Barage de Moiry - Cabane des Becs de Bosson

From Zinal to Arolla, you need to take a bus to the Moiry dam, which drops you off at the same spot in 50 mins–1 hour (it goes all the way up to Vissoie, which makes the journey longer). It’s also possible to try and find accommodation in St-Luc or Vissoie.

This is a long stage passing through two mountain passes, but it is shortened by the cable car connection from Zinal and the bus transfer between Villa Evolène and Arolla. Please note: taking into account the cable car transport, the positive elevation gain is not 2,156 metres as indicated, but only 1,380 metres.

The Val d'Anniviers ends at the Zinal Glacier and the Moiry Glacier, separated by the Pigne de la Lé and the Garda Bordon. The route of this fourth stage will take you to the Cabane de Moiry, very close to the glacier of the same name. To avoid the long climb to Sorebois, take the cable car to the Weisshorn area. You will switch to the Moiry side and overlook this magnificent lake at an average altitude of 2,500 metres. Upon arrival at the Cabane de Moiry, you will be richly rewarded.

This seventh stage will take you to Vercorin. This small, traditional village is located on the border between the Vallon de Réchy and the Val d'Anniviers. From Grimentz, take the Bendolla cable car and follow the trails through the ski area to reach the Col du Louché. You will then descend into the magnificent Vallon de Réchy. After Lac du Louché, follow the Rèche to the towpath where the peaceful Bisse de Vercorin begins. You will soon reach the pretty little village of Vercorin.

This first stage will take you from Grimentz to the Becs de Bossons mountain hut. The route begins with the climb to Bendolla via a winding path. The ascent continues towards the Pointe de la Lona, which you go round to reach the area above Lake Lona. The climb continues as you make your way to the Pas de la Lona. The final, fairly steep climb will take you to the foot of the Becs de Bosson for a night’s stay at almost 3,000 metres.

This second section of the Alpine Passes Trail offers magnificent panoramic views of the peaks of the Valais Alps. You’ll enjoy numerous vantage points overlooking glaciers and peaks such as Mont Colomb, La Dent Blanche, the Combin Massif and the Mont Blanc massif.

This eleventh stage takes place in the mid-mountains. The Hotel Weisshorn, perched at an altitude of nearly 2,400 metres, is visible from Grimentz. The path descends towards Navisence and then passes through the village of Ayer. Follow the Chemin des Cols Alpins to reach the Hotel Weisshorn. From its terrace, it offers a superb view of the summit that bears its name.

This beautiful walk offers one of the finest panoramic views in the region from the Becs de Bosson hut. It’s well worth doing in fine weather to see as far as Mont Blanc. The walk is challenging due to the 900 m elevation gain and because the path is a bit tricky near the hut. The path is also somewhat exposed after the Lona mountain pasture.