Hikes

Lapis de Zanfleuron

Sonnenuntergang am Sanetschpass.

Les Coteaux du Soleil

13/29°

High-altitude hike in the Sanetsch Pass area (2252 m above sea level) through an otherworldly landscape with special rock formations below the Zanfleuron Glacier. Includes a refreshment break at the Cabane de Prarochet.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

9.76 km

Duration

3:00 h
Sonnenuntergang am Sanetschpass.
Col du Sanetsch.
Blick vom Sanetschpass auf die Lapis de Tsanfleuron
Blick vom Sanetschpass auf die Lapis de Tsanfleuron

Description

The “Lapis of Zanfleuron” are a collection of rock formations below the Zanfleuron Glacier. The power of the glacier and the weather have shaped this otherworldly landscape. The upper part, until recently covered by ice, shows rounded and polished formations. Below, the rock was freed by the ice thousands of years ago. Accordingly, erosion is clearly visible and a typical karst landscape has formed over time: deep and twisted cracks as well as karst funnels (sinkholes), created by mountain folding and flowing water, shape the landscape. Between the two zones are the moraines left by the Zanfleuron Glacier until 1850. Today, the glacier lies around 2 kilometers from this unique place in Europe.

The circular hike leads around this moon landscape in a wide loop. The path begins in the hamlet of Zanfleuron heading towards the glacier, up to the hut of Prarochet (2,556 m), built by the Savièse Ski Club. From mid-June to mid-September this hut is the ideal place to stop and enjoy a refreshment. From there you can enjoy views of the ski lifts of Diablerets, the impressive rock formation “Quille du Diable,” and several 4000-meter peaks of Valais.

The path passes the northern side of the Lapis de Zanfleuron and then goes to the Sanetsch Pass.

  • Spectacular and scenic ride from the Rhone Valley to the Sanetsch Pass (by PostBus or private vehicle).
  • Les Lapis de Zanfleuron – karst landscape with sculptural rock formations.
  • Cabane de Prarochet – mountain hut near the Zanfleuron Glacier.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the hamlet of Zanfleuron, follow the yellow hiking trail signs to the Cabane de Prarochet. The second part of the path is then marked by cairns or painted on the stones. From the hut, it is easy to lose the way, so pay attention to the markings on the stones, which lead northeast to the Sanetsch Pass.

Start

Zanfleuron (2110m)

Destination

Sanetschpass (2252m)

Download GPX
Download KML

Author's recommendation

Take binoculars to observe the rare bearded vultures native here.

Technical information

Altitude

2555m

2109m

Ascent

+535m

Descent

-390m

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
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regular train connections to Sion. Then PostBus to Chandolin-près-Savièse, transfer to the PostBus to Sanetsch Pass. The PostBuses run once daily (morning outbound trip, afternoon return) and from mid-August only on weekends. Timetables for trains and PostBus can be found on sbb.ch.

Approach

Motorway A9 to Sion.

Approach from the west (Martigny): exit 25 (Conthey), then follow signs to Conthey and Sion. After 2.7 km in Pont-de-la-Morge, drive north into the Val de la Morge and follow signs to the Col de Sanetsch.

Approach from the east (Sierre): exit 26 (Sion-Ouest), then follow signs to Sion. After 800 m, turn left towards Conthey. After 2.6 km in Pont-de-la-Morge, drive into the Val de la Morge and follow signs to the Col de Sanetsch.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Sanetsch Pass.

Equipment

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

 

  • 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 – be it by bike or on foot. So that all users can benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.

  • 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 signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wild animals.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants and animals.   

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: take into account 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 sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs indicating danger at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Proper behaviour on the trail

Preparation for a hike

Additional information

Further information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Conthey provides you with informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination.

Maps

National map SwissTopo 1:25,000: 1286 St-Léonard

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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