Welcome to Sion, Switzerland, where mountain vistas meet perfect waves at Alaia Bay. This surfing paradise has been making waves since its opening in the spring of 2021, offering surfers of all levels an unforgettable experience on the water. You can explore this hidden gem and discover the thrill of surfing in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Surfing in the Alps at Alaia Bay
Alaïa Bay offers a unique surfing experience in the middle of the breathtaking mountain panorama of the Valais. It is the first surf pool in continental Europe. Its unique shape and revolutionary wave technology allows it to generate waves of different sizes and levels of difficulty.
From small 0.5 meter waves for beginners to larger 2 meter waves for pros, Alaïa Bay has something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just a curious beginner, Alaïa Bay will provide you with all the necessary equipment and expert guidance to make your surfing experience one to remember.
Individual advice is given to ensure that every surfer finds the right board for them. The surf shop on the site offers a wide range of surfing-related accessories. Not just for surfers, the Twin Fin restaurant offers a Mediterranean atmosphere and a stunning view of the surf pool.
Located next to the lake in Les Îles, the surf pool covers over 8,300 square meters and is easily accessible by car or public transport. It is also conveniently located near popular ski areas such as Crans-Montana, Verbier, Zermatt, and Chamonix, making it an all-year-round destination for thrill-seekers.
Alaia Bay Wave
Alaïa Bay Wave is a unique experience that sets it apart from other wave pools in continental Europe. It is the only commercial pool to use Wavegarden Cove technology. This technology creates a realistic and natural wave experience for surfers of all levels.
Unlike other wave pools, Alaïa Bay does not have a dedicated “bay” area for beginners. Instead, all sessions take place on the “reef” part of the pool.
This allows for a more varied and challenging surfing experience as the waves are consistent and cater to different skill levels. With a different skill level session every hour, advanced and beginner surfers can enjoy the pool separately.
For Beginners
If you’re new to surfing, the controlled environment of Alaïa Bay Sion’s wave pool is the perfect place to learn. Unlike the ocean, you don’t have to worry about unpredictable currents or not being able to touch the bottom.
Plus, all beginner sessions include a foam surfboard and wetsuit in the hourly surf price. Don’t worry if you’re not ready for the Waikiki session; beginner lessons are available to help you catch your first waves.
For Experienced Surfers
For Experienced Surfers at Alaïa Bay Sion, there are intermediate and advanced wave options available.
The intermediate waves, such as Waikiki and Malibu, are slightly faster with steeper take-offs that require confident handling. Funboards, fishes, mini-mals, mid-lengths, and longboards are well suited for these waves.
The advanced session offers a variety of waves with different profiles. It is perfect for experienced surfers who are comfortable in waves over one meter and can handle different turns like bottom and cutback.
For Experts
For the expert surfer, Alaïa Bay Sion recommends taking on multiple Expert Sessions each day but taking breaks in between to rest and recover. With a quick take-off on a 2-meter wave that offers steep sections for maneuvers, this session is perfect for those who are looking for a challenge.
It even includes a series of small barrels at the end, making it an exciting experience for bodyboarders as well. For a well-rounded experience, Alaïa Bay also suggests taking some time to do sightseeing in the area between surfs.
Prices
Alaïa Bay’s session prices for all wave settings remain the same, including Waikiki, Malibu, Advanced, Expert, Pro, and Beast Mode. However, the cost varies depending on the season, day of the week, and time of day.
The pricing structure is straightforward, with three tiers:
- Peak: The busiest slots
- Normal: Average weekday rate
- Best: The lowest cost to surf with excellent value
Hourly adult prices range from $120 to $160. Alaïa Bay also rents foam boards, intermediate shapes, high-performance shortboards, wetsuits, protective gear, helmets, and life jackets at no additional charge.
Facilities at Alaia
The Surf Shop
Alaïa Bay Sion has everything you need to get the most out of your surfing experience.
With a Boardriders shop featuring top surf brands like Quiksilver and ROXY, plus a wide range of boards and hardware from the world’s best surf brands, you’ll be fully equipped to hit the waves. Whether you’re looking for stylish board shorts or state-of-the-art wetsuits, the surf shop has everything you need.
Twin Fin Restaurant
Twin Fin, located on the second floor of Alaïa Bay Sion, is a spacious 300m2 restaurant with a 400m2 terrace that offers a bird’s eye view of the surf pool.
Inspired by surf spots in Morocco and Indonesia, the contemporary decor of Twin Fin is warm and lively, perfect for unwinding after a surfing session with friends or family. The menu boasts a range of international dishes, from Hawaiian poke bowls to British fish and chips, all made with locally sourced Swiss ingredients.
No reservations are accepted, but the restaurant’s large size ensures that tables are usually available for walk-ins.
How to get there
Getting to Alaïa Bay Sion is relatively easy, with two international airports located within a few hours. Geneva and Milan’s airports are the closest options for those flying in.
- Geneva Airport: From here, there are regular trains every 30 minutes to Sion, taking about two hours. Once in Sion, you can take a 20-minute bus ride or a taxi to Alaïa Bay.
- Milan Airport: From here, it takes about three hours by train or car to reach the surf park.
Where to stay
There are a variety of options available to suit all budgets. In Sion, you’ll find hotels ranging from $100 to $250 for a Saturday night stay.
Alternatively, for a unique Swiss surf experience, stay at the TCS campsite just a five-minute walk from the wave pool. This newly opened surf-themed campsite offers different camping cabins and tents. The Alaïa group also offers accommodation at the nearby resort of Crans-Montana, just 20 minutes away by car.
For a more traditional hotel experience, the Alaïa Lodge has double rooms, dormitories for several people, and even a suite.
Summary & Final Thoughts
Alaïa Bay Sion is a unique surf destination located in Sion, Switzerland, offering surfers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The surf pool covers over 8,300 square meters and has something for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
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The facility also includes surf shops with a range of surfing-related accessories and a restaurant with a stunning view of the surf pool. Prices range from $120 to $160 per hour, depending on the time and day of the week.
