WHERE TO STAY

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat The highest hotel in the Swiss Alps – the name refers to the number of metres above sea level. Enjoy striking views of the 29 surrounding peaks, an on-site observatory and cosy chaletstyle rooms – some overlooking the Matterhorn. Two panoramic dining rooms and a glorious sun terrace (also part of the Gornergrat Gourmet Ticket – see Don’t miss on p46). Doubles from £378, including fourcourse dinner. Gornergrat, 3920 Zermatt, 00 41 27 966 64 00, gornergrat-kulm.ch

Hotel Ambassador Family-run hotel in an art nouveau building dating back to 1905, with bright, modern rooms and an apartment-like attic suite. The old-world-style brasserie offers traditional cuisine and

Valais wines. Doubles from £120. Saflischstrasse 3, 3900 Brig, 00 41 27 922 9900, ambassador-brig.ch Schweizerhof Well-located Saas-Fee spa hotel with superb views of the Saas valley and good breakfasts. Perfect jumping off point for the region’s hiking routes. Doubles from £163. Haltenstrasse 10, 3906 Saas-Fee, 00 41 27 958 7575, schweizerhof-saasfee.ch

Hotel Stockalperhof Modern hotel ideally located in Brig’s buzzing main square. Don’t miss dinner in La Terrazza, a courtyard restaurant serving generously portioned Italian food including stellar truffle ravioli. Doubles from £116. Alte Simplonstrasse 6, 3900 Brig, 00 41 27 922 2600, stockalperhof.ch

Hôtel des Vignes Set within picturesque vineyards, this four-star hotel is a short walk from St-Léonard train station and an ideal base for sight-seeing. Doubles from £140.

Rue du Pont 9, Sion, 00 41 27 203 5030, hoteldesvignes.ch

Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa Saas-Fee Five star hotel with luxuriously modern, chalet-style rooms and superb swimming pool and spa. Doubles from £175. Dorfweg 1, 3906 Saas-Fee, 00 41 27 958 1900, walliserhof-saasfee.ch