development. Restaurant de Chemeuille operates at mid-mountain with terrace dining facing the Dent-Blanche. Evolène village itself sits below the ski area and was voted most beautiful village in French-speaking Switzerland in 2012, its sun-blackened larch chalets and traditional granaries preserved as heritage architecture. The February carnival runs for a month with nightly gatherings in village bars.

    The Espace Dent-Blanche pass grants access to Arolla and La Forclaz, totalling 100 kilometres of slopes across three valleys between 1400 and 3000 metres. Magic Pass holders ski free at all three areas. Adult day tickets cost CHF 43, with heliskiing experiences available for CHF 450. The 2025-26 season runs 21 December to 23 March, with the resort suiting advanced skiers, freeriders and families seeking affordable Swiss skiing outside the major destination resorts.

    1228m
    Vertical
    11
    Runs
    41.1 km
    Piste
    4m
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    11 runs across 41.1 km of piste

    Evolène spreads 11 runs across 41.1 km of piste of terrain. It leans beginner at 38%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 4 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    11
    runs
    11 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner4 runs · 38%
    Intermediate3 runs · 27%
    Advanced4 runs · 35%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
    Time it right

    When to visit Evolène

    The 2025-26 season opens 21 December 2025 and closes 23 March 2026, with additional weekend operation scheduled for 28-29 March and 2-6 April inclusive. This 13-week core season aligns with typical Valais mid-altitude timing. Arolla within the same pass area operates longer due to higher base elevation at 2000 metres, opening weekends from early December and running through mid-April.

    Evolène receives 4.3 metres of annual snowfall on average, with week two of January historically the snowiest period delivering 51 centimetres across 3.7 snowy days. The ski area's elevation between 1400 and 2632 metres provides a snow reliability advantage over lower resorts, particularly on upper slopes above 2000 metres that benefit from a high-mountain microclimate. North and east-facing aspects preserve snow quality well into spring, often maintaining excellent conditions through March when south-facing terrain at similar elevations deteriorates rapidly. Modest snowmaking infrastructure exists but natural snow quality remains the primary asset.

    January through March delivers the most consistent conditions, with February representing peak powder reliability and March offering longer daylight and spring corn snow on sunny aspects. December and early January can be variable at lower elevations until the seasonal snowpack establishes. Off-piste zones track out more slowly than at major resorts due to light crowds, with fresh snow remaining skiable for days after storms rather than hours.

    The village hosts a month-long February carnival with traditional costumes and nightly festivities. No night skiing operates. Lift tickets include a heliskiing experience option for CHF 450, with drops into the surrounding Val d'Hérens peaks arranged through local operators. Cross-country skiing operates on 20 kilometres of Nordic trails between Evolène and Les Haudères villages.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    21 Dec 2025
    Opens
    23 Mar 2026
    Closes
    92
    Days open
    4 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Evolène, and where to stay

    Evolène sits at 1404 metres in the Val d'Hérens, a side valley branching south from the Rhône valley in Valais canton. The valley extends from Sion towards the glaciated peaks of Dent Blanche at 4357 metres and Dent d'Hérens at 4171 metres, with Evolène village located 25 kilometres up-valley from the Rhône plain. Ski lifts operate from Lannaz, a hamlet 2.1 kilometres above the main village. The Val d'Hérens forms part of the French-speaking Valais region, surrounded by 4000-metre peaks and accessed via a single valley road.

    Sion, the Valais capital, lies 25 kilometres north with a 30-minute drive time under normal conditions. The village of Les Haudères sits 5 kilometres further up-valley from Evolène, whilst Arolla occupies the valley head 14 kilometres beyond. Evolène village retains centuries-old vernacular architecture with sun-weathered wooden buildings, stone-framed doorways and traditional granaries raised on stilts. The commune covers nearly 21,000 hectares, making it one of Switzerland's largest municipalities by area.

    Motorway A9 provides the primary access corridor, with drivers taking exit 27 marked Sion-Est / Val d'Hérens before following cantonal roads through Vex, Saint-Martin and Hérémence to reach Evolène. The valley road is wide, well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types including campervans. Geneva lies 185 kilometres west with a two-hour drive via the A9, whilst Zurich sits approximately three hours northeast. The dramatic earth pyramids of Euseigne mark the valley entrance 15 kilometres below Evolène.

    Sion Airport is 20 minutes away by road, though Geneva Airport at 182 kilometres represents the primary international gateway with a 1 hour 56 minute drive. Train services run from Geneva Airport to Sion station in approximately 90 minutes, from where PostAuto bus line 381 operates hourly to Evolène village in 34 minutes. Total public transport journey time from Geneva Airport reaches 3 hours 37 minutes with one connection at Sion. Private transfers and rental cars are available at both airports.

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    Lift tickets

    9 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 21–64

    Adult Full Day

    CHF 43

    Full day skiing at Evolène with access to Espace Dent-Blanche including Arolla and La Forclaz. 100km of slopes with spectacular Dent-Blanche and Matterhorn views.

    Buy pass
    Youth 16–20

    Youth Full Day

    CHF 34

    Youth daily ticket for Evolène covering ages 16-20. Experience demanding slopes and authentic freeriding paradise in peaceful Val d'Hérens setting.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–15

    Child Full Day

    CHF 27

    Children's lift ticket at Evolène for ages 6-15. Family-friendly access to uncrowded slopes with chairlift views of chamois in unspoilt natural setting.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Child (5 & Under)

    Free

    Free skiing for children 5 and under at Evolène when accompanied by adult. Kids enjoy complimentary access to peaceful alternative to crowded Verbier.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior Full Day

    CHF 34

    Senior lift ticket for Evolène with same pricing as youth for skiers 65+. Enjoy tranquil skiing with authentic mountain village atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Adult 21–64

    Heliskiing Experience

    CHF 450

    Heliskiing access in Evolène region with mountain guide. Great freeriding opportunities in uncrowded area with authentic skiing experience and real mountain atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Adult 21–64

    Espace Dent-Blanche Regional

    CHF 43

    Full access to three ski areas: Evolène, Arolla, and La Forclaz with 100km of slopes from 1400m to 3000m. One pass for complete Val d'Hérens skiing.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 21–64

    Half Day (Until 12pm)

    CHF 43

    Morning half-day skiing at Evolène until 12pm. Perfect for early birds to experience demanding slopes before afternoon mountain restaurant dining.

    Buy pass
    Adult 21–64

    Half Day (From 11:30am)

    CHF 43

    Afternoon half-day skiing at Evolène from 11:30am. Experience afternoon light on demanding slopes with mountain restaurant terrace overlooking Dent-Blanche.

    Buy pass

    Evolène lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Evolène closed on Mar 23, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from CHF 27, with peak rates up to CHF 450.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Evolène day pass cost?+
    Evolène day passes range from CHF 27 to CHF 450 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Evolène lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Evolène lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Evolène, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Evolène lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Evolène - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Evolène lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Evolène offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Evolène directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Evolène.

    More Evolène intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.