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.

This is a classic stage of the Tour du Cervin, passing through the highest point of the hike, the Col de Valcournera, at an altitude of 3,075 metres. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

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

This last stage takes place in an alpine setting. It justifies the choice of this alternative to the classic Tour des Combins. Unfortunately, the consequences of climate change are evident. The glaciers mentioned on the map no longer exist. Only rock piles remain. From the Col du Mont Gelé, the highest point of this trek, you must pay close attention to the path marked by cairns to follow on the descent. The position of these cairns is sometimes erratic. The end of this stage ends with a long and very steep descent, which can be avoided by staying on the pastoral road.

Markings: sentieri N°1, N°2 then N°3. Aerial route from Alpe de la Tsa to Combe de Grand Chamin (equipped passages). Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This description differs from the classic Combins tour. This route is not recommended in bad weather. It offers an alternative off the beaten track via the Refuge de Crête Seiche. The atmosphere is alpine, requiring a good level of experience on stony paths and snowfields. The distance may seem short and the elevation gain low, but it is a difficult stage.

Facing Cervinio, then superb landscapes after Cime Blanche. We will now spend five days on the Tour du Mont Rose. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

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.

This eighth stage takes place in high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields. From the Cabane des Dix, return to the Pas de Chèvres / Col de Riedmaten junction. Return to the Pas de Chèvres after a long passage through scree and large boulders. Ladders provide access to the Pas des Chèvres. The descent to Arolla follows a good path. Views of Mont Collon and Pigne d'Arolla.Pas de Chèvres or Col de Riedmaten? See the "Practical information" section.

This ninth stage is more relaxing than the previous ones. Many hikers skip this section by taking a bus transfer from Arolla to La Sage or Villa. Although short and easy, this stage really has its place in the route. The trail passes by Lac Bleu and crosses the beautiful hamlet of La Gouille, typical of the Val d'Hérens, then the villages of Les Haudères and La Sage. From La Gouille to Les Haudères, the trail follows the "La Borgne d'Arolla" torrent. In the centre of Les Haudères, a sign indicates the path that climbs up to the village of La Sage.

Punta Falinère is the peak overlooking the Chamois slopes. It offers views of its neighbours, the Petit and Grand Tournalin. To the north, you will discover more than 4000 Swiss peaks, including the Dent Blanche d'Hérens and the Matterhorn. To the south, the Grand Paradis will catch your eye.

We leave the "TDC" to follow Alta Via No. 1 in the Aosta Valley until it crosses the road leading to Bionaz. In the old village, above the church and near a fountain, the trail marked Col de Breuson (Brison) begins. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This is a fairly long stage but set against a magnificent backdrop. The Mauvoisin dam is impressive, as are all the waterfalls along the right bank of the lake. The route passes through the easy and beautiful Tsofeiret Pass.

The final stage is almost entirely downhill, except for a short climb to cross the Col Nord des Cimes Blanches. The descent takes place in long valleys, interspersed with very steep slopes. The arrival at the hamlets of Fury and Blanchard is a real relief after 10 days of hiking.

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.

A lovely autumn circular with magnificent views of the Aosta Valley and Cly Castle. Parking in Nus, pleasant climb in stages. On the way back, a meal or refreshment in Nus is a must!

Wait until there is no snow to do this hike safely. Round trip hike. You must be sure-footed and experienced in mountain walking. Starting from Lignod, pass in front of the church, which is currently being renovated, with its pretty fresco. Well-marked paths in the village allow you to leave it and climb towards Borbey. Pass a car park and take the path that continues to climb and gain altitude. You are on a Way of the Cross that climbs up to the Virgin of Mount Zerbion. The Col de Portela is visible and recognisable with its pylon. Cross the pass to reach Mount Zerbion and its virgin located at 2,723 metres above sea level, overlooking the Ayas valley.

This seventh stage takes place in high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields.From the Prafleuri hut, head towards the Col des Roux, then descend to Lac des Dix. Walk along the lake to the south-eastern end, where you will find signs for the Cabane des Dix. The path follows the glacier moraine and then goes around Tête Noire to reach the Cabane des Dix. Views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon, La Ruinette and Pigne d'Arolla.

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.

This sixth stage takes place in the high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields.From Lake Louvie, climb up to Col Termin and rejoin the balcony path that comes from the Montfort Hut. Continue to Col de Louvie (possibility of snowfields). After descending Col de Louvie, the path passes at the foot of the Grand Désert Glacier. The trail then crosses scree; look out for the red and white markings and follow the signs for Prafleuri. Climb Col de Prafleuri. Descend to Torrent de Prafleuri (small bridge); on the left, a trail leads to the Prafleuri Hut.

Starting from the church square, this hike follows the Evançon torrent before turning left onto Rue de l'Ostrion, which gradually climbs. Passing by the small chapel overlooking the village of Champoluc and the Ayas Valley, you will reach the village of Mascognaz, an authentic and beautiful Walser village. The hike passes through Col de Palasina and then, after a slight descent, you will reach the wild Bataille lakes and then the Arp refuge at 2,400 metres.

A pleasant hike, suitable for the whole family, to reach the village of Mascognaz via its beautiful waterfalls. The route starts in Champoluc and continues along the path through the forest, following the stream and reaching the village of Mascognaz. From there, it is possible to take several longer routes.

This tenth stage takes place once again in the high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields. This day is spent in the company of peaks over 4,000 metres high.From La Sage or Villa, there are two passes that allow you to cross from the Val d'Hérens to the Val d'Anniviers: the Col de Torrent and the Col du Tsaté. Closer to the high peaks and glaciers, we will opt for the Col du Tsaté. From La Sage, follow the signs for Moteau and Le Tsaté (an old abandoned hamlet). The trail continues to a cattle farm (Remointse du Tsaté), then to the small Lac du Tsaté. From there, the Col du Tsaté is visible on the Val d'Anniviers side, and the path joins the Lac de Moiry to the dam. At the foot of this structure, a well-marked trail leads to Grimentz.

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.

This fifth stage crosses the Val de Bagnes. To the right of the Cabane Brunet, follow the path that descends directly to Fionnay. Be careful, this very steep path with countless tree roots can be slippery and dangerous in wet weather. Cross the road that leads to Fionnay. The path to the Louvie Hut is signposted in the centre of the village, on the right bank of the torrent. The trail is well marked all the way to the hut. Ibex often come close to the hut. A little further on, it is possible to see chamois.

The route passes through the Col des Avouillons before descending to the rest of the Corbassière glacier, which is crossed via a spectacular 200 m long footbridge over a 70 m drop. The high mountains reveal themselves after the pass in a grandiose setting.

For this fifth stage, you will leave the Moiry hut and the snow-capped peaks for another hut in a very different world. You will once again follow the Lac de Moiry, but on its other shore. You will cross large grassy expanses to the Alpage de Torrent. From this mountain pasture to the Pas de la Lona, you will follow part of the famous Verbier-Grimentz mountain bike trail. The final climb will take you to the foot of the Becs de Bosson for a night at almost 3,000 metres.