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Bionaz walks
Tour of the Matterhorn
Visorando Member
97.02 mi
+38,215 ft
-37,972 ft
10 days
Difficult
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
This 10-day tour of the Matterhorn is remarkable. It allows you to walk alongside the 4,000-metre peaks of this Alpine range every day. Located in two countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also allows you to familiarise yourself with three European languages: Italian, German and French in the Valais region of Switzerland.
Important note: Two stages of this route take place partly on glaciers. It is highly advisable to bring crampons and a rope for maximum safety. Crampons will make it easier to walk, and the rope can be used to form a rope team to secure the participants.
La Léchère - Prarayer Refuge
2.77 mi
+515 ft
-472 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
A warm-up walk along the right bank of the lake to reach the Prarayer refuge.
Prarayer refuge - Perrucco Vuillermoz refuge
3.61 mi
+3,625 ft
-696 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
The stage starts in the mountain pastures and quickly enters the high mountains with the passage of the Col de Valcornera.
Rifugio Prarayer - Breuil Cervinia
10.96 mi
+4,705 ft
-4,738 ft
9h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
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.
Tour of the Matterhorn – Stage 7b: Perruco Mountain Hut – Breuil
6.78 mi
+974 ft
-3,930 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
This is the second part of the classic stage of the Tour du Cervin, running from Prarayer to Breuil. The final section of the route can be avoided if you are tired once you reach the road. It is also possible to head towards Varvoie and Lake Perrères to rejoin the road more quickly.
Perrucco Vuillermoz Refuge - Gandeg Hut
12.01 mi
+5,302 ft
-4,872 ft
10h 10
Difficult
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
Today, discover the giant of the area, the splendid Matterhorn, before seeing it up close in the evening at the Gandeg Cabin.
Crête Sèche Refuge - Ollomont
7.76 mi
+2,713 ft
-6,086 ft
5h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
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.
Dzovennoz - Prarayer mountain hut
10.55 mi
+4,554 ft
-3,136 ft
8h 50
Very difficult
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
Signposting: trails No. 1, No. 2 then No. 3. High-altitude route from the Alpe de la Tsa to the Combe de Grand Chamin (fixed routes).
Cabane de Chanrion - Crête Sèche refuge
5.24 mi
+2,218 ft
-2,448 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Bagnes (Valais)
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.
Barmasse Refuge – Rosaire and Clermont Bivouac
Association / Club / Walk leader12.36 mi
+5,666 ft
-3,950 ft
10h 35
Very difficult
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
High-altitude trail between 2,400 and 2,700 metres. Stop at the Oratorio di Cunei mountain hut to refuel before the final climb to the bivouac. Very well equipped with beds, gas, pots and pans, etc. There is a small lake and the view across the entire mountain range is magnificent.
Rosaire and Clermont campsite – Ollomont
13.68 mi
+4,426 ft
-8,681 ft
10h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Quart (Aosta Valley)
A very long day. The descent to Oyace seems never-ending. On the other hand, once again, the scenery is magnificent and wild. It’s best to have a good rest in Oyace, as the final climb to the Col de Brison is very long. It’s almost over
Breuil Cervinia - Resy
9.61 mi
+4,042 ft
-3,816 ft
7h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
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.
Tour du Cervin, Breuil – Cabane Gandeg
7.17 mi
+4,373 ft
-1,060 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Valtournenche (Aosta Valley)
For this eighth stage, it is possible to take the ski lifts up to the Théodule Refuge, depending on conditions, in particular the Plan Maison lift from Breuil; or even as far as Fornet, to get even closer.
Santuario di Gilliarey
5.73 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,952 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A beautiful route which initially follows the “Petit Monde” stream. The climb continues towards the Cret mountain pasture and joins the track leading to the hamlet of Gilliarey. On the right, a small path leads to the Gilliarey sanctuary. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Valtournenche and the Matterhorn. The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey
Arolla - Prarayer Refuge
10.43 mi
+3,970 ft
-3,871 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Evolène (Valais)
Today's high mountain stage requires the use of crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. This long stage requires an early start.
Cabane des Dix - Arolla
6.72 mi
+974 ft
-3,934 ft
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Hérémence (Valais)
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.
Antecima Monte Meabé
3.47 mi
+2,270 ft
-2,267 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A beautiful route to the Antécime du Meabé, another peak overlooking Torgnon. In good weather, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif. At the start, the path shares the route with the Col Fenêtre trail. From this pass, it’s also possible to reach the Antécime du Meabé.
Arolla - La Sage
6.76 mi
+1,644 ft
-2,762 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Evolène (Valais)
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.
Tour of the Torgnon mountain pastures
9.60 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,230 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A pleasant route that alternates between mountain pastures and forests. The northern section of the route takes you past peaks exceeding 3,000 metres: Becca de Salé, Pointe du Tsan and Pointes de Chavacour. On the way back, you ’ll pass close to Monte Meabé and Becca d’Aver
Becca d’Aver – Cima Longhede
5.40 mi
+2,326 ft
-2,326 ft
4h 30
Difficult
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A superb route to the Becca d’Aver, the peak overlooking Torgnon. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif. From the Becca d’Aver, follow the ridge path to reach another peak, the Cima Longhede.
Monte Charvaz circular walk from Chamois
4.94 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,722 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chamois (Aosta Valley)
This circular walk above Chamois passes by Monte Charvaz, a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the western part of the Valtournenche valley. You’ll recognise the mountain range above Torgnon, stretching from Becca d’Aver to Cima Bianca. The return to Chamois follows the course of the stream of the same name.
Pilaz Pass
4.12 mi
+2,024 ft
-2,021 ft
2 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Chamois (Aosta Valley)
A superb winter route starting from Chamois. At Col Pilaz, you will be surprised to discover the Matterhorn to the north. A giant red bench offers a superb photo opportunity with the Cervinio in the background. On the south side, a magnificent panorama of the Paradis massif awaits you. The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is only accessible on foot, by bicycle or by cable car.
Col Pilaz and Col Champlong, Lago Charey and the Champlong lakes
6.65 mi
+1,857 ft
-1,864 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chamois (Aosta Valley)
A magnificent hike starting from Chamois. The route is very varied, offering superb panoramic views of the Gran Paradiso massif at the Col du Pilaz. You’ll appreciate the beauty of Lakes Charey and Champlong. From time to time, you’ll catch glimpses of the Matterhorn, which plays hide-and-seek for a good half of the journey.
The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is accessible only on foot, by bike or by cable car.
Monte Tantané
9.32 mi
+3,320 ft
-3,307 ft
7h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Chamois (Aosta Valley)
A superb hike to the summit of Monte Tantané. The ascent along the ridge is quite challenging, but once you reach the summit you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view, particularly of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif.
Punta Falinère
6.58 mi
+1,880 ft
-3,343 ft
4h 40
Difficult
Departure from Chamois (Aosta Valley)
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.
Col de Saint Pantaléon from Torgnon
3.75 mi
+666 ft
-682 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A pleasant route offering several views of the village of Torgnon and the neighbouring peaks: Le Zerbion and Le Tantané. At the small chapel (3), you can enjoy a panoramic view stretching from Valtournenche all the way to the Matterhorn.
Monte Chatelard from Mongnod
3.52 mi
+919 ft
-915 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Torgnon (Aosta Valley)
A lovely walk to a small peak overlooking the village of Torgnon. On this rocky outcrop stands a monument dedicated to the Madonna degli Alpini (Our Lady of the Alpine Hunters). At the summit, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the southern peaks of the Aosta Valley.
Lac Bleu near Arolla Val d’Hérens
2.41 mi
+984 ft
-991 ft
2h 00
Moderate
Departure from Evolène (Valais)
A small, turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by Swiss stone pines and venerable larch trees – this is the destination of your hike. With views of the peaks as a bonus. You’ll pass through hamlets with magnificent wooden chalets featuring slate roofs. A cosy Valais-style café and restaurant awaits you beside the lake. This route is short, but you’ll get a good workout given the elevation gain.
More walks in Bionaz
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