The Valais State Council in Arolla

It is not so common for a cantonal government to climb to 2,000 metres. Yet the Valais State Council stopped at the Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus, for a halt in Arolla, to discover the living heritage of the Val d’Hérens. A visit that says, in its own way, something about our valley’s place in the canton.

The government at 2,000 metres

The delegation brought together State Councillors Esther Waeber-Kalbermatten, Jacques Melly, Christophe Darbellay, Roberto Schmidt and Frédéric Favre. In partnership with Évolène Région Tourisme, the hotel had organised an encounter centred on the region’s intangible cultural heritage — a subject dear to the whole valley.

Living heritage and patois

The members of the government were moved by the village’s young people, who came in traditional costume. Chancellor Philipp Spörri described the place as “a little paradise.” The day continued with cultural moments — Anna Greipl sang in patois — before dinner at the L’Honorine restaurant.

At dawn, towards the Blue Lake

The next morning, Councillors Darbellay and Favre tried one of the house’s activities: an early jogging outing, led by Steven up to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges and the Blue Lake. A way, for distinguished guests as much as for passing travellers, to take the measure of Arolla: along the trails, at break of day.