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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.
Place Moulin Lake
Association / Club / Walk leader
5.75 mi
+1,480 ft
-1,470 ft
3h 55
Easy
Departure from Bionaz (Aosta Valley)
A family walk along the shores of the Place Moulin reservoir. A route skirting this emerald-green lake as you stroll beneath the conifers. At the far end of the lake, the Prarayer Refuge is situated on the Tour du Cervin route; make the most of it to have a bite to eat before retracing your steps. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot some marmots.
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
12.36 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
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
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.
Cabane des Dix – Prafleuri Hut
7.23 mi
+1,919 ft
-2,756 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Hérémence (Valais)
This fifth stage will take you from the Cabane des Dix to the Cabane de Prafleuri. The route begins with a steep descent to Lac des Dix. This lake is held back by the Grande Dixence dam, the highest in the world. The route then follows the lake’s shore to the junction leading to the private Ecoulaies hut and on to the Col des Roux. At the pass, the descent leads quickly to the Prafleuri Hut.
More walks in Bionaz
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