Grimentz walks

Beautiful hike along a long alpine path, then a steeper trail at the end. At the hut, there is a route equipped with chains, and the one I took, which is less steep. Spectacular view from the hut, very warm welcome, and very comfortable for spending the night. Multiple options for returning to different valleys.

From Zinal to Arolla, you need to take a bus to the Moiry dam, which drops you off at the same spot in 50 mins–1 hour (it goes all the way up to Vissoie, which makes the journey longer). It’s also possible to try and find accommodation in St-Luc or Vissoie.

For this fifth stage, you will leave the Moiry hut and the snow-capped peaks for another hut in a very different world. You will once again follow the Lac de Moiry, but on its other shore. You will cross large grassy expanses to the Alpage de Torrent. From this mountain pasture to the Pas de la Lona, you will follow part of the famous Verbier-Grimentz mountain bike trail. The final climb will take you to the foot of the Becs de Bosson for a night at almost 3,000 metres.

This is a long stage passing through two mountain passes, but it is shortened by the cable car connection from Zinal and the bus transfer between Villa Evolène and Arolla. Please note: taking into account the cable car transport, the positive elevation gain is not 2,156 metres as indicated, but only 1,380 metres.

The Val d'Anniviers ends at the Zinal Glacier and the Moiry Glacier, separated by the Pigne de la Lé and the Garda Bordon. The route of this fourth stage will take you to the Cabane de Moiry, very close to the glacier of the same name. To avoid the long climb to Sorebois, take the cable car to the Weisshorn area. You will switch to the Moiry side and overlook this magnificent lake at an average altitude of 2,500 metres. Upon arrival at the Cabane de Moiry, you will be richly rewarded.

This tenth stage takes place once again in the high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields. This day is spent in the company of peaks over 4,000 metres high.From La Sage or Villa, there are two passes that allow you to cross from the Val d'Hérens to the Val d'Anniviers: the Col de Torrent and the Col du Tsaté. Closer to the high peaks and glaciers, we will opt for the Col du Tsaté. From La Sage, follow the signs for Moteau and Le Tsaté (an old abandoned hamlet). The trail continues to a cattle farm (Remointse du Tsaté), then to the small Lac du Tsaté. From there, the Col du Tsaté is visible on the Val d'Anniviers side, and the path joins the Lac de Moiry to the dam. At the foot of this structure, a well-marked trail leads to Grimentz.

Long climb up the Col de Torrent before reaching Lac de Moiry, then Saint-Luc by bus, Tignousa by funicular railway and finally Bella Tola on foot. Remember to adjust the distance using the information provided by the points (6) and (7): you need to subtract 10 km.

This seventh stage will take you to Vercorin. This small, traditional village is located on the border between the Vallon de Réchy and the Val d'Anniviers. From Grimentz, take the Bendolla cable car and follow the trails through the ski area to reach the Col du Louché. You will then descend into the magnificent Vallon de Réchy. After Lac du Louché, follow the Rèche to the towpath where the peaceful Bisse de Vercorin begins. You will soon reach the pretty little village of Vercorin.

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.

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.

This eleventh stage takes place in the mid-mountains. The Hotel Weisshorn, perched at an altitude of nearly 2,400 metres, is visible from Grimentz. The path descends towards Navisence and then passes through the village of Ayer. Follow the Chemin des Cols Alpins to reach the Hotel Weisshorn. From its terrace, it offers a superb view of the summit that bears its name.

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.

This sixth stage will take you to Grimentz, a beautiful village typical of the Val d'Anniviers. From the Col des Becs de Bosson, the route is all downhill. For the more experienced, it is possible to climb the Petit Bec de Bosson. For this climb: at the pass, the route is marked by a white-blue-white sign. The final section is rated T4 to T5. Not for inexperienced climbers.

A short but fascinating route. It climbs steadily, avoiding the hairpin bends of the white track used by 4x4s. Magnificent views of the Dent Blanche and the neighbouring peaks. The traditional Mayens are an absolute must-see, as is the very well-preserved centre of the village of La Forclaz. The descent through the larch trees is pleasant. Can be extended via the Tsalè refreshment hut – Total: 6 km, 480 m

This beautiful walk offers one of the finest panoramic views in the region from the Becs de Bosson hut. It’s well worth doing in fine weather to see as far as Mont Blanc. The walk is challenging due to the 900 m elevation gain and because the path is a bit tricky near the hut. The path is also somewhat exposed after the Lona mountain pasture.