Quart walks

A lovely autumn circular with magnificent views of the Aosta Valley and Cly Castle. Parking in Nus, pleasant climb in stages. On the way back, a meal or refreshment in Nus is a must!

Markings: sentieri N°1, N°2 then N°3. Aerial route from Alpe de la Tsa to Combe de Grand Chamin (equipped passages). Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This last stage takes place in an alpine setting. It justifies the choice of this alternative to the classic Tour des Combins. Unfortunately, the consequences of climate change are evident. The glaciers mentioned on the map no longer exist. Only rock piles remain. From the Col du Mont Gelé, the highest point of this trek, you must pay close attention to the path marked by cairns to follow on the descent. The position of these cairns is sometimes erratic. The end of this stage ends with a long and very steep descent, which can be avoided by staying on the pastoral road.

We leave the "TDC" to follow Alta Via No. 1 in the Aosta Valley until it crosses the road leading to Bionaz. In the old village, above the church and near a fountain, the trail marked Col de Breuson (Brison) begins. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This 10-day tour of the Matterhorn is remarkable. It allows you to walk alongside the 4,000-metre peaks of this Alpine range every day. Located in two countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also allows you to familiarise yourself with three European languages: Italian, German and French in the Valais region of Switzerland. Important note: Two stages of this route take place partly on glaciers. It is highly advisable to bring crampons and a rope for maximum safety. Crampons will make it easier to walk, and the rope can be used to form a rope team to secure the participants.

A warm-up walk along the right bank of the lake to reach the Prarayer refuge.

A route to discover the typical villages that line the famous Col du Grand Saint-Bernard road. On the way there, you will follow the Via Francigena to climb up to the village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, renowned for its cured ham. You will also pass through the villages of Étroubles, Saint-Oyen, Cerisey and Les Bosses, characterised by stone chalets with slate roofs.

A superb winter route starting from Chamois. At Col Pilaz, you will be surprised to discover the Matterhorn to the north. A giant red bench offers a superb photo opportunity with the Cervinio in the background. On the south side, a magnificent panorama of the Paradis massif awaits you. The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is only accessible on foot, by bicycle or by cable car.

Today, discover the giant of the area, the splendid Matterhorn, before seeing it up close in the evening at the Gandeg Cabin.

The stage starts in the mountain pastures and quickly enters the high mountains with the passage of the Col de Valcornera.

This is a classic stage of the Tour du Cervin, passing through the highest point of the hike, the Col de Valcournera, at an altitude of 3,075 metres. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This description differs from the classic Combins tour. This route is not recommended in bad weather. It offers an alternative off the beaten track via the Refuge de Crête Seiche. The atmosphere is alpine, requiring a good level of experience on stony paths and snowfields. The distance may seem short and the elevation gain low, but it is a difficult stage.

Punta Falinère is the peak overlooking the Chamois slopes. It offers views of its neighbours, the Petit and Grand Tournalin. To the north, you will discover more than 4000 Swiss peaks, including the Dent Blanche d'Hérens and the Matterhorn. To the south, the Grand Paradis will catch your eye.

A superb route that begins in a larch forest and continues over a succession of hilltops. The arrival at the pass beneath Mont Flassin offers a phenomenal view. From Gran Paradiso to the Grandes Jorasses, via the Matterhorn and so many others. The panorama is exceptional.

A pleasant route that alternates between mountain pastures and forests to reach Mont Joux. This modest peak offers a view of Monte Bianco. The route also offers a wide panorama of peaks ranging from 3,000 to almost 4,000 metres, such as Punta Pousset (3,046) above Cogne, Grivola (3,969), the Grand Paradis massif and Punta del Ran (3,272) in the Ruitor massif.

A magnificent route featuring an open-air museum. The climb to the refuge is dotted with numerous sculptures. You will be surprised by strange creatures, characters and animals hidden behind trees or rocks. The route features around 300 pieces, all created by Siro Vierin. Between the Fallère Refuge and Lago Fallère, you will walk along the Tour du Mont Fallère trail.

A lovely hike in the Cogne area with stunning views of Gran Paradiso.

The second stage of this hike starts at the Cabane du Vélan and follows the right bank of the Valsorey torrent.

An easy but long day. No complaints about the climb. However, be careful towards the end as there are many paths that look alike. From Chardonney, there is little public transport. It is possible to hitchhike to Pont-Saint-Martin. With all the French place names, you wouldn’t think you were in Italy. From Pont-Saint-Martin, there are buses to Gressonney-Saint-Jean.

Facing Cervinio, then superb landscapes after Cime Blanche. We will now spend five days on the Tour du Mont Rose. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

A fairly popular hike that takes you close to the foothills of Gran Paradiso. You might spot some ibex if you’re lucky!

The Cabane du Vélan (2,642 m) is nothing like a traditional Swiss hut. Its bold, futuristic architecture, adorned with solar panels (inaugurated in 1993), makes it look more like a ship than a refuge and has earned it the Ligue de Protection du Patrimoine award. It enjoys an exceptional location above moraines and glaciers, with magnificent views of the Grand Combin massif (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m).

Two-day circuit with a night in a mountain hut and exploration of the Combe de Valsorey, at the foot of the Grand Combin (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m). Spectacular high mountain scenery guaranteed.

How to connect two legendary mountain passes between Italy and Switzerland! Most of the proposed route is in Italy (from the Great Saint Bernard Pass to the Monte Moro Pass), with the last two stages in Switzerland following the traditional "Chamonix-Zermatt-Simplon" route.

Departure from Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last village before the Great Saint Bernard Pass. This first stage follows exclusively the TDC trail. Hike with a brief description, to be followed using the Visorando app.