Valtournenche walks

Discover the giant that resides here, the splendid Matterhorn itself, before getting a closer look in the evening at the Gandeg cabin.

The final stage is almost entirely downhill, except for a short climb to cross the Col Nord des Cimes Blanches. The descent takes place in long valleys, interspersed with very steep slopes. The arrival at the hamlets of Fury and Blanchard is a real relief after 10 days of hiking.

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.

Stage starting in pasture which quickly heads into the high mountains passing through the Valcornera pass.

A Tour du Cervin alternative today, visiting the north side of the colossal peak before reaching Zermatt.

This is a short first stage that takes you almost halfway up the slope to the hamlet of Frachey, overlooking the Ayas valley.

This tour is a must among the great Alpine circuits. Straddling Italy and Switzerland, it offers absolutely remarkable views of one of the largest glaciers in the Alps. It allows you to see a large number of 4,000-metre peaks up close, the very long Alpine valleys and to visit sites with enchanting names such as Saas Fée and Zermatt in Switzerland, and Macugnaga, Gressoney and Alagna in Italy.

This is a long stage in the shared ski area of Saint Jacques and Gressoney, where the route alternates between wide ski slopes and narrower trails.

Undertaken over 10 days, this circuit around the Matterhorn is outstanding. Each day it takes you over the 4000 m peaks of this alpine range. As it is located in 2 countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also brings you into contact with three European languages: Italian, German and also French in Valais in Switzerland.

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

An easy climb reaching part of Zermatt ski slopes, extending to an uphill-downhill balcony trail leading to the famous Europahutte (Hut). Watch out: The Himalayan footbridge just before Europahutte is currently out of service. You'll need to head down to Randa valley along the second blue marked trail on the map before heading back up to the hut (allow for 2 extra hours).

A variation on the Five Lakes Circuit, this route takes you along a vertiginous ridge offering spectacular views of the Findelgletscher glacier, the Schwarzberghorn (3,610 m) and the Cima di Jazzi (3,793 m). The lakes are all different and offer breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

A high mountain stage which requires hiking boots with crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. You should get an early start for this long stage of the hike.

Due to the closure of the Europaweg trail between Täschalp and Zermatt, we had to modify the original route. Return to Täsch via another trail and, given the long distance to cover, take the shuttle to Zermatt. Short break in this unique town at the foot of the Matterhorn, cable car to Trockener Steg and then walk to the Théodule refuge.

After a winding toll road, park at Täschalp. Then, continue climbing to the Täschhütte refuge located at the top of a rocky outcrop. Return via a slightly different route, after enjoying a delicious homemade soup at the refuge.