In Valais, some roads and railway lines are interrupted, and the Simplon Pass, an important Alpine crossing, is closed. Zermatt, the most famous holiday destination in Valais, has been affected by two consecutive weekends of storms. The railway line between Brig and Zermatt is expected to be closed for several weeks, leading guests to travel by bus with more frequent changes.
Some hiking trails in Zermatt have slipped due to heavy rainfall, and a few hotels in the town have suffered severe water damage. Despite these challenges, Zermatt can still welcome guests as usual, as the most important infrastructure remains intact. However, other parts of Valais, including neighboring valleys like the Saas Valley and the Aosta Valley in Italy, have been significantly impacted by the storms.
The storm damage in Valais is not only a test for the local population but also puts pressure on the tourism industry, which is essential for the region’s economy. Bookings for the summer season looked promising until the storms hit, causing some hesitation among guests from Switzerland and neighboring European countries. On the other hand, bookings from overseas travelers, who make up around 15% of guests in Valais, have remained steady.
The uncertainty surrounding the summer season has led to concerns among tourists, especially those from distant countries. Zermatt’s tourism companies are actively communicating with guests to reassure them that holidays in Zermatt are still possible, despite the challenges. The authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage and determining the priorities for reconstruction efforts.
The closure of the Simplon Pass, along with the damage to other Alpine crossings, has significant implications for tourism and traffic flow in the region. The clean-up efforts on the Simplon and San Bernardino routes are underway, with plans to reopen them in the coming weeks. Despite the obstacles, efforts are being made to ensure that travel through the Alps can resume before the peak summer season.