recommended routeVia Valais Cabane d’Essertze - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges (Stage 2)
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/ Cross lunar landscapes and walk along the snowy summits.Photo: Patitucci Photo, Alps Insight -
/ The path starts through the shrubs above the Val d'Hérémence.Photo: Patitucci Photo, Alps Insight
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/ The Mandelon AlpPhoto: Luca Dughetti, Valais Wallis Promotion
Author’s recommendation
Follow these tips should you encounter guard dogs protecting their herds: http://www.protectiondestroupeaux.ch
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 Essertze hut, the path takes you over the Grande Dixence dam and continues for seven kilometres along a flat stretch of Lake Dix. The route becomes significantly steeper on the path leading to the Pas de Chèvre. Follow the markers and cairns used as markers to help runners find their way through the rocks of the former Cheilon glacier. There are several ladders and stairs for crossing the Pas de Chèvres. On the other side of the pass, the Val d'Hérens opens up over Arolla with magnificent paths leading you through the Pra Gra mountain pasture to the Aiguilles Rouges hut.
Cabane d'Essertze - Lac de Dix - Pas de Chèvres - Pra Gra - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges
Note
Public transport
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Take a first gondola lift between Le Châble and Verbier, then a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes in order to get to the start of the trail.Getting there
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard/route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble.
It is advisable to use public transport however as this is a multi-leg route that ends in Zermatt.
Parking
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : 240 free parking spaces are available at the Le Châble Aerial Cableway station for a maximum of 10 days.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps:
1:50’000 : 5003 Mont Blanc – Grand Combin
1:50’000 : 5006 Matterhorn – Mischabel
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