Conthey walks

The path winds through mountain pastures at the foot of the Diablerets on the border between the cantons of Vaud and Valais, circling the Grand Muveran (3,051 m) and crossing the pass linking it to the Petit Muveran (2,811 m). The panoramic views it offers of the great Alpine peaks (Grand Combin, Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, etc.) are magnificent.

A very well-signposted ‘tourist’ route with informative and historical signs explaining the historical role and construction methods of the bisses – these irrigation channels that carried water to the farmland. No difficulties for those with a head for heights, but even though the route is well-maintained and safe, the drop below is sometimes very noticeable and there are several footbridges that may be daunting.

An autumn walk through the lands of Farinet, the Robin Hood of Valais, a beautiful climb through the vineyards to a spectacular footbridge that crosses the Salentze valley at a height of over 130 metres. There are no particular difficulties, but the footbridge is strongly discouraged for people who are prone to vertigo. The thermal baths of Saillon, 500 m from the finish, offer a great way to relax at the end of the day.

An easy walk in the hills above Savièse, combining bisses and fields.

The hike described below covers the first of two days of the Tour des Muverans. It connects the resort of Ovronnaz (chairlift car park) with the Lac de Derborence mountain hut, crossing the Col de la Forcle (2,543 m), the highest point of the route.

Two bisses are on the agenda for this third day. Very quickly in Nendaz, you will reach the "Bisse Vieux" against the current, then after Planchouet, you will stroll along the magnificent "Grand Bisse de Vex". Opposite, the Rhône valley is often visible, and you will clearly see the Derborance and Sanetsch valleys, Mont Gond, the Wildhorn and its glacier.

The start is steep and difficult for over 3 km. After that, it’s easy and the view from the top is stunning. Bovonne Farm is no longer of any interest in itself – the refreshment bar and warm welcome are a thing of the past. However, you can still buy cheese there (make sure you have Swiss francs in cash).

From the start, there is a 27% slope, then 40% under the cliff, with a few passages requiring cables. A large part of the 6.9 km route is blue and white. A physically demanding hike, but what a reward at the summit! In good weather, the Peak to Peak is a bonus.

A very beautiful route through the Veysonnaz and Nendaz region. The route consists entirely of forest tracks. The hike begins at the Veysonnaz resort, heading into the Ojentze valley and passing through La Giettaz. The next stop is Planchouet, with its two excellent restaurants. The walk then passes through La Planie and along the Tracouet road, which winds its way through the forest to the top of the Trancouet cable car (Nendaz resort). The return route takes you via Prarion and its larch trees, some of which are several hundred years old (600 years). The walk also passes through Haute-Nendaz, Pracondu, Sofleu, Sarclenze, the Scie bridge, La Giettaz and Veysonnaz.

The fourth day is a long stage, using a variation on the "Chemin des Bisses" trail from La Luette. This interesting alternative in hot weather allows you to reach Vernamiège via a new trail created in 2015, "La Luette-Ossona-Les Prixes", via the Grande Combe footbridge. The elevation gain is less than on the traditional route. You will follow the large Bisse de Vex to the Mayens de Sion. You will pass through two typical villages in the Val d'Hérens: Hérémence and Euseigne.

A loop with a mountain atmosphere facing the imposing Diablerets massif, with a return trip to the Col de Seron. In the second part, you will have a view of the Oberland peaks in the distance. Not to mention the small Lac Rétaud in its setting, to be admired at the end of the day.

The Nendaz plateau was once a productive orchard before being overdeveloped. This productivity was partly due to the water supply provided by the four irrigation channels diverted from the River Printse. The suggested route follows the course of two of these man-made channels and also links two village chapels. An easy, shaded and refreshing route for a hot day.

The aim of this hike is to be able to walk without the risk of falling on steep, slippery slopes after heavy rain. Once you have completed the initial climb, it is all downhill. The starting point can be reached on foot from La Barboleuse or, more conveniently, by bus from Villars sur Ollon or La Barboleuse. The bus stop is called Les Fracherets. You can even go to the bus terminus, which saves you a few dozen metres of elevation gain.

This walk starts in Anzere and uses the cable car to the Pas de Maimbre. The walk takes you around the Sex Rouge and includes the short but steep ascent to the summit for the great views across the Pennine Alps. It descends to pass the Cabane de Audannes and then through the Combe des Andins to Serin. After this is uses one of the established Bisse walks to return to Anzere. ⚠️(Note in 2024 the path between point 2616m and the col at La Selle was affected by a landslide and is unsafe. This route uses a deviation set up by local mountain guides; it is marked with posts but is not yet as obvious as it will be, once it is used by many people)

Starting from the Anzere cable car station this walk follows a piste before heading uphill into an alpine pasture where the path all but disappears, this section is short as you soon pick up a better track to the Combe de Serin and a descend to the alpine pastures at Serin. You then take the waymarked paths back through the forest and beside the Bisse to Anzere. A varied and interesting walk with great views.

The elevation profile says it all about this day. Most of the route runs along the Grand Bisse de Saxon. This section has been beautifully restored. In Taillay, you will discover a water wheel and a hammer powered by the stream. This ingenious invention was an alarm signal. The sound of the hammer could be heard 2 km away. The absence of sound alerted the bisse guard. You will recognise the Muverans massif on the other side of the Rhône valley.

A circular route around the Grand Chavalard, passing by the Fully Lakes and the Col de Fenestral. The ascent of the Grand Chavalard itself is optional (a return leg), but it is, of course, from the summit that the view is best!

A very beautiful circular walk, offering magnificent views of the Grande Dent de Morcles, the lakes of Fully and the Mont Blanc massif, before finishing with a panoramic view over the Rhône Valley and the peaks of Valais.

A lovely hike starting from Siviez, beginning with the chairlift (15 FS for the ascent). Then take the path along the mountainside to reach the lake. Next, head downhill back to the starting point.

After reaching Vers les Lacs, you will hike through beautiful scenery to climb to the summit of Pic Chaussy, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama. The descent is on another slope, still in beautiful surroundings, to the lovely Lac Lioson.

This walk takes you to discover Lake Lioson. The route starts from the public car park at Les Mosses. Magnificent views of the Vaud Alps. Along the way, you can also buy farm produce.

This second stage will take you from the Col des Mosses to the renowned resort of Les Diablerets. The Aï, Mayen and Famelon towers will accompany you for much of the way and you will see them from different angles. The route also offers numerous panoramic views of the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.