Ascent of the Haute Cime and return to Champéry

Departure from the Susanfe hut.

(S) Climb up the Susanfe valley towards the pass of the same name (north-east). Stay on the north side of the valley for a long time, i.e. on the right bank of the stream called La Saufla.

(1) At the top of the valley, turn right (south-east) to quickly reach the Col de Susanfe.

(2) Head north and follow a path on the eastern side of the ridge (on the side of Lake Salanfe, clearly visible below). Go around a rocky outcrop on the right.

(3) Continue north and climb steeply up the scree: as far as possible, stay on the ridge, which is more stable. Reach a plateau (whose name carries an unfortunate value judgement).

(4) Continue northwards on the steep climb between the scree and the rocks. This will take you to the summit, marked by a large cairn.

(5) Descend the entire ridge through the scree to the Col de Susanfe.

(2) Descend to the right down the Susanfe valley to the refuge.

The end of the descent, described briefly below, is done by followingthe previous day's route in reverse.

(S) Continue west-southwest down the Susanfe valley.

(6) Turn north-west and descend to the small dam lake. Follow the stream and cross it via a footbridge.

(7) Take the high path that crosses a rocky wall (several equipped passages).

(8) At an intersection at the bottom of the hairpin bends, turn left towards the Bonavau refreshment bar.

(9) Continue north-northwest and reach the Bonavau chalets.

(10) Continue north, enter the forest and descend via several hairpin bends.

(11) Before crossing the Grande Ravine valley, take a steep path on the right. Cross the Barme road, join a path and follow it to the left to quickly reach Les Clous.

(12) Turn right, reach the Grand Paradis campsite and then turn left into the large car park (E).

Hiking boots, warm clothing and rainwear are essential.

At the Susanfe hut: water, toilets, food and accommodation.
Reservations essential: +41 24 479 16 46 or info@susanfe.ch

Refreshments available at the Bonavau chalets.

Hike undertaken by the author on 10 August 1972.

The entire ascent takes place in a beautiful high mountain setting.

From the summit (5), there is a splendid 360° panorama:
- To the north: the peaks of Chablais and the Vaud Alps, the Rhône Valley, Lake Geneva.
- To the east: the Dents du Midi seen in a row and their small glaciers.
- To the south: the Valais Alps and the Mont Blanc massif.
- To the west: the Dents Blanches and the peaks of the Haut Giffre.