Hikes

Chemin d'Ossona

Die Fußgängerbrücke von Ossona

Vernamiège

The path from Les Prixes to La Luette takes you into the unspoiled nature of the municipality of Saint-Martin and further to the hamlet of Ossona with its famous suspension bridge.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7.72 km

Duration

2:30 h

Description

The Ossona plateau is the jewel of the municipality of Saint-Martin. To breathe new life into this place, which had been abandoned for several decades, it was completely restored. The path from Les Prixes to La Luette takes you through the agrotouristic hamlet of Ossona and then across the suspension bridge of the same name. The hamlet is located in the midst of a network of hiking trails and today offers numerous leisure activities. Archery, observation of wild flora and fauna, interaction with farm animals, themed hikes, climbing routes – there are countless opportunities for outdoor fun! Thanks to several holiday homes with all comforts, you can also extend your stay in this enchanting landscape.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Les Prixes below the village of Vernamiège, follow a path through forests and meadows first towards La Marguéronne and then Le Grand Sevanne before reaching the agrotouristic hamlet of Ossona. After crossing the Ossona suspension bridge, the route leads you along the western slope of the Borgne to a chain-secured path, which takes you to a small waterfall. Crossing the bridge at La Luette, you finally arrive at the village on the other side of the slope, located at nearly 1000 meters elevation.

Start

Les Prixes (Vernamiège) (1167m)

Destination

La Luette (996m)

Author's recommendation

Take a break at the Ossona hostel (open from mid-April to the end of October) and enjoy the delicious agricultural products.

Technical information

Altitude

1168m

923m

Ascent

+335m

Descent

-505m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Geological highlights
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take the Simplon line to Sion station and then transfer to a post bus towards Vernamiège.

Approach

Take highway A9 towards Sion, exit 27 (Sion-East), then drive through the village of Bramois, continue towards Nax and finally reach Vernamiège.

Parking

Large parking lot on Route Bellevue northwest of the village of Vernamiège.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sun protection
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their recreational activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signs and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals. 

For mountain hikes:  

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even on cloudy days.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal factors.
  • The weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early. 

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid hiking alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signals indicating dangers along riverbanks, watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Proper conduct on the trail

Preparation for a hike

Additional information

View this route on SchweizMobil: 

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Nax provides you with hiking brochures for the region.

Maps

Swisstopo topographic maps 1:25,000: 1306 Sion

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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