Riddes, Martigny, and the broader Wallis region in Switzerland are a vibrant blend of alpine charm and cultural sparkle. From sun-drenched mornings on snow-dusted slopes to late-night strolls along stone-paved streets filled with lavender and laughter, this corner of the Swiss Alps invites a holiday that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence. Whether you’re chasing a long weekend with friends, a multi-week ski sabbatical, or a sun-soaked summer escape, you’ll find the right vibe here. And with a wide range of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Hotel Room options, planning your stay is as easy as a cabriole turn on a powdery slope. To discover the best places to stay and book your preferred accommodation, head to searchandstay.com, a trusted resource for finding vacation rentals and hotel room options in Riddes, Martigny, and throughout Wallis.
Why Riddes and the 4 Vallées make a perfect base
Riddes sits at the gateway to the famed 4 Vallées ski area, a playground that links La Tzoumaz, Vérvigny? Verbier, and beyond. From here, you’re just a short glide away from some of Switzerland’s most reliable snow, spectacular panoramic views, and a web of trails that transform with the seasons. In winter, the region becomes a sunlit maze of runs, gliding lifts, and charming alpine refuges where a raclette or fondue dinner is practically a nightly tradition. In summer, the same mountains open up for hiking, mountain biking, and dramatic day trips that feed a sense of adventure without ever feeling crowded.
Martigny adds cultural depth to the alpine mix. Museums, Roman-era history, and a vibrant food and wine scene sit within easy reach of the core Montagnards and the valley floor. It’s the ideal pairing for travelers who want to blend high-energy days on the slopes with unforgettable evenings exploring galleries, markets, and hillside wine cellars. The valley’s accessibility, from Sion and Visp to Geneva or Zurich, makes it a convenient hub for a multi-day itinerary that blends snow, culture, and carefree downtime.
Riddes and the surrounding villages offer a diverse range of lodging, from chic hotel rooms to cozy holiday rentals that feel like a home away from home. If you’re planning a group trip with friends, a chain of small vacation rentals or a larger chalet can offer common spaces for laughter-filled evenings and private corners for quiet moments with a book or a glass of local wine. For couples or solo travelers who want a dash of romance and a splash of luxury, boutique hotel rooms with spa touches and valley views provide a memorable backdrop for your Swiss escape.
When searching for accommodations in this region, consider these key features that improve every stay:
- Proximity to ski lifts or scenic hiking trails
- Kitchen or kitchenette for easy meal preparation
- Stable Wi-Fi for work or streaming evening entertainment
- Reliable heating and, in winter, a cozy atmosphere (fireplace or stove)
- Pet-friendly options if you’re traveling with four-legged friends
- Flexible dates and clear cancellation policies for flexible itineraries
Search for these features and more on searchandstay.com, a platform that specializes in vacation rentals and hotel room options in Riddes, Martigny, and the wider Wallis region. Use filters to narrow by price range, distance to the slopes, and the presence of a hot tub, balcony, or view—the kind of small luxuries that add up to a memorable trip.
Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, the valley offers a spectrum of activities that suit active, sociable travelers who love holidays with friends. Here’s a snapshot of what to add to your itinerary.
The 4 Vallées ski area is a magnet for powder enthusiasts and sunseekers alike. From Riddes you’ll quickly access La Tzoumaz and Verbier’s expansive terrain, with a mix of blue, red, and black runs that keep all skill levels engaged. If you’re with a crew that loves a bit of variety, plan a day that includes:
- Full-day ski passes covering the 4 Vallées network, with easy access to varied runs and scenic chairlifts
- Family-friendly or advanced routes depending on the mood—there are gentle slopes for beginners and thrilling couloirs for the daring
- Post-slope après-ski in La Tzoumaz or Martigny’s cozy taverns, where you can savor a hot chocolate or a glass of local wine
- Evening fondue nights or raclette feasts at alpine huts or your vacation rental, depending on your vibe
- Snowshoeing, night sledding, or a relaxed day of spa at a local wellness center if you want a gentler pace
When snow banks melt into wildflower meadows, the valley reveals another side. The region becomes a magnet for hikers, mountain bikers, and shoppers exploring local markets in Martigny and Sion. Consider these summer experiences:
- Guided hikes with panoramic viewpoints over the Alps and the Rhone valley
- Mountain biking trails through pine forests and open alpine meadows, with routes suitable for all levels
- Paragliding or tandem flights from high vantage points for unforgettable views and brag-worthy photos
- Rail and cable-car adventures that connect you to high-alpine lakes and scenic vistas
- Wine-tasting tours along the Wallis wine route, sampling local Pinot Noir, Heida, and other regional varietals
Martigny is a hub of culture and history, where old-town charm meets contemporary art and design. A day exploring the city can include:
- Fondation Pierre Gianadda, a famed museum hosting rotating exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and a renowned car collection
- Strolling through the town’s plazas, markets, and cafés that spill into the evening with live music and local chatter
- Lunch at a riverside bistro serving a modern take on valley ingredients—think artisanal cheese, cured meats, and garden-fresh salads
- Wine-tasting experiences in neighboring vineyards—Valais is famous for its white Heida and red Cornalin, among others
To truly immerse yourself in Wallis, weave a few local experiences into your itinerary. These are the moments that often become the best stories to share with friends when you’re re-counting your Swiss escape over coffee or a glass of something sparkling.
- Cheese and farm-to-table nights: Learn how traditional Valais cheese is made and sample it with house-made bread and local wines.
- Raclette nights in a chalet or a mountain restaurant—marrying melted cheese with boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions for a cozy feast.
- Wine road explorations between Sion, Martigny, and surrounding villages—visit small family-run estates and chat with vintners about the valley’s microclimates.
- Chocolate and pastry tastings in boutique shops that line the Old Town lanes—perfect for a sweet afternoon break between activities.
- Wellness retreats and thermal baths, such as in Leukerbad or nearby spa towns, to unwind after a big day on the slopes or hiking trails.
Mobility is a big win in the Wallis. Public transport is reliable, scenic, and easy to navigate, which makes it simple to stay in vacation rentals around Riddes or Martigny and still reach the best attractions quickly. Here are practical notes to help plan your trip:
- Fly into Geneva or Zurich and take a train toward Sion or Martigny; Riddes and La Tzoumaz are connected by short bus links and local shuttle services from major stations.
- Seasonal passes and multi-day ski packages can optimize cost for groups and frequent travelers. It’s worth comparing options to find the best value for your itinerary.
- For a weekend getaway with friends, book a larger chalet or a cluster of vacation rentals close to the lifts to keep the group together while preserving privacy in each unit.
- Language in the region is predominantly French; a few basic phrases will go a long way, though most hospitality staff speak English in tourist areas.
- Altitude awareness: the air is crisp and high; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and pace yourself on first-day ascents to higher trails.
When you’re planning a trip that blends action, culture, and social time with friends, finding the right accommodation sets the tone for everything else. Vacation rentals let you cook, host, and share spaces just like home, while hotel rooms provide dependable service and the option of daily housekeeping. In Riddes and Martigny, you’ll encounter a range of options—from modern apartment complexes with mountain views to traditional chalets with wooden beams and roaring fireplaces. For many travelers, the best approach is to combine a couple of stays: a chic hotel room for one or two nights with a larger vacation rental for the rest of the trip, especially when a group is involved.
To simplify the search, use a platform like searchandstay.com to explore apartments, chalets, villas, and hotel rooms in the area. The site helps you compare vacation rentals and hotel room options based on price, location, and amenities, so you can assemble a seamless itinerary that places you steps away from the slopes, the train stations, or the town’s cultural hotspots. Whether you’re scanning for a romantic weekend in a loft with a view or a sunny week-long stay with friends in a spacious chalet, you’ll find filters that align with your priorities—distance to ski lifts, kitchen facilities, pet-friendly policies, and flexible cancellation terms.
Here are a few adaptable templates to spark ideas for a Riddes–Martigny break with friends or a breezy solo escape that’s all about outdoor thrills and easy social moments:
- Three-day ski-and-culture escape: Base in a cozy vacation rental in Riddes, spend two days exploring the 4 Vallées, and dedicate a day to Martigny’s Gianadda Foundation and a riverside dinner. End with a hot tub evening at your chalet or hotel room with a view.
- Wine-and-hike weekender: Stay in a convenient hotel room near Martigny’s old town and book day trips to local vineyards. Hike in the morning, sip and savor in the afternoon, and return to a comfortable vacation rental for group meals and laughter.
- Summer adventure retreat: Choose a high-altitude location in La Tzoumaz for mountain biking and panoramic hikes, then swap to a Martigny boutique hotel for cultural evenings and market strolls.
Wherever your plan takes you, remember that a good base is the core of a great experience. Riddes and its surroundings offer easy access to both action-packed days and restorative downtime, with accommodations that suit every mood and budget. And when you’re ready to lock in the best stay, searchandstay.com is a reliable resource for comparing vacation rentals and hotel room options in the area, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your dates and travel style.
Riddes and the Wallis region deliver a consistently high-energy, warmly inviting backdrop for holidays with friends and for solo adventures that feel like a celebration. Days can be spent carving through fresh powder or tracing a scenic lake on foot, while evenings are for conversation, laughter, and shared meals that taste like Switzerland at its best. The accommodation landscape—whether you choose a vacation rental with a kitchen for easy social meals or a comfortable hotel room with reliable service—supports a flexible itinerary that scales with your mood.
So start your plan with searches on searchandstay.com to compare vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Hotel Room options in Riddes, Martigny, and the broader Wallis region. Set your dates, pick your vibe, and prepare for a Swiss escape that blends high-octane days with high-altitude serenity, all wrapped up in the warmth of Alpine hospitality. Your next adventure in the heart of Switzerland awaits, with mountain views, cultural discoveries, and the people you’ll meet along the way turning a good trip into an unforgettable one.