Thyon is a sunny, family-friendly gateway into Switzerland’s vast 4 Vallées ski area, famed for offering doorstep skiing and stunning Alpine panoramas. Beginners thrive here, enjoying gentle, wide-open slopes, while more experienced skiers tackle thrilling pistes and abundant freeride terrain nearby. With easy access to neighbouring resorts like Verbier and Nendaz, Thyon perfectly blends peaceful charm with expansive skiing adventures.
Here’s your essential guide to planning the ideal Thyon ski holiday, from exploring varied slopes and snowparks to discovering cosy restaurants and relaxing après-ski.
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Thyon sits in the Val d'Hérens, just above the town of Vex in Switzerland’s Valais canton. The nearest main town is Sion (23 km / 14 miles away), which also provides the closest major railway station.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ski-in/ski-out | Limited nightlife and après-ski scene |
| Excellent beginner and family facilities | Purpose-built apartments lack charm |
| Stunning panoramic mountain views | Narrow mountain access road |
| Access to extensive 4 Vallées ski area | Few challenging local runs for experts |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Thyon 2000 has to offer.
Thyon-Les Collons is part of Switzerland’s immense 4 Vallées ski area, directly linked to Verbier, Nendaz, and Veysonnaz. This region is renowned for excellent snow conditions, wide, sunny slopes ideal for families and beginners, and challenging descents such as the legendary Etherolla black run. Modern infrastructure, including a high-speed chairlift and extensive snowmaking, ensures great conditions all winter. Intermediate skiers have abundant terrain, with well-groomed reds and scenic tree-lined runs, particularly around Etherolla and Greppon Blanc.
Thyon is a standout destination for first-time skiers. Dedicated learning areas with gentle slopes and free magic carpets can be found at Petit Vallon (Les Collons 1850) and Thyon 2000. Beginners can comfortably progress onto gentle blues such as the popular "Piste de l’Ours," offering wide, confidence-building terrain.
Intermediate skiers enjoy a rich variety of terrain, especially around the Etherolla and Greppon Blanc chairlifts. Numerous red runs offer perfect conditions for improving carving skills, with plenty of mileage available. The red runs from Greppon Blanc, in particular, deliver thrilling descents coupled with magnificent valley views.
For experienced skiers, Thyon presents several exhilarating challenges. The standout local test is the Etherolla black run, known for its steep pitch. Expert skiers can explore further into the 4 Vallées, including legendary runs like the "Mur de Tortin" and the black piste from Mont Fort, famous for its steep moguls and incredible views of the Matterhorn.
Thyon provides fantastic off-piste opportunities for powder enthusiasts. Notable routes include the Vallon d’Arbi and the backside of Mont Fort, both featuring steep terrain and expansive powder fields. The local freeride itinerary, Eteygeon, provides a safe yet thrilling descent into Praperrot. Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended for safe and optimal enjoyment.
CentralPark Thyon is among Switzerland’s premier snowparks, appealing to snowboarders and freestyle skiers alike. Features include kickers, rails, and boxes for all levels, plus the beginner-friendly Gaspard line for newcomers. The park often hosts events with barbecues and music, making it a popular hangout.
The ski season in Thyon for 2024/25 started on November and it's expected to run until April 20th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Thyon, be sure to explore our Thyon deals for the best ski offers available.
Thyon offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 35 cm (13.7 in) and 34 cm (13.3 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 28 cm (11.0 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Thyon, with an impressive 43 cm (16.9 in) of snow over 4.3 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 28 cm (11.0 in) of snow over 4.3 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm (13.7 in) | 3.3 days |
| January | 34 cm (13.3 in) | 3.2 days |
| February | 28 cm (11.0 in) | 3.6 days |
| March | 30 cm (11.8 in) | 3.7 days |
| April | 28 cm (11.0 in) | 4.3 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Thyon’s dining scene blends local Valais specialties with international dishes. You’ll find charming mountain huts and welcoming village eateries perfect for refuelling after a morning on the slopes. Highlights include:
Après-ski in Thyon is pleasantly laid-back, and quieter than nearby Verbier. The resort boasts cosy umbrella bars such as Le Tipi near Thyon 2000, perfect for unwinding with spectacular sunset views. In Les Collons, Joyce O’Sullivan’s Irish bar and Le Vieux Grenier offer warm, convivial atmospheres, while The Box attracts visitors seeking casual après drinks and snacks.
Download Thyon village map here
