Hikes

Gibidumpass

Visperterminen

10/14°

This high trail leads along the treeline from Visperterminen to Gspon, past ancient pine forests and among a wealth of alpine flora. The 11-kilometre hike offers breathtaking views of the Vispertal valley.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

11.64 km

Duration

3:30 h

Auf dem Höhenweg Visperterminen Gspon, Blick auf das Weisshorn

Description

The high trail from Giw to Gspon forms part of the Great Walser Trail from Zermatt to the Kleinwalsertal. One thousand years ago, descendants of a Germanic people settled in the upper Valais. The Walsers were used to life in the high mountains and keen to migrate further and create new settlements in previously uninhabited mountain regions. The Great Walser Trail does not follow the migration routes of people from Valais, but instead connects the various sites linked with traditional Walser culture.

Starting point for the hike is the summit station of the chairlift from Visperterminen to Giw. A steep ascent through forest and then across open terrain leads to the Gibidum Pass. It is well worth making the detour via the Gibidumsee lake, fed by the Heido, one of the historical “Suonen” (irrigation channels) of Valais. The shallow lake (2 m) quickly warms up in summer: perfect for a refreshing dip!

All along the trail, you enjoy glorious views of the Vispertal valley as well as dramatic peaks from the Bietschhorn and Balfrin to the Weisshorn (4,506 m). The path leads mostly along the treeline but also passes through sections of the Lochwald and Riedjiwald forests. Here, in autumn, hikers often hear the belling of stags in rut. However, to actually see one of these fine creatures in the thick forest requires rather more luck.

At Sädolti, the trail starts its descent to Gspon, a car-free mountain village that has carefully preserved its original charm. Gspon is also known as home to Europe’s highest football pitch, the «Ottmar Hitzfeld Gspon Arena».

Highlights:

Village of Visperterminen, home to Europe’s highest vineyards, with many options for tasting local wines direct in the cellars
Gibidumsee lake, suitable for a dip
Easy high-altitude trail above the treeline, panoramic views

Turn-by-turn directions

The easiest way to access the starting point of the walk at Giw is to take the chairlift up from Visperterminen, but you could alternatively hike up. A steep climb then leads via Stafel to the Gibidum Pass. From here, you walk above the treeline across the alpine pastures of Sänntum and Sitestafel. After a short climb you reach Sädolti, an ideal spot for a break to enjoy the fine views. The hike finishes with the descent to the car-free village of Gspon.

You can easily extend the hike in a number of ways – for example, by following one of the many paths back to Visperterminen, or by walking from Gspon down to Stalden instead of taking the cable car. You could also follow the entire high trail as far as Saas-Grund – for which you should allow about 7 hours’ hiking time.

Start

Giw, summit station of the chairlift (1961m)

Destination

Gspon (1892m)

Download GPX

Download KML

Author's recommendation

Discover the Heida, the typical local wine of Visperterminen’s vineyards, Europe’s highest, on a tasting visit to one of the cellars.

Technical information

Altitude

2371m

1892m

Ascent

+530m

Descent

-600m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Train to Visp, then postal bus to Visperterminen. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

At the Giw chairlift, hikers can buy a round ticket that includes the chairlift up to Giw, the cable car from Gspon down to Stalden and the PostBus from Stalden back to Visperterminen.

Approach

A9 motorway and cantonal road 9 to Visp. Follow the signs for Visperterminen, taking the Terbinerstrasse road via Unterstalden and Oberstalden to Visperterminen.

At the Giw chairlift, hikers can buy a round ticket that includes the chairlift up to Giw, the cable car from Gspon down to Stalden and the PostBus from Stalden back to Visperterminen.

Parking

Parking at the base station of the Giw chairlift in Visperterminen. Follow the local parking instructions.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike