A circular route to the Panossière Hut starting from the Cabane Brunet car park

Access by car:
From the Route de Mauvoisin, in the Val de Bagnes, a road branches off to the right towards the Cabane Brunet. The road then gives way to a track suitable for vehicles, which you follow to a small car park, situated just before the Cabane Brunet, and the starting point of the hike. Please note that the track is relatively narrow. Although there are passing places, it is best to use compact vehicles. Furthermore, there are relatively few parking spaces. You’ll need to arrive early, especially during the peak tourist season.

(S/E) Continue along the track, heading east-southeast and then east until you reach the Brunet hut.

(1) Turn right (south-east) onto the Bec de Sery circular path, passing a small lake on your right. Climb steadily.

(2) At a Fork in the road, keep to the right towards the Col des Avouillons. Head south-west, following a stream below on the left.

(3) Cross the stream via a small wooden bridge. On the other side, continue due south. Then take two hairpin bends, first to the left then to the right, and continue climbing until you reach a junction.

(4) Turn left onto the main path, still heading towards the Col des Avouillons. Navigate a section of boulders via a series of tight hairpin bends. After a steep final stretch, you’ll reach the pass. There’s a superb panoramic view of the Corbassière Glacier, though sadly you can see just how far it has receded.

(5) Descend very steeply down the other side. The path heads south-east at first, then turns north-east, continuing downhill, before finally turning south-east again to reach a junction.

(6) Turn right towards the Cabane Panossière. Head uphill and you’ll soon reach the entrance to the Corbassière Footbridge (there was a time when, at this point, you would have crossed the glacier itself; the footbridge was built as a result of the glacier’s retreat and was opened in 2014).

(7) Cross the footbridge, which can be quite daunting as it is 70 metres above the abyss but is perfectly safe.

(8) On the other side, turn left and head uphill until you reach a fork in the path.

(9) Turn right towards the Cabane Panossière. Head up, generally south-east, to the hut. There’s a stunning view of the Corbassière Glacier.

(10) Return via the same route, cross the footbridge again and head back up to the junction you passed on the way out.

(6) Turn right towards La Maye. After a long stretch of seemingly level ground, the path descends steeply via tight hairpin bends. The slope then levels out: you’ll soon reach a junction.

(11) Carry on straight ahead, heading north-west. The path then turns west, then south-west, before the gradient levels out again. Cross a stream via a footbridge and you’ll soon reach a junction you passed earlier in the walk.

(2) Carry on to the right (north-north-east) and, following the same route as on the way out but in the opposite direction, head back to the Cabane Brunet and then the car park (S/E).

Swiss National Map 283 T Arolla.

Equipment: Good walking boots and walking poles.

Markings: White-Red-White (mountain hiking trail).
For further information on trail markings in Switzerland, see the “Hiking Trail Categories” section on the Suisse Rando website.

Difficulty: A T2-rated route with no particular technical difficulties. The descent from the Col des Avouillons is very steep and can be slippery in wet weather. It should also be noted that those who are very prone to vertigo may feel uncomfortable crossing the Corbassière footbridge, although it is perfectly safe. This route is best tackled outside periods of extreme heat, as it is largely exposed to the sun. Finally, it is a demanding hike due to its length and is recommended only for experienced walkers. However, the round trip to the Panossière hut is well worth the effort, thanks to the even more unobstructed view it offers of the Corbassière glacier. It is worth noting that spending a night at the Brunet hut allows you to complete this route more comfortably in a single day, by setting off earlier in the morning.
Further information onthe Swiss Alpine Club’sdifficulty rating system for alpine hikes.

Our hikes wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding without the contribution of the people who live in and look after the mountains. But they need us too. Do remember to support local businesses!

Cabane Brunet

Panossière Hut