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Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval walks
Pointe de Bellegarde from Sixt, loop via Vogealle and Salvadon
Visorando Member
13.88 mi
+5,751 ft
-5,741 ft
11h 25
Extremely difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A superb circular hike to Pointe de Bellegarde, offering magnificent panoramic views throughout: after passing through Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the ascent is via Pas du Boret, the Vogealle area and Col des Chambres. The return route is via Vallon du Salvadon.
Traversée du Buet
13.82 mi
+7,694 ft
-7,684 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Crossing the Buet, ascending via the Refuge de Grenairon and descending via Les Fonts. It is a long loop with a significant elevation gain and a section at an altitude of 3,000 metres. Having done this hike again in the direction of Grenairon chalet to Fonts chalets, I am repeating the description as it is much easier, shorter (approx. 9 to 10 hours), and it is easier to see the rest of the path from above when descending from Beaux Prés.
Circular from the Refuge des Fonts and the Cascade du Rouget
7.02 mi
+2,126 ft
-2,139 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
This route, starting from Salvagny (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval), follows the course of the Giffre des Fonts to the Refuge des Fonts and then on to the Cascade du Rouget waterfall. The route alternates between forest paths and views of meadows. It is not uncommon to see wildlife (marmots, ibex, etc.) and colourful alpine flora.
The Tines Gorges
3.31 mi
+607 ft
-610 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Discover the ancient Tines Gorges, carved out by the Giffre. Now abandoned by this turbulent torrent, these gorges offer a spectacular walk.
Please note: message from a hiker dated 18/09/2022: Part of the walk is closed by prefectural order due to the risk of falling trees. Another message dated 19/07/23 states: The path is destroyed in several places due to tree felling.
Please check before planning this trip
Aouille de Criou from Vallon d'en haut
9.37 mi
+4,843 ft
-4,836 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
Climb the peak overlooking the village of Samoëns via the Pertuet chalets and descend via Le Bouttiay. 360° view of the surrounding peaks. A relatively easy hike to the Chalets de Criou, or even as far as Barme, with a magnificent view of the village of Samoëns and the rocky ridges of the Criou face. The slope then becomes much steeper up to the summit, making this hike relatively difficult.
From Lignon to Refuge Alfred Wills and descent via Refuge des Fonds
9.61 mi
+3,812 ft
-3,812 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
This route presents no difficulties other than the distance and elevation gain, and can be completed in one go by well-trained hikers.
The route is fully signposted and can be completed in its entirety by following the directions on the signs and markings (a little more difficult when the "high" part is snow-covered, as it was during our last hike :-) ).
Le Fer a Cheval
8.03 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,214 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very popular out and back walk into the nature reserve above Sixt Fer A Cheval. Excellent scenery but best enjoyed out of the main summer season when it is very busy.
For information: following the collapse of cliffs on 06/09/2025 in the Méridienne - Pas Noir sector, access to the Fond de la Combe can only be made until further notice via the right bank of the Giffre.
The Cirque du Fer à Cheval and the Bout du Monde from Nambride
8.80 mi
+1,394 ft
-1,375 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A must-see in this mountainous area, close to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this hike offers views of magnificent landscapes. Between the cliffs, you follow the Giffre river and admire the many waterfalls of the torrents that flow into it.
It starts here from the car park just after Nambride, the last car park where you can park for free to access the site. You can therefore shorten this hike (see practical information and other descriptions on Visorando). Most of the elevation gain is at the bottom of the valley and can also be avoided (see practical information).
Le Grand Pré via the Chalets de Sales
8.30 mi
+2,959 ft
-2,936 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful hike starting from Le Lignon in a magnificent setting (Passy - Haut-Giffre nature reserve). Depending on the season in which you do this hike, take into account the crossing of several snowfields (very late in 2013) and numerous streams that "cut" the path.
Pointe de Sales
9.40 mi
+4,295 ft
-4,288 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A magnificent ascent via the Sales Refuge.
After passing close to the Pleureuse, Sauffaz, Sales and Trainant waterfalls, the Sales valley offers us bucolic landscapes that contrast with the harshness of the surrounding peaks. It's like being in a Snow White cartoon... or, more to my taste, Shrek.
The rest of the route, no less remarkable, will lead us to a breathtaking panorama...
Col de la Portette and Passage du Dérochoir via the Chalets de Sales
10.98 mi
+4,117 ft
-4,098 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful, long hike from which you can admire various magnificent waterfalls, the Plaine du Grand Pré, the Fiz, the Lacs de Laouchets, the Désert de Platé, and the Mont Blanc range from the Dérochoir.
A long hike with no technical difficulties or exposed sections.
From Le Lignon to the Alfred Wills Refuge via the small pass of Anterne
3.15 mi
+2,251 ft
-190 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Beautiful climbs and pretty waterfalls, with panoramic views over the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval valley.
Tour des Fiz in 4 days
16.38 mi
+6,752 ft
-6,765 ft
4 days
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A superb four-day hike, with lakes, waterfalls, ladders, ibex, marmots and magnificent panoramic views, particularly of Mont Blanc, located 15 km away.
The Sales chalets from Le Lignon
5.96 mi
+2,415 ft
-2,415 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A hike from Le Lignon to the Sales chalets. It crosses forest and mountain pasture landscapes. Following the Sales torrent, you can admire the various waterfalls along its course.
You will cross the Pas de Sales, a passage carved into the rock by farmers in the 19th century to bring their herds up to the mountain pastures. It is still used today.
In addition to the domestic animals that make up the herds found around the chalets of Sales, it is not uncommon to see marmots and ibex, even close to the trails.
This beautiful hike will delight your eyes.
Refuge des Fonts - Refuge de la Vogealle
14.69 mi
+4,423 ft
-2,664 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely hike in the Cirque du Fer à Cheval with its remarkable waterfalls, a stop at the Bout du Monde, with a balcony path through the forest to reach the Chalet du Boret, and a steady climb to reach the Refuge de la Vogealle perched on a pretty plateau.
Important note: this route requires a taxi shuttle from the Cascade du Rouget to the Cirque du Fer à Cheval (14 km) to reduce the walking distance.
Lac de Gers
7.96 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,535 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
This is a fairly short, easy walk. The mountain pasture and lake are magnificent, but the access path, which is sometimes quite muddy, is mainly in the forest and offers few views.
Col de Platé
13.72 mi
+4,239 ft
-4,239 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
A long hike taking you to the famous Platé Desert, a vast limestone plateau covered in countless sharp limestone pavements. This route forms a circular route through the two beautiful valleys of the Gers and the Foges.
Le Giffre, Gorges des Tines and Sixt Fer a Cheval from Samoens
9.44 mi
+1,480 ft
-1,480 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
Apart from the first hill at the start this is a mainly flat and low level walk from Samoens to Sixt Fer a Cheval and back taking in the Gorges des Tines. It is a pleasant walk with a lot to see and do.
Between Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, going up the Giffre torrent
8.85 mi
+1,070 ft
-1,060 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Samoëns (Haute-Savoie)
After climbing up the Giffre torrent, cross the impressive footbridge over the Tines Gorges. Head to the hamlet of Le Mont and its small chapel to return to Samoëns, passing through picturesque villages.
The Fond de la Combe and its magical waterfalls
4.92 mi
+440 ft
-420 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely walk in the Giffre valley, starting from the immense glacial amphitheatre known as the Fer à Cheval, to reach the Fond de la Combe, with magnificent waterfalls, particularly in spring; the flora and fauna are also impressive.
Moderator's note, following a comment from a user on 17 June 2023.
The footbridge at Fond de la Combe is temporarily closed by municipal order and if you want to go to Bout du Monde, you should cross to the right bank of the Giffre at the Prazon chalet. The loop indicated here is therefore not currently possible.
To the end of the world... and beyond
8.03 mi
+2,769 ft
-2,740 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
As Hugues Aufray sings:Come on lads, wake up, we’ve got to get a move on, we’re off to the ends of the earth...Walkers who aren’t afraid of heights, or who can overcome their fear, will be rewarded with sublime views.
The End of the World
5.80 mi
+971 ft
-948 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
This place really does exist and it’s not far away! To get there, simply:- head to the stunning Sixt Fer à Cheval cirque,- take the wide tracks and paths starting from the car park,- continue on to the front walls.
Lac de la Vogealle via the Pas du Boret
10.48 mi
+4,144 ft
-4,127 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A very beautiful day hike with a wide variety of landscapes.
Please note: the Pas du Boret pass should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are not prone to vertigo. If you do not feel comfortable walking along the mountainside, take the route via Bout du Monde instead. Avoid the Pas du Boret if the weather conditions are not favourable.
The Pas du Boret
6.55 mi
+1,827 ft
-1,798 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
A superb hike in the Giffre Valley, much of which is in the Sixt Passy nature reserve, with exceptional scenery and breathtaking views.
Sales mountain huts - Le Lignon
2.77 mi
+59 ft
-2,349 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Descend into the Gorges de Sales and pass by the foot of magnificent waterfalls.
Vogealle Refuge - Bonavau Inn
7.48 mi
+3,412 ft
-4,570 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (Haute-Savoie)
Straddling the French-Swiss border, between Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Champéry, this marked trail takes you between alpine pastures and high mountains. The Dents Blanche pass is remarkable for its geology, with its tightly folded limestone layers. A steep descent down a rocky chimney (with cables) takes you to the Col de Bostan, on the French-Swiss border. The Pas de la Bide, a tricky passage with its famous letterbox, leads to the Brame mountain pastures and the Auberge de Bonavau.
More walks in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
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