VALS
Untouched Nature, Authentic Culture & Design Heaven at Therme Vals
The mountain village of Vals is located at an altitude of 1250 metres above sea level, deep in the Valsertal, a side valley of the Surselva south of Illanz. The village square is still surrounded by original “Walser” houses roofed with stone tiles made of Vals quartzite. The peaceful Grisons holiday resort offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and wellness at the thermal spa, Therme Vals.
The Valsertal owes its wilderness, diversity and fame to the forces of water. While millions of years of ice and water have shaped the deeply-cut scenic mountain valley, it is Vals' natural 30-degree thermal source, that has brought the valley international recognition. The thermal spa designed by star architect Peter Zumthor, and built out of the treasured local quartzite, showcases the elements of water and stone and blends them together to create a truly unique wellness experience. The building, an elegant and timeless sculpture, has become a bit of a place of pilgrimage for people interested in architecture and design.
The wild, rocky Valsertal and its side valleys are an outdoor paradise, empty trails, alpine lakes and Intact agriculture (which is exclusively organic) characterise the valley, and steep trails over high passes lead to the neighbouring valleys of Val Lumnezia, Safien Valley, Val di Blenio and the Rhine Forest. These routes were originally built by the Walser people, nomadic farmers who lived in the high valleys of Switzerland and the surrounding regions of Italy & Austria from about the 12th century. Today many stone settlements remain, and if you are lucky you may visit a local family preserving the Walser ideals, in their renovated stone farm high on the Alp.
The peaceful ski region with five lift facilities at the Dachberg is located at altitudes between 1270 and 2941 metres above sea level and is regarded as snow-sure. The sheltered climate in the Central Alps and high-Alpine scenery add to the attractiveness of the Dachberg. Skiers, carvers and snowboarders can enjoy themselves on pistes catering for all abilities. Cross-country skiing, tobogganing, winter walking and snow-shoe trekking are possible too.
- Therme Vals – thermal spa built by the star architect Peter Zumthor out of dark Vals quartzite
- Hotel 7132 5* design hotel from leading architects, adjoining the Therme Vals
- Zerfreila Dam, Zerfreilahorn and Fanell Glacier – beautiful panorama in wild mountain countryside, the impressive Zerfreilahorn is frequently called the Matterhorn of the Grisons
- Alpine cheese making visit on the heights of Vals - meet with local farmers and family
- Vals village – original preserved mountain village with stone-tiled Walser houses
- The little known ski area of Dachberg with its empty slopes and untracked powder
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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