Ascending journey to the heights of Vallorcine

Leaving Chamonix, take the train towards Vallorcine, the terminus of the line, then take a second train towards Martigny to reach the village of Chatellard. Next, take the funicular, the steepest in the world with an 87% gradient: impressive! The journey continues with a small panoramic train that winds its way along the mountainside and drops you off at the foot of the Emosson Dam. A mini funicular completes your ascent, taking you to the Emosson site, where you can look out over the dam and its reservoir.

(S) The hike begins after exiting the funicular. Join the road that leads to the Emosson Dam. Turn right to reach the dam. Beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings. Built between 1969 and 1973, this dam is the second largest artificial reservoir in Switzerland.

(1) Cross the dam and continue along the lake for about 500 metres.

(2) Take the path that starts on the left.

(3) Stay on the main path on the right: beautiful views of the Trient Valley.

(4) Cross a passage with handrails that secure the path. Continue southwards and reach the Refuge de Loriaz (where you can stop for a snack and enjoy a warm welcome).

(5) Head south again towards the Croix de Loriaz and reach a fork in the path: view of the cross and its split rock, as well as the Col de Balme.

(6) Keep right on the main path, which descends and begins a series of switchbacks leading to an intersection.

(7) Continue on the main path, turning right.

(8) Cross the Pont du Stream de Loriaz bridge and continue. Join a track at a hairpin bend and continue straight on towards the antenna to reach a fork just before it.

(9) Turn left towards Le Couteray. Follow three wide hairpin bends, ignore a path on the left at the third bend, and continue to the next intersection.

(10) Take the hairpin bend to the left and rejoin the tarmac road at the entrance to the hamlet of Le Couteray, with its beautiful chalets.

(11) Head right to reach the bottom of the hamlet and come out onto the D1506, which is a very busy road.

(12) Turn right and carefully follow the road along the pavement to reach the hamlet of Le Buet on the right.

(13) Turn left to reach the station (E). The return journey will be towards Chamonix.

Check train timetables for both the outward and return journeys.

Train from Chamonix (France) to Chatelard village (Switzerland).

Funicular - Small Train - Funicular: price approximately 40 Swiss francs.

Return train: Buet station to Chamonix.

Be careful when using your phone: you are in Switzerland and not all European mobile phone plans are valid here.

Beautiful views of the various Alpine massifs as well as the Trient and Vallorcine valleys.