Fletschorn Tour

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

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Simplon Hospice - Zwischbergen

   16.96 km 676 m 1,323 m

   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.

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2. 2
   

   Zwischbergen - Alpe il Laghetto

   15.41 km 1,589 m 904 m

   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.

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3. 3
   

   Alpe il Laghetto - Rifugio Andolla

   9.60 km 682 m 671 m

   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.

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4. 4
   

   Rifugio Andolla - Lago di Antrona

   11.96 km 335 m 1,289 m

   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.

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5. 5
   

   Lago di Antrona - Saas-Almagell

   21.59 km 1,926 m 1,333 m

   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.

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6. 6
   

   Saas-Almagell - Gspon

   24.08 km 1,407 m 1,205 m

   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.

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7. E
   

   Gspon - Simplon Hospice

   18.08 km 1,106 m 999 m

   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.

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