recommended routeFrom Col de la Forclaz to Col de Balme
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/ The trail slopes gently offering a view of the French Alps.Photo: PatitucciPhoto, Alpsinsight -
/ This trail offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the famous Mont-Blanc range.Photo: PatitucciPhoto, Alpsinsight
This route passes through an inaccessible area and is therefore closed.Current information
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your 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 trails:
- Use marked trails only and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.
For mountain trails:
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Tips and hints
More information about the destination:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the Col de la Forclaz, follow the Trient-Combe bisse for 500 m/ .3 mi before embarking on the first descent towards Le Peuty. After this point, signs indicate the ascent to Les Tseppes through the forest. At the end of your ascent, continue towards the Croix de Fer, which is the highest point of the trail. Once here, stop to take a look at the surrounding landscape, then retrace your steps and continue to the Col de Balme and its refuge, close to the French-Swiss border. A long traverse then takes you to the Chalet des Grands, followed by a steep descent to the Glacier du Trient snack bar. From there, follow a wide, flat path along the Trient-Combe bisse back to your starting point at the Col de la Forclaz.
Col de la Forclaz - Bisse Trient-Combe - Le Peuty - Les Tseppes - Croix de Fer - Col de Balme - Refuge du Col de Balme - Chalet des Grands - Buvette du Glacier du Trient - Bisse Trient-Combe - Col de la Forclaz
Note
Public transport
Take the train from anywhere in Switzerland to Martigny, followed by the bus from Martigny to Col de la Forclaz.Getting there
Take the A9 highway to Martigny, then continue on the Route de la Forclaz toward Trient.Parking
Free parking is available at the Col de la Forclaz.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
- Hat or peak cap
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hiking poles
Questions and answers
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Photos from others