From Grimentz to the Great St Bernard Pass via the Alpine Passes Trail

This second section of the Alpine Passes Trail offers magnificent panoramic views of the peaks of the Valais Alps. You’ll enjoy numerous vantage points overlooking glaciers and peaks such as Mont Colomb, La Dent Blanche, the Combin Massif and the Mont Blanc massif.

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Grimentz – Becs de Bossons Hut

   5.98 mi 4,806 ft 282 ft

   This first stage will take you from Grimentz to the Becs de Bossons mountain hut. The route begins with the climb to Bendolla via a winding path. The ascent continues towards the Pointe de la Lona, which you go round to reach the area above Lake Lona. The climb continues as you make your way to the Pas de la Lona. The final, fairly steep climb will take you to the foot of the Becs de Bosson for a night’s stay at almost 3,000 metres.

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2. 2

   Becs de Bosson Mountain Hut – Evolène

   6.93 mi 171 ft 5,423 ft

   This second stage will take you from the Cabane des Becs de Bosson to Evolène. This route is almost entirely downhill. At the start, you’ll need to head down to the Pas de la Lona, then turn due west towards the hamlet of l’A Vieille. The route then crosses mountain pastures and forests to reach the Mayen de Volovron. The final part of the walk is mainly along stony tracks as far as Evolène.

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3. 3

   Evolène – Arolla

   9.23 mi 4,226 ft 2,126 ft

   This third stage will take you from Evolène to Arolla. The route begins by crossing through Evolène, passing by its imposing church. After crossing the Borgne, a fairly steep path through the forest climbs to the Mayens de la Giette, then on to the Mayens de la Cretta. You’ll need to pass the Etoile mountain pasture and cross the Maresse torrent to begin the descent towards Les Jutes. After a gentle climb towards Lac Bleu, the final stretch alternates between short ascents and descents before reaching the village of Arolla. During this stage, you’ll enjoy views of Mont Collon (3,637 metres) and the Pigne Arolla (3,790 metres).

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4. 4

   Arolla – Cabane des Dix

   6.72 mi 4,108 ft 1,119 ft

   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.

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5. 5

   Cabane des Dix – Prafleuri Hut

   7.23 mi 1,919 ft 2,756 ft

   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.

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6. 6

   Prafleuri Hut – Louvie Hut

   6.89 mi 2,343 ft 3,714 ft

   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.

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7. 7

   Louvie Mountain Hut – Mauvoisin

   6.50 mi 2,680 ft 3,944 ft

   This seventh stage will take you from the Cabane de Louvie to Mauvoisin. The route begins by skirting the lake to the north, then turns right for a winding climb up to the Col du Bec d’Aigle. After a descent of around 200 metres, you’ll need to climb the Col du Sarshlau. At this pass, a well-deserved break is in order to enjoy the superb panoramic view of the Combins massif and Lake Mauvoisin below. The route then continues with a long descent to La Vacheresse. A final climb will take you to the former construction village of the Mauvoisin Dam.

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8. 8

   Mauvoisin – Brunet Hut

   8.46 mi 4,094 ft 3,219 ft

   This eighth stage will take you from Mauvoisin to the Brunet Hut. This challenging route begins with a fairly steep climb up to the Col des Otanes. At the pass, you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional view of the Corbassière Glacier and the Grand Combin massif. The route continues with a steep descent towards the Panossière Hut, which is the perfect spot for a break. The route continues downhill, passing over the 200-metre-long Corbassière Footbridge, which overlooks the Corbassière torrent from a height of 70 metres. The landscape changes and becomes greener as you approach the Brunet Hut.

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9. 9

   Cabane Brunet – Bourg-Saint-Pierre

   11.46 mi 2,720 ft 4,301 ft

   This ninth stage will take you from the Cabane Brunet to the village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre. The route begins with a pleasant path up to the Col de Mille. The nearby hut of the same name is the perfect place to take a break and take in the panoramic views of the Valais peaks and the Mont Blanc massif. The route continues with a long descent towards Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last village before the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard.

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10. E

    Bourg-Saint-Pierre – Grand Saint Bernard Pass

    8.20 mi 3,337 ft 594 ft

    This tenth stage will take you from Bourg-Saint-Pierre to the Grand Saint Bernard Pass. The route begins by following the Dranse d’Entremont to Lac des Toules. It continues along a well-maintained path through unspoilt countryside until you reach the pass. After passing the Hospice, the very touristy road that runs alongside Lac du Grand-Saint-Bernard will take you to the Hôtel Italia, situated in Italy.

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