Traditional Carnival celebrations took place in Catnon Valais, Verbier, recently.Now in its 23rd year, the event culminates in a Mardi Gras which attracts locals and tourists alike.
At this year's event, Chenegouga, the Bagnes-based guggenmusik ensemble offered a programme of festivities based around the them of the Far West.
Although visitors to Verbier will have to wait until 2010 for the next Carnival, there are still plenty of off-piste activities to entertain them.
Writing in the Telegraph, travel writer Liz Linehan commented: "Venture up to Mont-Fort and see at close range the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks before tackling the black run home."
After working up an appetite, she suggests paying a visit to one of the many fine restaurants in the area such as Le Carrefour with its pleasant terrace or Les Chottes in Siviez, which comes complete with cosy mezzanine.
Written by Mike Cotgreave