Pointet Alpine Pasture
An AOP triple gold medal mountain pasture, at 2,000 m on the heights of Conthey
Why is this address included in our selection
The history of the Pointet mountain pasture
The Pointet alpine pasture is one of the most discreet and highly awarded in central Valais. Perched at 2,000 meters above Conthey, founded in 1940, it has seen several generations of shepherds before the Pillet family took over in 2005. Today, Bertrand Pillet leads the family, ensuring the quality of each wheel of cheese.
Twenty years later, the results speak for themselves: three gold medals at the official sensory evaluation of the Interprofession Raclette du Valais AOP (2021, 2022, 2025), with scores of 19.50/20 — among the best in the canton. A fourth gold medal at the Fromage & Cime d'Ovronnaz competition completes the list of awards.
The alpine pasture is home to an impressive herd: 110 cows and 20 heifers of the Hérens breed — emblematic of Valais — along with some fifty dairy cows. From mid-summer, the Hérens herd moves to the higher parts of the alpine pasture and stays there day and night, sometimes up to 2,400 meters.
The panorama is also part of the tasting experience: from the alpine pasture's terrace, one can see the Matterhorn, the Dent Blanche, the Maya, and the Fava. A view that alone justifies the climb — and reminds us why alpine raclette remains an experience that no lowland table can replicate.
For hiking enthusiasts, the alpine pasture is also the starting point for several beautiful walks: the Croix de la "Chia" overlooking the Étang des Trente-Pas, or the descent towards Derborence or Sanetsch.
🍴 Sur la carte
Direct sales point
Pointet is not a snack bar open to the public, but a small sales area is available at the alpine pasture to buy products directly:
- Raclette du Valais AOP — triple gold medalist
- Alpine Tommes cheese
- Fresh Sérac cheese
- Seasonal specialties
Group meals
The alpine pasture can accommodate groups by reservation for friendly meals in an exceptional setting.
ℹ️ Bon à savoir
The Alpine Pasture in figures
- 110 cows + 20 Hérens heifers
- 50 dairy cows for cheese production
- Cows climb up to 2,400 m on the upper pastures
- Communication mainly in French
Preparing for your visit
- No refreshment bar open — for a meal, plan a group reservation
- Reservation recommended for direct sales in high season
- Payment mainly in cash
- Warm clothing recommended at altitude
Sponsorship program
The alpine pasture offers a cow sponsorship program — an original way to support the alpine pasture.
Comment y aller
🚗 En voiture
Access to the alpine pasture is possible by car up to the stable. From Conthey, take the road towards Sanetsch through the Conthey vineyards. At the "Beau-site" restaurant, turn left towards the My mountain chalets. Alpine road – caution, especially in rainy weather.
🥾 À pied
From the "Beau-site" restaurant (My mountain pastures), allow about 15 minutes by a marked trail. For sporty hikers, a longer hiking route starts from Plan-Cernet (allow ~4h).
🚌 Transports publics
Regional bus from Sion to Plan-Cernet, then ~4 hours of hiking on trails. Route for experienced hikers.
Taste this local flavour at home
Pointet mountain pasture closes in mid-September, but its raclette continues. Reserve your wheel from this season by pre-ordering — delivered directly to your home in early October.
OrderFrequently Asked Questions
Yes – several beautiful hikes start from here: the Croix de la "Chia" which overlooks the Etang des Trente-Pas, or the route to Derborence or Sanetsch. Half-day to full-day itineraries, to combine with a visit to the alpine pasture.
You can order your wheel on Misterraclette.ch. For the coming season, this is a pre-order: shipping early October, upon the official opening of the new alpine pasture season. Limited production, first come, first served.
Yes, the alpine pasture is open to visitors during the season. It's also an opportunity to see the Hérens herd on the mountain pastures — a rare experience since this iconic Valaisan breed produces little milk and is not generally used for cheese production.
A small shop is available at the alpine pasture during the season. You can buy Raclette du Valais AOP, tomme cheese, serac cheese and certain specialties directly there. Payment mainly in cash.
Yes, especially for group meals — the mountain pasture doesn't have a refreshment stand open to the public, but welcomes groups by reservation. For direct sales during the season, a call or message in advance is appreciated.
The alpine pasture is open from July to mid-September, depending on the alpine season and the weather. The season ends when the cows return to the valley.
