Valais
Matterhorn and Zermatt anchor Alpine tourism while hydroelectric dams generate exportable renewable energy—bilingual Valais produces Switzerland's most wine as climate change threatens ski seasons.
Canton of Valais occupies Switzerland's upper Rhône valley—Matterhorn and Zermatt defining Alpine tourism identity. The canton's mountain economy generates winter ski revenue and summer hiking income; seasonality creates employment patterns that other sectors don't experience.
Hydroelectric power production exploits Alpine geography: dams generating electricity that Switzerland exports to neighbors. This renewable energy asset provides stable revenue stream alongside tourism's variability.
Wine production in Rhône valley terraces creates agricultural tradition; Valais produces Switzerland's most significant wine output. The canton's bilingual character (German upper valley, French lower) reflects Rhône's path from German-speaking sources toward French-speaking Lake Geneva.
Valais demonstrates tourism-dependent Alpine economy: natural beauty generating visitor revenue that requires constant infrastructure investment. Climate change threatens ski seasons; glacier retreat affects summer tourism. The canton's future depends on adaptation to warming that will transform Alpine landscapes within decades.