Simplon walks

On leaving Zwischbergen, a fairly steep climb under the larch trees will take you to Passo Monscera. From this pass, which marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, you can see the Fletschhorn, the Lagginhorn and the Weissmies and, further to the left, the Pizzo d'Andolla. After passing the charming Rifugio Gattascosa, you will descend to San Bernado along a pleasant path. You will continue through alpine pastures to reach Vallaro and then Il Laghetto.

Although Napoleon was responsible for the construction of the Simplon Hospice, this Alpine pass, already frequented by the Romans, has been developed many times. In the 17th century, Kaspar Stockalper developed a mule track here. From the Simplon Hospice to Simplon Dorf and Gabi, you will follow this path, known as the Stockalperweg. After Gabi, crossing the Furggu pass, you will descend into the steep-sided Zwischbergen valley.

A remarkable tour on little-used trails where nature has remained unspoilt. The Fletschhorn is just seven metres short of reaching 4,000 metres. In this massif, it stands alongside taller peaks such as the Lagginhorn (4,010 metres) and the Weissmies (4,017 metres), but it has nevertheless given its name to this route: the Simplon Fletschhorn Trekking (SFT). This route requires excellent physical condition, as some stages are quite long and have a steep elevation gain. See practical information

This day is punctuated by several passes. You will first cross the Passo di Campo, then the Passo Straciugo after the Laghi di Campo. At the Passo di Potimia, you will return to Swiss territory and cross the high plateaus that stretch to the foot of the Col d'Andolla. As you walk, you will be able to see the Weissmies and Pizzo Andolla. The Passo d'Andolla marks the entrance to Italy and the beginning of the descent into the Antrona Valley.

Passing through the mountain pastures of Piana Ronchelli and del Gabbio, a pleasant trail will take you to the shores of Lago dei Cavalli. After skirting the lake, you will cross the small hamlet of Cheggio. You will discover a few more mountain pastures before returning to civilisation at Antronapiana. This charming village is the lowest point of this tour. You will reach Lago di Antrona and the Albergo Lagopineta. Lago di Antrona is very busy during the day but in the evening, everything returns to calm.

A pleasant trail through the woods will take you to Gibidumpass, a viewpoint overlooking the Rhône Valley. You will gradually descend into the Nanztal, a quiet valley at the foot of the Fletschhorn. The Bistine Pass is the last pass to cross to complete this lovely loop and admire the Fletschhorn one last time. As you descend towards the Simplon Pass, Monte Leone will catch your eye.

You will return to Almageller Alp via the Almagellerhorn adventure trail, which is marked with ladders, steps and a suspension bridge. The trail returns to the Saas Valley and remains at almost the same altitude until Kreuzboden. From this balcony, you can admire the Mischabel massif and the resort of Saas Fee. Overlooking the Saastal and at the foot of the Fletschorn, you will walk through old pastures. You will pass through several Walser hamlets before arriving in Gspon.

A long balcony stage allowing you to climb up the Saas Fée valley, dominating it by about 500m and sometimes more. A spectacular route passing from one valley floor to another, with the special feature of being able to see the next change in valley floor in the distance.

You will walk along the two magnificent lakes of Antrona and Campliccioli. You will follow the Troncone torrent, and the climb to Alpe Saler, Alpe Cingino and Lago di Cingino will require some effort, but it will be well worth it. The setting is stunning, as the lake is located in the centre of a huge cirque. The climb to the Antronapass is pleasant and easy. The pass marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. The long descent to Furggu will take you to Saas Almagell for a well-deserved rest.

Grachen, an important village, dominates the Zermatt valley, which you will be flying over all day. After a gentle climb to Saint-Nicolas on its pedestal, you just need to pass from scree to scree to reach the welcome Refuge d'Europahutte after a long traverse.

So here's the last stage of this itinarary and what a stage! A delightful climb reaching Hannigalp to find the well-known balcony trail overlooking the valley leading to Saas Fee.

A circular walk from a small parking area on the road named Fure (Marked Fure on Swiss map 3324T) which is above Ried-Morel. It takes a higher path above the Massaweg towards Stausee Gibidum, climbs to the Villa Cassel and then the top of the Riederhorn. The descent is through the forest. A pleasant and interesting excursion.

An out and back walk to the summit of the Bettmerhorn starting at Ried-Morel (or alternatively, Riederalp, Bettmeralp or Morel)

A Circular walk from Ried Morel (alternatively Morel or Riederalp) taking in an easy descent through woodland to glaciated rock scenery and the hanging bridge over the Massa which is the water flowing from the Aletsch Glacier. Then crossing peaceful alpine pastures to make the ascent up the steps to Hotel Belalp before dropping again on paths and roads to the dam at the end of Stausee Gibidum. The final section follows the scenic Massweg trail back to Reid Morel.

This second stage passes through the Rieder Furka and Villa Cassel again. The trail then follows a moraine offering several views of the glacier. The climb to the Härdernagrat offers exceptional views of both the Aletsch Glacier and the Valais peaks rising to over 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn. After HohBalm, the Aletsch Glacier remains your faithful companion before disappearing at the Märjelenseestube.

A superb route offering quick views of the Aletsch Glacier. You will descend towards the gorges of the Massa River (Massschlucht), which flows from the Aletsch Glacier. To cross to the other side of the canyon, you will take the 124-metre-long Massa suspension bridge, located more than 80 metres above the valley floor. After the pleasant Riederfurka Pass, you will descend to the relaxing car-free village of Riederalp.

Three-day itinerary featuring the two largest glaciers in the Alps. Numerous viewpoints of the Alpine glaciers and three- and four-thousand-metre peaks in Valais, such as the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn and the Fletschhorn.

This short hike is a prelude to the panoramic Aletsch Glacier Trail. This small car-free village is primarily a winter sports resort. Belalp is divided into two parts, Bäll, the traditional village, and the residential district of Sattle, close to the ski lifts. This route will allow you to discover both sides of Belalp. The trail also offers numerous views of the high peaks of the Valais, such as the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, Monte Leone and the Fletschhorn.