From Champéry to the Susanfe hut

Departure from the Grand Paradis site, at the end of a road that leaves Champéry to the south. Large car park along the La Vièze river.

Directional signs at major intersections

(S) Leave the car park via the access road to the south and cross the river. Immediately afterwards, turn right towards Susanfe and Bonavau. Walk along the campsite and head south-west to a place called Les Clous.

(1) Then turn sharply left. After a few dozen metres, turn right onto a path that climbs into the forest. Cross the Barme road and continue along the winding path through the forest.

(2) Come out onto a path and follow it to the left. Climb steadily through the forest with several hairpin bends. Leave the forest and walk south through the mountain pasture to reach the Bonavau chalets.

(3) Continue south-southeast towards Susanfe.

(4) Near a chalet, ignore the Bonavau d'en Bas path on the left and head south towards Susanfe. Cross a few streams and arrive at a junction with the Dents du Midi trail.

(5) Climb right towards Susanfe and follow a few hairpin bends. Then cross (east-southeast) into the rock face. Above the Saufla gorges, a few exposed sections are equipped with chains, including the Pas d'Encel (elevation 1,814 metres).

(6) Cross the Saufla on a footbridge, then climb up the torrent to a small dam lake. Then climb south-east, follow several hairpin bends and cross a threshold that leads to the Susanfe valley.

(7) Head east-northeast up the valley to the Susanfe hut (E).

Hiking boots and equipment required.

Refreshments available at the Bonavau chalets. Bring your own water supplies.

Accommodation and catering:
Cabane de Susanfe, Swiss Alpine Club refuge, staffed in summer.
Reservations essential: +41 24 479 16 46 or info@susanfe.ch

Hike completed by the author on 9 August 1972.

- Alpine pasture dominated to the west by the imposing Dent de Bonavau.
- Saufla Gorge.
- Close-up view of the Ruan massif.
- Beautiful atmosphere in the Susanfe valley.