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Latest Valais news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Valais topics.
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A mountaineer died after falling on the Matterhorn’s Lion Ridge at an altitude of about 4,300 metres. The article should report what is known about the accident, the rescue operation and the investigation, while placing the dangers of the route in context without speculating about the cause.
1 day ago · 1 source
Valais
Switzerland’s oldest cable car, linking Verbier and Savoleyres, has completed its final journey after 56 years and 16 million passengers. The article should explore the lift’s engineering and cultural legacy, why it is being replaced and what the change says about modernising Switzerland’s mountain infrastructure.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Switzerland
A former Crans-Montana municipal councillor has become the 17th person charged over the fatal New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar, which killed 41 people and injured 115. The article should explain the alleged failures in building oversight, the charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm and arson, and the broader accountability questions raised by the expanding investigation.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Valais
A hanging glacier above Randa in Valais has accelerated and shed large ice blocks, prompting authorities to maintain a restricted danger zone. Experts say the area is being closely monitored and currently poses no immediate threat to residents, but the episode highlights the need for sustained Alpine hazard surveillance.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Weisshorn
A hanging glacier on the Weisshorn near Randa in Valais remains unstable after several collapses, and authorities warn that further break-offs are possible. The alert level has been raised and the danger zone is being monitored as poor weather complicates assessment of the glacier’s movement.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Valais
Authorities in Randa, Valais, have raised the alert level after several glacier collapses on the Weisshorn’s eastern hanging glacier. Further rockfalls cannot be ruled out, and monitoring continues within a designated danger zone as poor weather complicates assessments.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
The bodies of two Belgian mountaineers, who went missing in 1992, have been discovered in the retreating Trift Glacier in canton Valais. The finding is a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate change on the Swiss Alps.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Legal
The investigation into the deadly Crans-Montana fire has expanded with charges against a 15th individual, a former municipal official. Simultaneously, the Italian region of Lombardy has officially become a civil claimant in the case, citing the 'direct damage' and costs incurred supporting its affected citizens.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Crans-Montana
Six months after the tragic New Year's Day fire, cantonal government president Christophe Darbellay has confirmed the Le Constellation bar will not reopen in its former capacity, with hopes to repurpose the site for young people and plans for a memorial to honor the victims.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Crime
The investigation into the deadly New Year's fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has taken a dramatic turn, with prosecutors adding forgery charges against one of the owners and the canton of Valais allocating CHF1.25 million to fund the expanding police and legal efforts.
The Local Switzerland · +2 more
Society
Five months after a tragic New Year's Eve fire in a Crans-Montana bar killed 41 people, the 'Initiative Phoenix' association has been established to support burn victims and promote medical innovation in the treatment of severe burn injuries.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
One year after a collapsing glacier devastated the village of Blatten in Valais, the insured loss has been tallied at CHF255 million. The figure highlights the significant financial impact of the disaster on residents, businesses, and the insurance industry, raising questions about natural hazard risks.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Technology
A coalition has submitted a petition urging the federal government to stop the planned construction of a large SpaceX Starlink ground station in the canton of Valais, citing concerns over corporate influence on Swiss communications and potential geopolitical risks associated with Elon Musk's company.
Le News
Valais
The two 100-metre chimneys of the former Tamoil refinery in Collombey-Muraz have been demolished, marking a symbolic end to an industrial chapter and paving the way for the site's redevelopment into a hub for new technologies.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crime
The investigation into the Crans-Montana 'Le Constellation' fire has intensified. A French victim has filed an €8.2 million compensation claim, while Valais police are now examining a 2024 fire at another restaurant owned by the same couple for possible insurance fraud.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Environment
Authorities in canton Valais are closely monitoring the Oigschtchummun Glacier, which is showing signs of instability and advancing. This comes nearly a year after a different glacier collapse devastated the village of Blatten, prompting intensified surveillance of glacial risks in the Lötschental valley.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crans-Montana
Following the fire in Crans-Montana, a seriously injured French victim is seeking €8.2 million in compensation, citing lifelong care needs. In a contrasting development, the rescue team involved in the operation has received an international 'Search and Rescue Mission of the Year' award for their effective and large-scale response.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Environment
Authorities in canton Valais are closely monitoring the Oigschtchummun Glacier after detecting 'isolated collapses' and other anomalies. The instability raises concerns just a few kilometres from Blatten, which was devastated by a glacier collapse last year.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crans-Montana
In a significant development in the Crans-Montana fire investigation, a 14th person, a municipal employee, has been charged. Meanwhile, a seriously injured French victim has filed for compensation in a Paris court.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Crans-Montana
The investigation into the deadly Crans-Montana bar fire has seen a municipal employee charged, bringing the total to fourteen. Concurrently, a 26-year-old French woman who was seriously injured has filed a compensation claim in Paris to cover life-altering burns.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
