1936 On the Continent

peak in the Alps (15,217 feet), which actually stands in Italian territory. From Zermatt, ascents can be made by the experienced mountaineer of almost all the great peaks, but for those who shrink from the exertion of these climbs there is the electric railway which goes up the Riffelalp,the Riffelberg to Gornergrat from where there are really fine views of the glaciers and the alpine giants. Here too is fine ski-ing country, and the beauty and grandeur of the high Alps in their winter dress is never to be forgotten. On our return journey we reach Stalden, which lies at the entry of the Saastal, which also is very lovely, but is overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, the Nicolaital. A motor road is being built along the Saastal, but is not yet completed, and visitors to any of the villages along this valley either have to tramp or hire a mule. These animals are also used to transport the mail, and it is very interesting to watch the arrival of the mule-post.
    First of all we reach Saas-Grund, and from here we have the choice of two ways up to Saas-Fée, either the mule track which leads over the bridge which spans the Saas torrent, or by foot along the Kapellenweg which leads up to the Hohen Steige where there is a lovely white chapel. On this path are a number of white shrines which are very unique. Twisting between pine woods, with the thunderous roar of the torrent in one’s ears and with magnificent views over the valley, it is well worth the effort of making the ascent and a delightful, if quiet, holiday can be spent in the village.
Montana
    We now continue along the Rhône valley and pass Leuk or Loèche; north of this town, in the valley of Dala, is Loèche-les-Bains, a spa which was known to the Romans and which lies in magnificent country at the foot of the Gemmi Pass. The next town along the line is Sierre, the chief town of the district, which, even in Roman times, was a favourite resort for the Patricians. Here, wherever we go, on hills crowned with ruined castles and modern villas, we find an abundance of vines. Muscat, Malmsey and Rèze are the chief products of this district. Sierre is the junction for Montana-Vermala, which lies on a sunny plateau, facing south, and giving an extensive view over the numerous peaks of the Alps. There are many pretty lakes, surrounded by pine or larch trees and delightful glades. Owing to its fine position and good air, there are a number of sanatoria for consumption at Montana, but it is also a favourite holiday resort all the yearround. From Montana there is a motor-car service to Crans s/Sierre, which lies in a beautiful natural park. In summer the visitor has the advantage of using the fine golf course and also the aerodrome at Montana, whilst in the winter there is some very good ski-ing in this district.
    Immediately opposite Sierre is the entry to the Eifischtal, which is very narrow, but one of the finest valleys in the district. Vissoie is the capital of the valley and is a good centre for walks and excursions. From here the road ascends to Ayer, and then we finally reach Zinal, which is a favourite mountaineering centre for this district. The village itself lies in the midst of green valleys. On the left lies the Morning glacier and in the background the solitary peak of the Bessos, which can be seen all over the valley.
    From Zinal the mountaineer may proceed along various “traversées” to Zermatt, Gruben, Evoléne and Les Haudères, and there are a number of great peaks to be conquered which are reached from the club hut of Constanzia.
Sion
    From Sierre we come to Sion, the capital of the Valais. The surrounding vineyards are regarded as being amongst the finest in Switzerland; it is interesting to learn that the introduction of the vine into Switzerland is credited to Charlemagne. Sion itself lies on two hills; on one, Tourbillons, are the ruins of an old castle, built in 1294 and destroyed in the fire which ravaged the town in 1788. On the other hill is the old castle of Valère, where can still be seen some of the ancient methods of defence, such as catapults and also an old handmill. Notre Dame de Valère, the church of the fortress, has been rebuilt and contains the cantonal museum. The site of the church was originally that of a pagan temple. The church was for some time the principal church of the See, but this function was later transferred to the cathedral, built in the fifteenth century. Sion lies at the mouth of the Val d’Hérens, which