Hikes

From Cabane Brunet to Cabane FXB Panossière

Wanderer vor der Cabane Panossière, die den Grand Combin bewundern

Bruson

-8/-5°

High alpine hike to a mountain hut beside the Corbassière Glacier at the foot of the Combin massif. Highlight: crossing the 190-meter-long suspension bridge.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7 km

Duration

3:00 h
Wanderer vor der Cabane Panossière, die den Grand Combin bewundern
Wanderer auf der Hängebrücke von Corbassière mit dem Grand Combin im Hintergrund
Cabane Panossière mit dem Grand Combin im Hintergrund
Cabane Brunet
Wanderer zwischen Brunet und Panossière
Wanderin, die den Grand Combin von der Cabane Panossière aus bewundert
Glacier de Corbassière

Description

This panoramic hike passes the mountain hut located on the lateral moraine of the Corbassière Glacier. The glacier is the fifth longest in Switzerland. Cabane FXB Panossière offers a unique view of the glacier with towering mountain peaks behind it. The Grand Combin massif, the second highest peak in western Switzerland (4,314 m), dominates the landscape.

The path starts at Cabane de Brunet near the tree line, before winding upward with beautiful views. After a short suspension bridge, the route becomes steeper at Becca de Sery. The surroundings become more alpine and wild, dominated by massive boulders and icy sections.

Suddenly the Corbassière Glacier appears – at this point begins the impressive pedestrian bridge, the Passerelle de Corbassière. Built in 2014, the bridge spans 190 meters. Those who are afraid of heights can circumvent the bridge via an alternative path lower down in the valley.

At the bridge, there are explanations from the Swiss engineer Toni Rüttimann, who has spent his life building suspension bridges in developing countries. To date, "Toni el Suizo" ("Toni the Swiss") has built more than 650 bridges in Asia and Latin America. Remote villages were connected and access improved. More than 2 million people have benefited from this commitment. The first company to sponsor a steel cable for the Passerelle de Corbassière was Téléverbier, the cable car company in Verbier.

After the bridge, the path continues alongside the glacier's lateral moraine to Cabane FXB Panossière.

Highlights

  • Mountain huts at the start and end of the hike
  • Dizzying suspension bridge, 190 meters long and 70 meters above the ground
  • Spectacular views of the Corbassière Glacier and the Combin massif

Turn-by-turn directions

At Cabane Brunet (2,103 m above sea level), follow the signs to Cabane FXB Panossière including crossing the short suspension bridge over Dyure de Sery before reaching the side of Becca de Sery. To avoid the suspension bridge, follow the path that crosses the valley lower down: the path goes down to the left to the river and then climbs back up on the other side to the hiking trail to Cabane de Panossière (2,641 m above sea level).

From here, you can choose to either walk back to Cabane Brunet (same route, about 2h10) or cross over the Col de Avoillons (2,649 m). Then descend to the village of Fionnay on the valley floor. This hike can also be done over two days (Le Châble – Cabane Brunet – Cabane FXB Panossière – Fionnay).

NB Cabane Brunet is open from June to early October, Cabane FXB Panossière is open from late June to late September.

Start

Mountain hut Cabane Brunet (2101m)

Destination

Mountain hut Cabane FXB Panossière (2630m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Be sure to take a break at both mountain huts and try the homemade fruit cakes.

Technical information

Altitude

2630m

2076m

Ascent

+608m

Descent

-80m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Train from Martigny, change to the regional train to Le Châble. On foot or by taxi to Cabane Brunet. Return: from Fionnay the bus can be taken back to Châble. Free bus and train travel for guests with an overnight stay in Val de Bagnes with the Verbier Infinite Playground Pass (VIP Pass). Detailed train and post bus timetables can be found at sbb.ch. 

Approach

A9 motorway to exit 22 (GD St-Bernard). Follow signs to Verbier and Le Châble, at the village entrance cross the bridge to the right and then continue to Mauvoisin. After the village of Lourtier, look out for the signposted road that turns right and continue towards Cabane Brunet.

Parking

There is free parking near Cabane Brunet.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Hiking 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 – whether by bike or on foot. For everyone to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows all to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own skills and fitness well. Using the various routes is always 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 follow all signposts and instructions – for your safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate of other trail users, plants, and animals.  

For mountain hikes:

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

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid being alone if possible.
  • Do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signals indicating dangers at riverbanks, along waterways below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Proper conduct on the trail

Preparing for a hike

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Verbier/Val de Bagnes provides you with informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination. 

Maps

SwissTopo national map 1:25,000: 1346 Chanrion

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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