Lac des Dix walks

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.

This seventh stage takes place in high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields.From the Prafleuri hut, head towards the Col des Roux, then descend to Lac des Dix. Walk along the lake to the south-eastern end, where you will find signs for the Cabane des Dix. The path follows the glacier moraine and then goes around Tête Noire to reach the Cabane des Dix. Views of Mont Blanc de Cheilon, La Ruinette and Pigne d'Arolla.

Today's stage is unusual: it starts with a descent before a long climb, a second descent and a chairlift transfer, followed by a flat walk and a bus ride to the lodge.

This eighth stage takes place in high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields. From the Cabane des Dix, return to the Pas de Chèvres / Col de Riedmaten junction. Return to the Pas de Chèvres after a long passage through scree and large boulders. Ladders provide access to the Pas des Chèvres. The descent to Arolla follows a good path. Views of Mont Collon and Pigne d'Arolla.Pas de Chèvres or Col de Riedmaten? See the "Practical information" section.

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.

This is the longest stage of the route but presents no difficulties other than its length and the elevation gain. The section across the glacier can be avoided by taking the moraines, which allow you to climb more directly to the right (see the route map).

This ninth stage is more relaxing than the previous ones. Many hikers skip this section by taking a bus transfer from Arolla to La Sage or Villa. Although short and easy, this stage really has its place in the route. The trail passes by Lac Bleu and crosses the beautiful hamlet of La Gouille, typical of the Val d'Hérens, then the villages of Les Haudères and La Sage. From La Gouille to Les Haudères, the trail follows the "La Borgne d'Arolla" torrent. In the centre of Les Haudères, a sign indicates the path that climbs up to the village of La Sage.

The second stage of the route involves crossing two passes, the Louvie and the Prafleuri, both of which were snow-covered.

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.

This sixth stage takes place in the high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields.From Lake Louvie, climb up to Col Termin and rejoin the balcony path that comes from the Montfort Hut. Continue to Col de Louvie (possibility of snowfields). After descending Col de Louvie, the path passes at the foot of the Grand Désert Glacier. The trail then crosses scree; look out for the red and white markings and follow the signs for Prafleuri. Climb Col de Prafleuri. Descend to Torrent de Prafleuri (small bridge); on the left, a trail leads to the Prafleuri Hut.