recommended route
Snowshoeing trail in Val d'Arolla
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Snowshoe hikers at the river below Lac BleuPhoto: CC BY-ND, Val d'Hérens Tourisme
The Lac Bleu is a tranquil mountain lake named after its piercing blue summer colour. In winter, the frozen lake wears a sparkling white mantle of snow. Framed by dramatic pinnacles, the Lac Bleu promises a delightful snowshoe walk in unspoilt nature, with breathtaking mountain views.
The lake lies on a plateau above the Val d’Arolla, which is named after the tree that dominates the valley’s forests: the Arolla pine, also known as the Swiss stone pine (pinus cembra). The tree’s aromatic wood is said to help sleep: beds are made from the timber, and pillows stuffed with its shavings.
The snowshoe walk begins at La Gouille, on the valley floor, and traces an anticlockwise loop across the western slopes. The trail initially leads through fragrant forests up to the lake plateau before dropping down to the hamlet of Satarma and briefly crossing to the eastern side of the valley on the way back to La Gouille. The walk can be shortened by taking a direct return route that bypasses Satarma.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety 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.
- 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.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
- 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.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.
Tips and hints
More information about the destination:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Starting at the hamlet of La Gouille, the trail leads straight up to the neighbouring hamlet of Ouartsé before turning south to climb through forest towards the Lac Bleu plateau (2,092 m). The trail then leads back down through forest to the hamlet of Satarma where it crosses the valley’s main river, La Borgne d’Arolla. The route leads along the valley’s eastern side for about 500 metres before recrossing the river and climbing the other side of the valley back up to La Gouille.
The full trail is about 2.8 km long, of medium difficulty. A short cut reduces the overall distance by about 500 metres, bypassing Satarma to lead along the valley’s western slopes back to La Gouille.
Note
Public transport
Train to Sion. Take postal bus to Les Haudères, and change on to another postal bus for La Gouille (final destination: Arolla). Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.Getting there
A9 motorway, exit 27 (Sion-Est), follow signs for Evolène / Les Haudères / Arolla. La Gouille is about 8km from Les Haudères on the road to Arolla.Parking
Parking in La Gouille.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear & snowshoes
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water, picnic
- camera
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)
Avalanche conditions
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