Alaïa Bay: The Complete Guide
Quick facts
| Wave tech | Wavegarden Cove · electro-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Session length | 60 minutes |
| Wave height (max) | 6.6 ft / 2 m |
| Waves per hour | 1,000 |
| Skill levels | All levels |
| Public pricing | from $120 per session |
| Boards | Foamies included with Waikiki; performance hardboards from CHF 25 (Torq, Pyzel, Firewire). |
| Water | freshwater · Heated to 22°C year-round · wetsuit rentals on site |
| Nearest airport | GVA (Geneva), 105 min drive |
| Address | Rte d'Aproz 65, 1950 Sion, Switzerland |
| Last verified | July 2026 |
Wave settings and pricing
Private session
Whole pool, up to 20 surfers. Private buyouts CHF 4,000–6,000 for 20 surfers. Popular with alpine corporate retreats.
from $4,500/hr
Book privateAround Alaïa
Where to sleep, eat, and burn the hours between sessions. Hand-picked and honest.
Stay
- Hôtel des Vignes10 min
Boutique 4-star in Uvrier, 10 min from the pool.
- The Alpina Gstaad90 min
Splurge stay if you're combining with a ski week — 90 min drive.
- Sion Airbnb apartments
Old-town flats from CHF 120/night; walk to dinner.
Eat
- Damien Germanier
Michelin-starred contemporary Swiss tasting menu in Sion.
- Café des Châteaux
Classic Valais fondue and raclette under the Sion basilica.
Do
- Zermatt & the Matterhorn
90 min by train from Sion — surf morning, funicular afternoon.
- Château de Tourbillon
Ruined medieval castle on the hill above town, 20 min walk.
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Getting there
Alaïa Bay is at Rte d'Aproz 65, 1950 Sion, Switzerland.
- GVA · Geneva105 min drive
- ZRH · Zürich180 min drive
- MXP · Milan Malpensa210 min drive
Best time to visit
Year-round. May–September for warm afternoons; December–March for the surf-plus-ski combo.
Events
Alaïa Bay Pro
Jun 13, 2026
The technology
Alaïa Bay runs on Wavegarden Cove — a electro-mechanical system from Aizarnazabal. The Cove uses 46+ independent electro-mechanical modules along one wall. Each module pushes a submerged panel; sequencing the pushes creates a travelling swell that peels down the reef bay. Software controls the panel firing pattern, so a Cove can shift from a mellow Waikiki roller to an overhead barrel between waves.
Opened May 2021 in the Rhône valley at Sion, an hour from Zermatt. First Cove in continental Europe and the highest-elevation wave pool in the world at 500 m. Adam Bonvin, the Swiss founder, wanted a facility that could double as a ski-town amenity — pro training winter mornings, public sessions on bluebird afternoons.
Frequently asked about Alaïa Bay
+How much is a session at Alaïa Bay?
CHF 105–150 for a one-hour session depending on wave setting. Wetsuit is included; board hire is CHF 25 extra.
+Is Alaïa Bay heated?
Yes — the pool is heated to 22°C year-round. Winter sessions run with the Alps in full snow, and this is when the surf-plus-ski combo shines.
+How do I get to Sion from Geneva?
Under 2 hours by direct train (one change at Lausanne) or 1h45 by car. Geneva Airport is the easiest international arrival.
+Can beginners surf here?
Yes — Waikiki is designed for first-timers, and the on-site surf school runs group lessons every weekend.
+Can I ski and surf on the same day?
Yes — Anzère (a 25-minute drive) or Crans-Montana (35 minutes) are the closest ski areas. Surf morning, ski afternoon.
+What wave tech does Alaïa Bay use?
Wavegarden Cove — the same platform as The Wave Bristol and URBNSURF Melbourne, with the full 6-setting menu.
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