Cabane des Dix – Prafleuri Hut

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.

Today's high mountain stage requires the use of crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. This long stage requires an early start.

This is the longest stage of the route but presents no difficulties other than its length and the elevation gain. The section across the glacier can be avoided by taking the moraines, which allow you to climb more directly to the right (see the route map).

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.

This fourth stage will take you from the village of Arolla to the Cabane des Dix. The route begins with an ascent through a forest up to the Tsijiores de Nouves mountain pasture. The climb to the Remointse mountain pasture follows a winding path. The Tsijiore Nouve glacier and the Pigne d’Arolla seem very close by. The climb continues to the Col de Riedmatten (the famous pass used by the Patrouille des Glaciers). At the pass, the start of the descent is very steep but secured by chains. The route continues, skirting a lake formed by the meltwater from the Cheilon Glacier. At the Cabane des Dix/Pas du Chat junction, a final climb leads to the Cabane des Dix. To choose between thePas de Chèvres and the Col de Riedmaten, see the ‘Practical Information’ section.

A lovely circular hike with magnificent scenery. Among the highlights of the hike are theview of the Aiguilles Rouges (a striking rocky landscape), theview of the glaciers throughout the descent, thefragrantforestsof larch and European larch, and a brief stop at Lac Bleu with its intense blue colour (and its many tourists)

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.

This sixth stage will take you from the Prafleuri Hut to the Louvie Hut. The route begins with the ascent to the Col de Prafleuri. The descent takes you down scree before you begin another climb up to the Col de Louvie (some sections require you to use your hands). The Col de Louvie is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the panoramic views of the Combins. A long descent will take you to the Louvie Hut, situated at the far end of the lake.