Trail running

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Activities

Trail St-Luc/Chandolin

Run along a 16.8 km loop that partly follows the course of the iconic Sierre-Zinal race, in sight of the “Imperial Crown” of 4,000-metre peaks.

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The official starting point of this trail is in the village of St-Luc, but you can also choose to begin at Chandolin, Tignousa or Le Tsapé – which can be reached by public transport, funicular or chairlift respectively. As you follow this loop, with a vertical ascent of 1,081 metres, you will be following part of the course of the iconic Sierre-Zinal trail running race, which attracts more than 5,000 participants of all levels every year in August. The route leads through villages and forests and across alpine pastures, in sight of the valley’s famous “Imperial Crown” of 4,000-metre peaks; it also takes in the fascinating Planets Trail. Up at the Pas de l’Illsee, where the French- and German-speaking regions of Valais meet, follow the trail of the Chenegouga, legendary creatures of the Val d’Anniviers that produce a hell of a din!

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Turn-by-turn directions

Starting in St-Luc, follow a path that leads from the church towards Chandolin. The itinerary begins with a relatively steep climb above the village of St-Luc. Run for about five kilometres through a forest of larch and Swiss stone pine trees, typical of the Val d’Anniviers, until you reach Chandolin, one of Europe’s highest villages inhabited year-round. Continue your route across the Chandolin pastures to reach a col, the Pas de l’Illsee, and then traverse the mountainside to Le Tsapé. Then head up to another col, the Illpass, before turning off to the south to run along a wide track that offers a panoramic view of the Rhône valley; this takes you all the way to Tignousa. From here, follow the Planets Trail for several kilometres as far as the Hôtel Weisshorn, before tackling the final descent back to St-Luc via Les Girettes.

Start: St-Luc (1979 m)
Destination: St-Luc (1979 m)

Author's recommendation

Explore the solar system along the Planets Trail between Tignousa and the Hôtel Weisshorn, and visit the François-Xavier Bagnoud astronomical observatory.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2544 m 1654 m

  • Ascent

    1081 m

  • Descent

    1081 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Circular route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent

Public transport

Take a train to Sierre, then continue by PostBus to St-Luc.

Approach

Take the A9 motorway to junction 29 (“Sierre-Est”), then head up the Val d’Anniviers, following signs for St-Luc.

Parking

Parking is free in summer in the Val d'Anniviers. Park in the car park at the base station of the St-Luc funicular.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or peak cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking poles

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.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in St-Luc can provide information on trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000: 1307 Vissoie