Alpine hut in Emaney

Set amidst a magnificent mountain landscape, Jean-Marc, Claudine, Thomas, Aurélie and Noélie welcome you to the Emaney Alpine Pasture. The family has been producing high-quality cheeses for over fifty years. The Alpage d'Emaney was founded over 100 years ago and is now one of the last in Valais to make cheese over a wood fire. Naturally, cheese-making has evolved since the last century, but the Gabioud family’s expertise remains authentic. Every day, the multi-award-winning Valais Raclette AOP cheese, butter, tommes and sérac are produced here. ​
The mountain pasture offers a well-deserved break during your hikes, and the chance to sample local produce in a magnificent setting!

Pigs, calves, chickens, cats and dogs also spend the summer on the mountain pasture. The Gabioud family also owns yaks, which spent their first summer on the mountain pasture in 2010.

Please note, however, that there is no accommodation available on the mountain pasture and it is not possible to book a table.

LOCAL PRODUCTS AND DRINKS

Our Alp does not only offer beautiful landscapes to visitors and walkers: it also offers a wide choice of drinks and some small snacks (no hot meals) made with products from our farm. Tables are available to spend a convivial moment with family and friends.


To be tasted:

• Emaney's board (a selection of our products, to taste!)
• Meringue with cream
• Product of the Alps
• Raclette cheese
• Sérac
• Cow and goat cheese (according to availability)
• Sausages

Drinks: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Rivella, Cold tea, Home made apple juice, Tea, Coffee, Hot chocolate
 

THE HISTORY OF THE ALPAGE D'EMANEY 

The Emaney mountain pasture was established over 100 years ago. At that time, the inhabitants of the Salvan Valley owned far more livestock than they do today, and farming was the main occupation for the vast majority of families. As a result, livestock grazed on every patch of grass. Families would go up to the mountain pasture in the summer and make cheese. The original chalet at the Emaney mountain pasture was renovated in 1995. The living quarters were modernised, whilst the milk and cheese cellars, as well as the cauldron and hearth, remain original. Naturally, cheese-making has evolved since the last century, but the expertise of cheesemaker Jean-Marc Gabioud remains very authentic.

The Emaney Alpine Pasture is currently a cooperative comprising around ninety owners. The Gabioud family has been running this alpine pasture for over 50 years. After running the mountain pasture for several years, Jean-Marc and Claudine Gabioud are passing the baton to their son Thomas, his partner Aurélie and their daughter Noélie. From late June to early October, the family looks after a herd of around thirty cows of the original Brown Swiss breed, as well as a few Hérens cows. Every day, AOP Raclette cheese, butter, tommes and sérac are produced. Pigs, goats, calves, chickens, cats, dogs and yaks also spend the summer on the mountain pasture.

Emaney cheese

Made in the traditional way over a wood fire, Emaney cheese offers an authentic flavour that reflects all the floral richness of the valley. The cows are taken to graze at an altitude of 2,200 metres, where the sparse pastures produce milk of excellent quality, rich in antioxidants and low in saturated fatty acids, making it excellent for your health. Serac, a low-fat cheese made from whey, is also produced daily. Tommes and alpine butter complete the range of products.

2013 marked a new milestone in the recognition of the quality of cheese from the Alpage d’Emaney. The Raclette du Valais inter-professional organisation awarded us Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and a score of 19.25 out of 20 (!) for its quality. The gold star on the certificate is the result of a combination of passion and perfection.

The future of mountain farming in Switzerland inevitably depends on high-quality products. We will continue to strive to maintain our expertise whilst incorporating modern standards, so that we can keep offering passing visitors exceptional products!