TVSB X-Alpine 140 Km 2023

A challenging loop with alternating gentle climbs and easy descents, offering magnificent views of the Val de Bagne on one side and Orsières on the other. There are also numerous views of the French and Swiss Alps in good weather.

The elevation profile says it all about this day. Most of the route runs along the Grand Bisse de Saxon. This section has been beautifully restored. In Taillay, you will discover a water wheel and a hammer powered by the stream. This ingenious invention was an alarm signal. The sound of the hammer could be heard 2 km away. The absence of sound alerted the bisse guard. You will recognise the Muverans massif on the other side of the Rhône valley.

The word "bisse" is used in Valais to refer to irrigation channels that carry water from the mountains to cultivated land. They can be buried in the ground, carved into the rock or suspended from cliffs. Some bisses are over 500 years old and their pipes are damaged or no longer exist due to landslides. Water is therefore not available everywhere, despite efforts to restore this precious heritage. Over six days, you will discover these trails steeped in history.

During this first stage, you will discover part of the Old Saxon Bisse (the longest of the bisse: 26 km from its water source in Siviez to La Boveresse). The bisse starts at the point (6). Built in the 1850s, the pipes no longer exist, so you will have to wait until you reach La Tzoumaz to finally see water flowing along the path. The bisse is currently being restored in sections.

This fifth stage crosses the Val de Bagnes. To the right of the Cabane Brunet, follow the path that descends directly to Fionnay. Be careful, this very steep path with countless tree roots can be slippery and dangerous in wet weather. Cross the road that leads to Fionnay. The path to the Louvie Hut is signposted in the centre of the village, on the right bank of the torrent. The trail is well marked all the way to the hut. Ibex often come close to the hut. A little further on, it is possible to see chamois.

The route passes through the Col des Avouillons before descending to the rest of the Corbassière glacier, which is crossed via a spectacular 200 m long footbridge over a 70 m drop. The high mountains reveal themselves after the pass in a grandiose setting.

This sixth stage takes place in the high mountains and, depending on the season, may involve crossing snowfields.From Lake Louvie, climb up to Col Termin and rejoin the balcony path that comes from the Montfort Hut. Continue to Col de Louvie (possibility of snowfields). After descending Col de Louvie, the path passes at the foot of the Grand Désert Glacier. The trail then crosses scree; look out for the red and white markings and follow the signs for Prafleuri. Climb Col de Prafleuri. Descend to Torrent de Prafleuri (small bridge); on the left, a trail leads to the Prafleuri Hut.

Second stage of this hike crossing two passes, Louvie Pass and Prafleuri Pass, both snow-covered.