Rifugio Prarayer walks

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

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

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

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.

High-altitude trail between 2,400 and 2,700 metres. Stop at the Oratorio di Cunei mountain hut to refuel before the final climb to the bivouac. Very well equipped with beds, gas, pots and pans, etc. There is a small lake and the view across the entire mountain range is magnificent.

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.

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.

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.

Today's high mountain stage requires the use of crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. This long stage requires an early start.

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.