A JOURNAL FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DENTS DU MIDI REGION
RDDM IN NUMBERS
— www.rddm.ch website users in 2019 (+43.58% compared to 2018)
262’429
— commercial overnights spent in 2019 (+ 6,18% compared to 2018)
21’924
19’389
14’574
1’193
337’236
— subscribers & 15 RDDM destination newsletters sent out in 2019
672
— subscribers & 9 RDDM partner newsletters sent out in 2019
— season Multi Passes distributed by RDDM in 2019
> 250
— events & activities offered by or with RDDM during the 2019/2020 season
› Die deutsche Version dieser Broschüre ist online auf unserer Internetseite erhältlich › Une version française de cette brochure est disponible dans les offices du tourisme
— customers served by RDDM in 2019
— media publications listed in 2019
249
— posters or flyers created by RDDM in 2019
N° 2
RDDM INFO
EDITO
NEWS FROM THE VALLEY
Big Crises, Big Solutions At the start of this winter, thanks to financial investments, innovations, and the unflagging dedication of many local service providers, Région Dents du Midi was poised for a record-breaking season. But the arrival of COVID-19 on the European continent and the sudden announcement of the ski lift closures radically changed our daily life and our expectations in the blink of an eye. Through this turbulent period, marked by uncertainty and fear but also by solidarity and courage, our very survival hung in the balance. With the Federal Council’s announcement in mid-March, Région Dents du Midi SA took the proverbial bull by the horns. Working from the assumption that large gatherings would not be admitted this summer, we have reinvented ourselves. Behind doors closed for the first time in two centuries, in the unnatural stillness created by the brutal halt of business as usual, we have worked to prepare a season as entertaining as it is rich in experiences; diversified, innovative and attractive to everyone. To do this, we have involved more than 30 partners and recalibrated our program to offer a panoply of highly personalized, scaleddown activities meant to be experienced in small groups, showcasing authenticity and the riches of the natural world. This is our chance to take a deep breath of fresh air and move forward into the future! Coronavirus has paralyzed the planetary economy. Now, more than ever, we need to be stronger together, supporting our neighbourhood shops, businesses, and services. It is in this spirit that, above and beyond this summer’s events and activities schedule, RDDM is actively working to reinforce and promote our attractivity for this autumn.
TROISTORRENTS CITY HALL
CHAMPOUSSIN INFO POINT
Since laying the foundation in October 2019, Troistorrents’ new city hall has steadily taken shape. Built primarily of wood, using 1,000 m3 of spruce sourced from the municipality’s renewable forests, this innovative construction will accommodate Troistorrents’ municipal administration and include multi-purpose rooms available for use by the general public. At the same time, a surrounding space of 900 m2 will become a convivial village square. If all goes well, moving day should take place this autumn!
This year saw the establishment of a new tourist information point in Champoussin, in response to a request by the Champoussin merchants and the Val d’Illiez Development Company. Working closely with Région Dents du Midi SA, Alpage Immo Service provides tourist information to guests and residents all year long.
THE RDDM CARD
LES CROSETS INFO POINT
Motivated by the immensely successful Multi Pass offer, in 2021 we hope to unveil an ‘RDDM Card’ for guests and second-home owners. This much-anticipated guest card will provide a multitude of offers throughout the destination, year-round.
The numbers are in. After two winters of guest residences, first in the Info Truck, then in the Hôtel de la Télécabine, statistics show that the number of visits simply cannot justify the expense of maintaining a dedicated office in Les Crosets. Given this, RDDM hopes to find a solution like the one currently in place in Champoussin.
RÉGION DENTS MIDI BOUTIQUE
WELCOME BACK TO VAL D’ILLIEZ
Get it while it’s hot! Cool clothing, tempting goodies and handy items, all stamped with the exclusive RDDM logo; you’ll find what you need for sale at the tourist offices and our online store!
Following the complete renovation of a new office space, the Val d’Illiez tourist office re-opened for business in October 2019. Since then, we have been thrilled by your overwhelmingly positive feedback and have registered a 50% an increase in passages. Thanks for stopping by!
CHAMPÉRY SITE OLYMPIQUE
MORGINS BICENTENNIAL
During the Youth Olympic Games, from January 9th to the 22nd, more than 90 athletes from 24 countries hit the ice at the Palladium for curling competitions. This makes Champéry – Région Dents du Midi the 1st Olympic site in Valais!
In 2020, Morgins celebrates 200 years of tourism! In 1820, the first tourists arrived in the Val d’Illiez, drawn by the growing fame of the ferruginous waters at the Eau Rouge spring. The festivities planned this year pay homage to the past generations of residents and tourists who have contributed to make Morgins the bustling village we know and love today.
We hope will enjoy browsing this 2nd issue of RDDM Info and wish you a fabulous summer season! Sébastien Epiney Director Région Dents du Midi SA
Only in Région Dents du Midi! The Multi Pass comes free with payment 2 of your tourist tax, which means that all overnight guests and second-home owners are entitled to this unparalleled offer.
MULTI PASS 2020 Starting June 11th, the Multi Pass is your golden ticket to a mountain of free and reduced-price activities everywhere in the Portes du Soleil. Come, stay the night, and explore our infinite playground for guests of all ages! With the Multi Pass, it’s free to:
• catch a lift on chairlifts open in summer for pedestrians
• cool down in village pools and lakes • work up a sweat on the tennis courts • hang tight at an indoor climbing wall • go par for the course with a game of mini golf • cultivate your artistic side at museums and historical sites
• take a ride with public transportation and cute tourist trains
Anyone can have a Multi Pass; if you aren’t staying overnight and don’t pay a tourist tax, purchase a Multi Pass from the lift company for just CHF 11.- a day or CHF 85.- the season.
TROPHÉE DES ALPAGES Over the past two summers, the Trophée des Alpages stamp card has earned a place among the essential items to pack when heading out into the hills. This year’s delicious, epicurean challenge will begin June 13th and includes no less than 35 refreshment bars and restaurants. While the concept stays the same, the rules will change somewhat, with bigger and better prizes to whet your appetite. Play for a chance to win a Portes du Soleil 2020-2021 season ski pass, a pair of skis, vouchers for the Cavagne, and more! Check out our website for more information.
3
UP & COMING NEW CONTENT ALERT!
RDDM HIKING MAP
An important showcase for the destination, our website proposes more than 1,000 regularly updated pages and registers almost 2,000 daily visits. Now, a new alert function allows us to cut right to the chase and deliver current news, offers, tips, and more. Go to www.rddm.ch and click on the bell in the top right corner of your screen to see how it works!
Hot off the presses, our all-new hiking map highlights 30 favourite itineraries in Région Dents du Midi. Each route suggestion includes a topographic profile with distance, elevation gain, points of interest, and tons of other useful information to help you choose your next hike. This clever map goes hand-in-hand with the official 1: 25’000 map, which covers the area between Lake Geneva and the Dents du Midi.
LE CUBE 365 BOCHASSES
PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Some experiences are more memorable than others. A night in the Cube, perched at an altitude of 1’736 m, with nary a soul in sight as the Dents du Midi turn candyfloss pink in the setting sun, is one of these. Dreamed up by a team of craftsmen from the Canton of Valais as part of the Canton’s bicentennial, the Cube is a luxury hotel module, placed in a spectacular, natural setting. This summer, from June 11th to September 19th, you’ll find the Cube right here, at Bochasses. For more information, visit our website at www.rddm.ch.
The lift company has recently invested in two brandnew 360 ° webcams, located in Les Crosets and at the top of the Foilleuse lift in Morgins. Linked to our website and to the RTS weather report, you’re just a click away from a view that’ll take your breath away!
LIFT SERVICE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST, 2020! These weeks of semi-containment have robbed us of the freedom we took for granted. We are all eager to catch up on lost time. With an eye to prolonging the summer season and increasing our attractivity for customers and loyal residents alike, RDDM has energetically pursued the expansion of our fall offer. To do this, we have focused on generating more financial returns, particularly for the lifts. Following extensive discussions and
mutual concessions by both RDDM and PDS-CH, we have settled on a co-financed project which will extend lift openings until November 1st! This collaborative effort will allow service providers, residents and customers to benefit from a significantly extended tourist season, right through the autumn school holidays. (For detailed schedules see the Catch a Lift section on page 6.)
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Covid-19 Antidote Offer: no commissions in 2020!
BOOKING BOOK BETTER On January 1, 2020, RDDM assumed management of the booking centre platform, hitherto administered by the PDS-CH lift company. For this, we have partnered with the channel manager TOMAS, a recognized leader in reservations and accommodation distribution systems in Switzerland and Germany.
In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, it is essential that we stand out and this includes our visibility on online sales platforms. With this understanding, we have completely redesigned our marketing strategy, implementing new services and integrating internationally renowned booking sites such as booking.com or Airbnb.
OUR GOALS
• Provide professional service • Recruit new clients • Increase booking volume • Develop MICE* *Meeting, Incentive, Congress, Event
WHY JOIN US?
BETTER VISIBILITY — We market your property on international (Booking.com, Airbnb) and regional (rddm.ch, valais.ch, myswitzerland.ch) booking websites.
LOCAL SUPPORT — We provide marketing support and follow up on customers who can then book directly via Région Dents du Midi.
NO ADMINISTRATIVE HASSLES — We collect payments then transfer the amount directly to your bank account.
FREE MEMBERSHIP — You only pay fees for actual rentals. If your property doesn’t rent, you don’t pay any fees
COMBINED OFFERS — We include your property in our promotions and package offers, combining accommodations, events, and activities.
CENTRALISED MANAGEMENT — You avoid overbooking with centralised management of your quotas and prices. A single change will update all booking sites
LOOK YOUR BEST — We help your property stand out with great photos; we can also translate your texts into German and English.
5 in 3 languages at logeur.regiondentsdumidi.ch New! Visit our mini website for accommodation providers, available
LIFTS
CATCH A LIFT 2020 SUMMER & FALL SCHEDULE CHAMPÉRY 8:45 am - 4:45 pm
Cable car Champéry1
chairlift Foilleuse
9 - 12:15 am | 1 - 4:45 pm
11.06 › 03.07
every day every 60’
13.06 › 28.06 + 11/12.06
weekends
04.07 › 30.08**
every day every 30’
04.07 › 30.08
every day
31.08 › 21.09
every day every 60’
05.09 › 04.10 + 21.09
weekends
22.09 › 02.10
weekends every 60’
10.10 › 01.11
every day
03.10 › 01.11
every day every 60’
(01.09 IF PASS’PORTES VTT)
LES CROSETS
MORGINS
(01.09 IF PASS’PORTES VTT)
9 am - 4:45 pm
chairlift Crosets 8
04.07 › 30.08
every day
05.09 › 20.09 + 21.09
weekends
chairlift Mossettes
9am › 4.45pm
04.07 › 30.08
every day
(01.09 IF PASS’PORTES VTT)
(› 01.09 SI PASS’PORTES VTT)
weekends 05.09 › 04.10 + 21.09
10.10 › 01.11
**8:45 am - 5:15 pm
every day
In case of high traffic and in order to limit the number of people on the cable car, the hourly frequency may be increased.
1
LIFTS OPEN TILL NOVEMBER 1ST!
Test project for autumn 2020: 3 major installations will stay open 32 days longer. This initiative by RDDM SA will be cofinanced between RDDM SA and PDS-CH SA.
PORTES DU SOLEIL
PORTES DU SOLEIL SWITZERLAND
(Bike transportation included)
INDIVIDUAL Adult
Child
(Bike transportation included)
Youth Senior
Adult
Child
Youth Senior
31.-
23.-
28.-
28.-
21.-
25.-
6 days NC
134.-
101.-
121.-
121.-
91.-
109.-
Season
310.-
233.-
279.-
279.-
210.-
251.-
1 day
Cable car Champéry
FAMILY
Adult → or →←
chairlift Crosets 8, Mossettes, Foilleuse Child 6-15 1/2 CFF - AG
10.-
5.-
Group 10 paying entries = 1 free
Child ∙ 5 - 15 | Youth ∙ 16 - 19 | Senior ∙ from 65 Family ∙ min 4 people from the same family (parents & children)
With a paid winter 2019/2020 Portes du Soleil ski pass (or proof of purchase) = 50% discount on all 2020 mountain bike passes. 6
Adult
10.-
Child 5-15
5.-
SEASON TICKETS ADVANCE BOOKING WINTER 2020-2021 ADULT (1956-1994)
until 31.08.20
BORDER PASS 26 & UNDER (1995-2015)
SENIOR (1946-1955)
nonresident
* resident
nonresident
* resident
nonresident
* resident
853.-
768.-
418.-
376.-
767.-
690.-
01.09 › 15.11.20
960.-
495.-
863.-
*Residents (until 31.08.2020) Fiscal address in Valais or the towns of Aigle, Bex, Corbeyrier, Gryon, Lavey, Morcles, Leysin, Ollon, Ormont et Yvorne (upon presentation of a certificate of domicile at the date of purchase). For any purchase of a Portes du Soleil season pass, you will receive: ∙ 5 vouchers winter and 1 voucher summer for 1 day pass valid for the 4 Vallées area ∙ 5 vouchers winter and 1 voucher summer for 1 day pass valid for the Aletsch Arena area Infos pds-ch.ch
OFFER —
Kids under 12 ski free!
Get a free winter season pass for children under 12 (born 01/01/2009 or later) with purchase of an adult season pass. * *The adult must be one of the two direct parents
Free skiing for kids in Monthey district elementary schools too! Parents may collect their child’s season pass at the Champéry, Les7 Crosets and Morgins ticket offices (after the respective resort openings). The lift pass will be valid for the Champéry - Les Crosets - Champoussin - Morgins area.
BE IN THE KNOW YOUR RESOURCES Téléphérique Seilbahn Cable car
#regiondentsdumidi
Frontière CH/FR Grenze CH/FR Border CH/FR
Télésiège Sessellift Chairlift
Arrêt de bus Bushaltestelle Bus stop
ÉTÉ
CARTE DE RANDONNÉES PÉDESTRES
PLUS DE 50 EXPÉRIENCES À LA CARTE !
ÉTÉ / AUTOMNE
WANDERKARTE
Refuge avec restauration Bewirtschaftete Berghütte Huts with food service
WC
P
i
WC
TDM
Point de vue Aussichtspunkt Viewpoint
Tour des Dents du Wanderroute Den Dents du Midi To
Sommet/col/pas Gipfel/Pass Summit/pass/passage
TVI
Tour de la Vallée Wanderroute Vallé Vallée d’Illiez Tou
Escalade/via ferrata i Kletterwand/Klettersteig Climbing/via ferrata
TDB
Lac/cascade See/Wasserfall Lake/waterfall
WC P
Tour des Dents B Wanderroute Den Dents Blanches T
Toilettes publiques Öffentliche Toilette Restrooms
GR5
Sentier de grande Fernwanderweg G Grande Randonné
Parking Parkplatz Car park
Itinéraires balisés Ausgewiesene Wanderwege ValR ValRando marked
Offi P ce du tourisme Tourismusbüro Tourist office
i
CHAMPÉRY | CHAMPOUSSIN | LES CROSETS 1 | MORGINS | TROISTORRENTS | VAL-D’ILLIEZ
5
Sentiers Pfade Paths
Couvert Überdacht Shelter
i
4
Chemins Wege Trails
Table de pique-nique Picknickplatz Picnic table
WC
3
Chemins carrossa Befahrbare Wege Gravel roads
Refuge/cabane Schutzhütte Mountain hut
HIKING MAP
2
Routes secondair Nebenstraßen Secondary roads
Cantine/buvette Imbiss/Getränke Mountain restaurant
SUMMER
1
Routes principale Hauptstraßen Primary roads
i
Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant
SOMMER
2020
Train Zug Train
Gare Bahnhof Train station
P
i
6
INFORMATIONS ET CONSEILS INFORMATIONEN UND TIPPS INFORMATION AND ADVICE
1 ∙ activity cards 2 ∙ estaurant openings 3 ∙ summer guidebook 4 ∙ winter guidebook 5 ∙ activities brochure 6 ∙ RDDM hiking map 7 ∙ La Cavagne information board 8 ∙ RDDM family map 9 ∙ posters & flyers Cascade de Frassenaye ©Litescapemedia
info@rddm.ch | regiondentsdumidi.ch
FR Rester sur les sentiers balisés Faire preuve de courtoisie envers les autres usagers (randonneurs et cyclistes) Ne pas déranger les animaux sauvages Ne pas ramasser les plantes et fleurs sauvages Tenir les chiens en laisse Ne pas allumer de feu en dehors des endroits prévus à cet effet Ramasser vos déchets Ne pas s’approcher des troupeaux de bétail (présence de chiens de protection ou vaches allaitantes)
Rester attentif aux changements de météo qui peuvent être soudains
Contourner le troupeau si possible
Rebrousser chemin si le chien est menaçant
If you haven’t already joined our vast online community, we invite you to sign up to our pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). When posting, use #regiondentsdumdi to share the love and keep us in the loop!
No littering, take your rubbish with you
Keine Abfälle liegen lassen Abstand zu Nutztierherden halten (Anwesenheit von Herdenschutzhunden oder Mutterkühen) Kein Wasser aus Bächen trinken (kein Trinkwasser) Körper nach der Wanderung auf Zecken absuchen
Plus d’information sur le flyer disponible dans nos offices de tourisme ou sur le site internet.
DE
Région Dents du Midi
@RegDentsDuMidi
@RegionDentsDuMidi
Région Dents du Midi
#regiondentsdumidi
8 The RDDM 2019 management report can be viewed on our website www.rddm.ch
Do not drink from streams or lakes (non-potable) Check for ticks after your hike Weather in the mountains is unpredictable; pay attention to sudden changes Vers Les Lindarets Village des Chèvres
Mosse
(FR)
Vers eV rs Avoriaz
EN
Die Rückkehr großer Raubtiere wie dem Wolf in unserer Region hat Landwirte dazu gezwungen, Maßnahmen zu ergreifen, um ihre Herden zu schützen. Im Folgenden finden Sie einige Tipps zur richtigen Verhaltensweise, falls es auf einer Ihrer Wanderungen zu einer Begegnung mit Herdenschutzhunden kommen sollte. Ruhe bewahren Wenn möglich einen großen Bogen um die Herde machen Den eigenen Hund zu Hause lassen oder an der Leine führen Bei Drohgebärden des Schutzhundes umkehren Weitere Informationen hierzu erhalten Sie in unseren Tourismusbüros oder auf unserer Website.
NEWSLETTERS CLIENTS & PARTENAIRES
In response to the return of large carnivores (such as wolves) to our region, farmers are increasingly using guard dogs to protect their herds. Here are a few tips on how to interact with the dogs and their herds.
Remain calm Go around the herd if possible Leave your dog at home or keep it on a lead
Pas de Chavanette 2146 m
Turn back if the dog acts aggressively More information is available from our tourist offices and on our website.
France
Suisse
Lapisa 1
www.protectiondestroupeaux.ch
1x/mois MATÉRIEL INDISPENSABLE
NOTWENDIGE AUSRÜSTUNG ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
GR5
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW — RDDM regularly sends out electronic newsletters with all the latest news, events, tips, and special offers. If you want to be the first to know what’s NUMÉROS UTILES going on, sign up at rddm.ch/newsletter. NÜTZLICHE RUFNUMMERN USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS 144
117
118
+41 24 479 02 00
Secours en montagne Bergrettungsdienst Mountain rescue service
Police Polizei Police
Pompiers Feuerwehr Fire
Remontées mécaniques Liftgesellschaft Lift company
RDDM 2020 Carte rando 630x740.indd 1
MAILINGS
Stay clear of livestock herds (presence of guard dogs or cows with calves)
Das Wetter aufmerksam beobachten, da dieses in den Bergen sehr abrupt umschlagen kann
GUARD DOGS (at Alpage Immo Service)
Renoncer à prendre votre chien avec vous ou le tenir en laisse
service providers municipal employees seasonal workers rental owners second-home owners and more...
Lighting fires is strictly prohibited except in designated areas
ttes
Rester calme
Social networks play an essential role in, well, networking. Not only are they a principal medium for us to convey news, information, images, and video content, these efficient information highways are a great vector for your feedback.
Keep dogs on a leash
Kein Feuer außerhalb der offiziellen Feuerstellen entfachen
DE PROTECTION CHAMPOUSSIN CHIENS INFO POINT HERDENSCHUTZHUNDE FR
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Do not pick wild plants and flowers
Hunde an der Leine führen
(Champéry, Val-d’Illiez et Morgins)
Le retour des grands carnivores comme le loup dans nos régions oblige les éleveurs à renforcer les mesures de protection des animaux de rente. Voici quelques conseils de base sur le comportement à adopter lors de vos randonnées en cas de rencontre avec les chiens de protection.
SOCIALIZE & SHARE THE LOVE
Do not disturb wild animals
Keine wilden Pflanzen und Blumen pflücken
I
logeur.regiondentsdumidi.ch
bi-annual journal, mailed to Val d’Illiez residents and second-home owners
Respect other users (hikers and cyclists)
Wildtiere nicht stören
REGION DENTS DU MIDI TOURIST OFFICES Contrôler la présence de tiques sur vous après votre randonnée
Stay on the marked paths
TV
www.rddm.ch
FOR RENTAL OWNERS
RDDM INFO
EN
Rücksicht auf andere Nutzer nehmen (Fußgänger und Radfahrer)
Col de Cou 1921 m 29 e Arêt e d
i Berro
La Berthe 1989 m TVI
SITE INTERNET
Ne pas boire l’eau des ruisseaux (eau non potable)
DE Die ausgewiesenen Wanderwege nicht verlassen
>
9
8
>
7
Col du Bretolet 1923 m
BIKING In order to continue developing our offer in the best possible way, RDDM and the municipalities of Champéry, Val d’Illiez, Troistorrents and Monthey are working closely on a strategic study aimed at developing and promoting cycling in the area. Road cycling
CYCLING CHALLENGE FOR ROADIES
This exciting activity offered by Strava challenges participants to record the time they spend on different cycling routes revealed each week between June and October. Registered competitors have one week to clock their best time and earn points for participation in each of the stages. Stay connected for intermediate classifications each month and prizes awarded this autumn to the winners of each category. This is your chance to be King of the Région Dents du Midi Cycling Challenge!
enthusiasts will be especially delighted to learn that a route marking project between Vionnaz, Monthey and the Vallée d’Illiez has reached the homologation stage, with the launch planned for summer 2020.
GRAND8 FOR E-BIKES
A Grand 8 is French jargon for a roller-coaster. Ours is a 40 km route in the shape of a giant figure 8 on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil, designed especially for e-bikes. The route takes approximately 4 hours to complete, with 690m of ascent and 2,115m of descent, a piece of cake with a little eco-friendly power assistance! Along the way you can stop at any number of alpine restaurants and huts for a break, a bite to eat and a quick battery recharge while you’re relaxing.
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What’s a Strava? With over 50 million users in 195 countries, Strava is THE social network for athletes and sports-lovers alike. Users record their races and workouts, track their performance, participate in challenges, and share their love of sports worldwide.
COMMUNES / RDDM SA : WHO ARE WE? MUNICIPALITIES & RDDM A PERFECT MATCH
WHO ARE WE? Mandated by the Val d’Illiez municipalities and other key entities, RDDM SA operates across the territory, actively promoting the Dents du Midi region on the national and international scene. We are an independent tourism and services management company, oriented towards the needs and expectations of its partners and customers. OUR MISSIONS • Promote and coordinate tourist information and hospitality • Develop and communicate messaging for tourism in the valley • Set up and manage a website and online booking for accommodation, products, & services • Encourage the continuous improvement of the quality of our services • Guarantee an attractive activities calendar and organize major events
MUNICIPALITIES
RDDM
Set the cooperative framework
Marketing & promotion of the destination and its products
— Creation and maintenance of tourist infrastructre (hiking and mountain biking trails, sports centers, via ferrata, etc.) — Billing and collection of tourist taxes and tourism promotion taxes
— Reception & information — Booking centre (accommodation, ticket office, shop, activities, package offers)
—
—
All other non-tourism missions (public works, education, construction, town planning, security, cadastre, etc.)
Events, activities & entertainment
The municipalities create and maintain tourist infrastructure. 10 RDDM coordinates and facilitates working groups to support this infrastructure (biking and hiking trails etc.)
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS The success of a destination depends on collaboration, solidarity, and trust. Achieving our common goals means developing synergies and working transparently hand-in-hand with key partners, including municipalities, the lift company, accommodation providers, the agriculture society, and Chablais Public Transportation, to name a few. At RDDM, we continuously strive to earn our reputation as a bridge-builder. We take great pride in lending support and putting our skills to work for the economic development of the Val d’Illiez as a whole.
RDDM & SAVI IN PARTNERSHIP The Société Agricole de la Vallée d’Illiez has also tasked us with creating a coordinated action plan including: content distribution on Cavagne social networks, agritourism development, and a graphic identity for Promovi, the association’s promotional arm (labels for items on sale in stores, etc.).
RDDM & PDS-CH IN PARTNERSHIP Région Dents du Midi has recently concluded a service contract with our local lift company, Portes du Soleil Suisse SA. We will develop and manage an annual promotional campaign and carry out commercial actions aimed at promoting the recreational area and its tourism products. The development of joint projects also involves improving standards of quality and customer contact. To do this, collaborations between our two entities have intensified, with RDDM putting our skills to work on recent projects such as: • A customer satisfaction survey (excellent return rate of 26% on the 9,393 questionnaires sent during the 2019-2020 winter season) • Audits in the 3 altitude restaurants owned by the lift company • Ongoing customer service training for ticketing staff • Coordinated reception of suggestions or complaints
OTHER MANDATES RDDM SA is a competency centre, especially for communications and marketing. We are particularly pleased to put our know-how to work for our neighbours, especially our local municipalities, encouraging economic development throughout the valley. 11
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS SUMMER & AUTUMN 2020 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
RDDM, like countless other organizing committees, has spent the spring in the throes of an unending decision-making process. Which events must be cancelled, and which events can be recalibrated to guarantee the sanitary measures dictated by the Confederation (social distancing, hygiene, tracea11.07 › 09 .08 10.07 - 17.07 - 24.07 - 07.08 - 14.08 - 21.08 18.07 25.07 31.07 › 14.08 31.07 01.08 15 › 16.08 15.08 22.08 28 › 30.08
bility, etc.)? Our position: avoid large gatherings in public spaces in an effort to manage the safety of our visitors. In this, we are thankful for the support of event organizers throughout the destination. Kudos to all of you who have once again proved your resilience, flexibility and imagination in adapting to the
RDDM Fun Park Jazz & Wine The Black All Day Festival Sentier de la Bière Rencontres Musicales Veillée de la Fête Nationale Fête Nationale Châtel Chablais Léman Race 20 ans du Carillon Goûts du Terroir au Fil de l’Eau Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB
29.08 29.08 30.08 › 06.09 30.08 05 › 06.09 12.09 19.09 10.10 15 › 18.10 06 › 08.11
situation, as well as to those of you who have had the wisdom to cancel. For a complete list of maintained events (as of June 20th), please see below. This list may evolve and is therefore subject to change, depending on future decisions by our authorities. For up to date information, go to www.rddm.ch! Balade au Fil du Pain La Grimpée de Culet Swiss Peaks Trail Raid du Val-d’Illiez Festival de la Raclette Bike & Sound Trail des Dents du Midi - 7 Summits Challenge Brisolée Géante Curling Masters Champéry Film Festival
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2020? With governmental measures banning large gatherings, nearly all our major summer events have had to be cancelled. Never discouraged, we went back to the drawing board, creating 54 different experiences in a wide range of activities, all showcasing nature, health, and well-being in the mountains, and organized in collaboration with local businesses.
Hiking, biking, and wide-open spaces, wild plants and wilder animals, wellness, and self-care, tasty raclette and fondue straight from the alpage. You’ll find a smorgasbord of delectable activities to tempt the most discerning palates.
We have published the complete list of activities in a free guide, available in our tourist offices and valley shops. This guide was also distributed by post to all households in the Val d’Illiez, and from Massongex to Montreux (25,000 mailboxes). We invite you to pull up a comfy chair, browse the brochure, then head over to www.rddm.ch or one of our tourist offices to reserve your experience of choice!
NATURE & WELL-BEING
BIKE
LOCAL CULTURE & TRADITION
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The Pantry in Your Backyard Flower Power Happy Hour ( Wild Cuisine Outdoor Yoga Sunrise Yoga & Breakfast Sunrise Walk & Yoga Budding Naturalists Mushroom Hunters Healthy Snacks for Sports Lovers Alpine Creams & Balms Creating Your Own Natural Cosmetics Wild Plants in your Medicine Chest Natural Soapmaking
HIKING & WILDLIFE 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Rainbow Waters On the Smugglers’ Trail Hiking the Haute Cime (3257m) A Raptor’s-Eye View Griffon Vultures & Whinchat Watching High Mountain Birdwatching Subalpine Birdwatching Forest Birdwatching Col de Bretolet Migratory Birdwatching The Belling of the Stag
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E-bike excursion & hearty breakfast at an alpine farm Sunset e-bike excursion & röstis E-bike exploration in the Portes du Soleil Moonlight enduro mountain bike adventure & picnic Nighttime enduro mountain bike ride & fondue Exploring nature on two wheels Downhill (DH) biking initiation for juniors Downhill weekend with Vincent Tupin in collaboration with Snowline Bike pro shop Pumptrack Workshop
CHILDREN 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46
Build-a-Birdfeeder Natural Soapmaking Tasty Treats RDDM Fun Park Little Explorers Treasure Hunt A Fabulous Seed Story Bivouac Adventure Scooter Adventure Circus Workshop Fun on the Rocks Plant Painting A Morning at the Stables Husky Camps Insectology
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Life on the farm & churning fresh butter Milking the cows & making Raclette cheese on an alpine farm Visit an alpine dairy Goat milking
ADVENTURES & SURPRISES 51 52 53 54
Lakeside Husky Hike Starry Hike Riverside Gourmet Delicious Nature
MOUNTAINS OF FUN!
SUMMER / AUTUMN
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CHAMPÉRY | CHAMPOUSSIN | LES CROSETS 1 | MORGINS | TROISTORRENTS | VAL-D’ILLIEZ
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50 every day from June to the end of October
RDDM conscientiously adheres to Federal and Cantonal health and13safety guidelines. We thank you for understanding that our program may evolve or change at any time.
IN OTHER NEWS… THE ECONOMY IS UP TO US
AN ECOSYSTEM IN BALANCE
In a society where online commerce and mass distribution make shopping so easy, supporting small businesses has never been so important.
In response to the reappearance of wolves throughout the Swiss Alps, farmers with high-alpine flocks are increasing their reliance on livestock guardian dogs. These dogs live with the flocks and have an innate instinct to protect them. When faced with any exterior threat, including humans, they will demonstrate an aggressive attitude and bark constantly until the perceived danger retreats. Should you come across one of these guard dogs while hiking, please follow these simple rules:
Tourist activities in the mountains are seasonal and the full-time resident population is not large enough to offer our traders and artisans sufficient, consistent income. For some small businesses, mere survival depends on a constant struggle just to break even. On top of this, COVID-19 has deprived us of at least 6 full weeks of gainful activity.
• Stay calm and move slowly so the dog will realize you are not a threat.
With the gradual lifting of the Confederation’s health and safety restrictions, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the future remains hazy and difficult to discern. All we know for certain is that at the end of this tunnel, a whole new world awaits.
• Avoid disturbing the herd. Keep your distance and,
Will we ever get ‘back to normal’? What will the new ‘normal’ even look like?
• Never feed or attempt to pet the dogs. • Keep your own dog on a leash;
For the moment, we take comfort in the fact that the Val d’Illiez is home to numerous craftspeople and traders who offer a wide variety of quality products. Together, we can support our community’s diverse marketplace and ensure the overall prosperity of the entire region. After all, nothing beats a friendly local expert with a wealth of knowledge to share!
MINDING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS At Région Dents du Midi SA, we understand that the environment is our best commodity. Our adherence to the Swiss Sustainable Development Charter and resulting ISO 14’001 certification is a promise to put the environment first, every day. These efforts are concrete and multi-faceted. For example, RDDM has invested in washable and reusable glasses and plates for events. We have also set up a refuse sorting and management system to optimize recycling. Our municipalities and many service providers also demonstrate innovation and commitment to the promotion of sustainable tourism. To name just one, Brasserie 7Peaks in Morgins became a certified B Corporation in October 2019.
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if possible, bypass the animals.
• If the guard dog follows you as you move away, ignore him, he will soon return to his flock.
• If you are riding a bike, get off and walk next to it. • Never provoke the dogs; do not threaten them with sticks or make sudden movements.
guard dogs will react aggressively to other dogs. • In the event of a confrontation between your dog and a guard dog, let go of your dog’s leash. They will quickly establish a hierarchy and you do not want to get between them. • Never try to cross through a protected herd with your dog; bypass it. • If you fear for your safety, stay calm and retreat. Don’t turn your back and do avoid eye-contact with the guard dog. • Avoid nighttime hikes. At night, guard dogs are particularly reactive. For more information, go to www.hsh-ch.ch or www.protectiondestroupeaux.ch.
PHOTO FLASHBACK | WINTER 2019-2020
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19 1 · Sledge Race 2 · Morgins Yannick Ecoeur Trophy 3 · Champéry Film Festival 4 · Bouncy Fun in Morgins 5 · Karembeu Indoor Trophy
20 6 · New Year’s Fireworks Show 7 · Snow Sculpting Tour 8 · Rallye du Goût 9 · Welsh Alpine Championships 10 · Night Skiing
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21 11 · Atipic Week-end 12 · Christmas for Kids 13 · Famigros Ski Day 14 · Disco Glace 15 · Ice Show
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22 16 · Champéry Live Tour 17 · Morgins c’est l’Hiver Festival 18 · Cani raqu’lette 19 · Ski Speed Challenge 20 · Olympic Torch Relay
21 · Youth Olympic Games 22 · Comédillienne Comedy Theatre
info@rddm.ch | regiondentsdumidi.ch
#regiondentsdumidi
RÉGION DENTS DU MIDI TOURIST OFFICES CHAMPÉRY Rue du Village 54 1874 Champéry +41 24 479 05 50
MORGINS I TROISTORRENTS Route de Bas-Vièze 4 1875 Morgins +41 24 477 23 61
VAL-D’ILLIEZ I LES CROSETS CHAMPOUSSIN
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© photos | Litescape Media | Niels Ebel | Sylvain Cochard
Place du Village 5 1873 Val-d’Illiez +41 24 477 20 77