recommended routeVia Valais Zinal - Turtmann Hut (Stage 6)
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/ Leave Zinal behind for two days in the heart of nature before Randa, the next village.Photo: PatitucciPhoto, AlpsInsight -
/ After the Forcletta Pass, the traverse leads deep into the Turtmann valley before a final climb leading to the Turtmann Hut.Photo: PatitucciPhoto, AlpsInsight
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/ St-LucPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, Valais
Change your "hellos" into "Tagwohls" as you cross the border between French and German-speaking Switzerland on this sixth, 19-kilometre, uphill leg.
moderate
Distance 21.9 km
5:10 h
1,783 m
933 m
2,874 m
1,671 m
After your night in Zinal, a steep path from the village provides an instant wake-up call. The itinerary follows the famous finish of the Sierre-Zinal mountain race but in the opposite direction. Climb above a larch forest to reach a pleasant, gently sloping single track that takes you to the Tsahélet farm. The path then becomes steeper as it heads for the Forcletta pass, which connects the Zinal and Turtmann valleys. This point is the start of both a change of language and rhythm. After a long ascent, it is now time to start a long descent that takes you to the Turtmannsee before a final ascent to the Turtmann hut at 2,523 m with a stone terrace overlooking the glaciers, the Bishorn, the Weisshorn and other impressive 4,000m peaks in the region.
Author’s recommendation
If you’re lucky, the hut will be serving it’s famous Black Forest Cake, a well-deserved treat after so a lot of uphill.
Author
Josianne JaggiUpdate: May 11, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Col de la Forcletta, 2,874 m
Lowest point
Zinal, 1,671 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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
En savoir plus sur la destination :
Start
Zinal (1,669 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'614'461E 1'109'370N
DD
46.135669, 7.625772
DMS
46°08'08.4"N 7°37'32.8"E
UTM
32T 393851 5110039
w3w
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Destination
Turtmann Hut
Turn-by-turn directions
Begin your trip with a steep ascent on the path that leaves from the village of Zinal. At every intersection you come across in Chiesso, Les Virons and Tsahélet respectively, make sure you choose the path heading for the Col de la Forcletta. Once on the other side, continue downhill towards Chalte Berg before reaching Lake Turtmann. To reach the Turtmann hut, follow the path that passes below the hut before the last particularly steep climb that takes you to the goal.
Zinal - Le Chiesso - Les Virons - Tsahélet - Col de la Forcletta - Chalte Berg - Turtmannsee - Turtmann Hut
Note
all notes on protected areas
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
SwissGrid
2'614'461E 1'109'370N
DD
46.135669, 7.625772
DMS
46°08'08.4"N 7°37'32.8"E
UTM
32T 393851 5110039
w3w
///undulation.fewer.useful
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Zinal will provide information regarding trail running in the region.
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
Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
21.9 km
Duration
5:10 h
Ascent
1,783 m
Descent
933 m
Highest point
2,874 m
Lowest point
1,671 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others