Bionaz walks

Undertaken over 10 days, this circuit around the Matterhorn is outstanding. Each day it takes you over the 4000 m peaks of this alpine range. As it is located in 2 countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also brings you into contact with three European languages: Italian, German and also French in Valais in Switzerland.

Warm-up walk to reach the Prarayer refuge along the right bank of the lake.

Stage starting in pasture which quickly heads into the high mountains passing through the Valcornera pass.

Discover the giant that resides here, the splendid Matterhorn itself, before getting a closer look in the evening at the Gandeg cabin.

A high mountain stage which requires hiking boots with crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. You should get an early start for this long stage of the hike.

A Tour du Cervin alternative today, visiting the north side of the colossal peak before reaching Zermatt.

First stage of this trek linking Fionay village to Saas Fee. A pleasant stage reaching Louvie Hut (la Cabane de Louvie) built on the edge of Louvie Lake.

In the Swiss valley, this particularly pleasant hike allows you to explore the many 4000 m peaks that surround the route. N.B. this route is outlined on Openmap which doesn't have the details of our fine IGN maps. Before being able to get your hands on a Swiss map, which are more precise, the route and GPS layouts will be handy for this pleasant trek.

An unusual stage today: it starts with a downhill hike before a long climb uphill, a second descent and a ski lift ride followed by a walk over flatland and a bus ride to the lodge.

Second stage of this hike crossing two passes, Louvie Pass and Prafleuri Pass, both snow-covered.

A long climb to Torrent Pass before reaching Moiry Lake, then Saint-Luc by bus, Tignousa by cable car and finally Bella Tola by foot.Think about correcting the distance indicated by points (5) et (6) : you need to deduct 10 km.

An easy climb reaching part of Zermatt ski slopes, extending to an uphill-downhill balcony trail leading to the famous Europahutte (Hut). Watch out: The Himalayan footbridge just before Europahutte is currently out of service. You'll need to head down to Randa valley along the second blue marked trail on the map before heading back up to the hut (allow for 2 extra hours).

A superb circular walk crossing three cols and the border into Italy and back. There are amazing and changing views throughout. Recently upgraded with signage as a locally important route and marked as 210 on the Swiss side of the border, 103 or 13a on the Italian side.Described here in a clockwise direction as the Col du Bastillon is better in ascent than descent.

A lovely circular walk for a half day out which is good if the weather is forecast to deteriorate in the afternoon. It can also be extended if you want a longer walk. Amazing views from the top of Plan Monnay.

A long stage through two passes however, shortened by the cable car link in Zinal and the coach transfer between Villa Evolène and Arolla. Warning: Taking into account the cable car transport, the positive altitude isn't 2156 m as indicated but only 1380 m.

A new balcony stage at the foot of high summits separating the Zermatt and Saas Fee valleys.

The next stage to this mountain hike with a stop at Saint-Luc then a transfer by postbus to Zinal.

Today's stage is divided into three: from Gruben to Jungu by foot, Jungu to Saint-Niklaus by cable car and Saint-Niklaus to Grachen by coach.

Beautiful mountain stage going through a pass by the name of Augstbordpass.

So here's the last stage of this itinarary and what a stage! A delightful climb reaching Hannigalp to find the well-known balcony trail overlooking the valley leading to Saas Fee.