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Sentier Panorama 4000

Hikes · Valais

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Valais/Wallis Promotion

Tsittoret irrigation channel above Crans-Montana
Photo: Pascal Gertschen, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion

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Panoramic hike high above Crans-Montana featuring views of 4,000-metre peaks and several attractive mountain restaurants along the way.

difficult

Distance 13.4 km

4:30 h

400 m

1,155 m

2,347 m

1,499 m

The name of this hike neatly encapsulates its star attraction: panoramic views of the Rhône valley and the glittering 4,000-metre peaks on the far side. Walkers also enjoy a clear view down the Val d’Anniviers opposite, majestically framed by five 4,000-metre summits, with the Matterhorn in the background. Starting point is the Cry d’Er gondola summit station, with its popular restaurant and panoramic sun terrace. The first section of trail is roughly level, and leads to the Cabane des Violettes (2,208 m), run by a mountain guide. The traditional, seasonal Valais cuisine is simple but excellent: the Michelin-starred chef also runs one of the top gourmet restaurants in Crans-Montana. From here the trail sweeps around to the slopes of the Petit Mont Bonvin to begin its descent to Aminona where the hike ends. One of the most delightful sections follows part of the Bisse du Tsittoret, an irrigation channel built in the 15th century. This takes its water from the river La Tièche, just to the east – which downstream becomes the Raspille, linguistic border of Valais.

Author’s recommendation

Bring binoculars to observe the local wildlife – especially birds of prey and the many marmots that live on the high, rocky slopes.

Author

Delia Inniger

Update: July 13, 2021

Difficulty

difficult

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

Toula, 2,347 m

Lowest point

Aminona, 1,499 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Track types

Asphalt

0.1 km

Dirt road

0.2 km

Forested/wild trail

4.6 km

Path

8 km

Road

0.6 km

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Tips and hints

View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility:

N°224 Sentier Panorama 4000

More information about the destination:

Crans-Montana

Start

Cry d'Er, cable car summit station (2,252 m)

Coordinates:

SwissGrid

2'602'999E 1'131'466N

46.334576, 7.477596

DMS

46°20'04.5"N 7°28'39.3"E

UTM

32T 382829 5132348

w3w

///caller.revision.signs

Destination

Aminona

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike falls naturally into three parts. The first third, roughly level, skirts the slopes of the Bella Lui and continues climbing northwards until reaching the highest point of the hike (2,347 m) on the slopes of the Mont Bonvin. The paths are clearly marked throughout. The trail initially leads north-eastwards to the Cabane des Violettes before turning northwards to continue up the flank of the valley. The final two-thirds of the walk consists of a long, steady descent. At first the trail leads across open, boulder-strewn slopes above the tree line before reaching the Bisse du Tsittoret. From the Cave du Sex, the trail continues through the forest to reach Aminona.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Train to Sierre. Short walk (350 m) to funicular station for Montana. Follow the red markings on the floor to reach the funicular from Sierre train station. To reach base station of Cry d’Er gondola in Crans-Montana, either take bus in direction of Crans-sur-Sierre (bus stop «Téléphérique») or walk (approx. 2 km, 20 min). Ride gondola up to Cry d’Er. At end of walk, take bus from Aminona to funicular station in Montana, and ride funicular down to Sierre. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Getting there

A9 motorway, exit 28 (Sierre-Ouest) if approaching from west or exit 29 (Sierre-Est) if approaching from east. Follow signs for Crans-sur-Sierre (road via Chermignon) and then «Parking Crans-Cry d'Er».

Parking

Large car park at base station of Cry d'Er gondola. Follow the local car park routeing in Crans-Montana.

Coordinates

SwissGrid

2'602'999E 1'131'466N

46.334576, 7.477596

DMS

46°20'04.5"N 7°28'39.3"E

UTM

32T 382829 5132348

w3w

///caller.revision.signs

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

The tourist office in Crans-Montana has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1287 Sierre

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

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Photos from others

Difficulty

difficult

Distance

13.4 km

Duration

4:30 h

Ascent

400 m

Descent

1,155 m

Highest point

2,347 m

Lowest point

1,499 m

Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Linear route Fauna Cableway ascent/descent

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6 Waypoints

6 Waypoints

Distance km

Duration : h

Ascent m

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