Tour des lapiaz de Zanfleuron

Les Coteaux du Soleil
4/18°
High-altitude hike from the Col du Sanetsch (2,252 m) across an other-worldly landscape of sculpted rock formations below the Tsanfleuron Glacier. Refreshment stop at the Cabane de Prarochet.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
9.76 kmDuration
3:00 hDescription
The "Tsanfleuron Lapis" is an impressive rocky area sculpted by the forces of nature, which lies below the Tsanfleuron glacier. On the upper part, until recently covered with ice, the rock is smooth and rounded, polished by the glacier. Below, the rocks released from the ice thousands of years ago provide an eroded and cracked karst landscape over time and with the flow of water. Between the two areas are the moraines that the Tsanfleuron glacier left until 1850. Today, the glacier is about 2 km from this incomparable place in Europe.
The hike makes a wide loop around this lunar landscape. The path begins in the hamlet of Tsanfleuron in the direction of the glacier, until the hut of Prarochet (2'556 m), built by the ski club of Savièse. From mid-June to mid-September, this hut is the ideal place to stop and have a refreshment. From there, you can enjoy the view of the Diablerets ski lifts, the impressive "Quille du Diable" rock formation and several 4,000 meters peaks from Valais. The path then leads along the northern side of Tsanfleuron's lapis to the Sanetsch Pass.
Highlights:
- Spectacular drive up (by car or postal bus) from the Rhône valley
- Les Lapis de Tsanfleuron – karst landscape of sculpted limestone
- Cabane de Prarochet – welcoming mountain refuge near the foot of the glacier
Turn-by-turn directions
From the hamlet of Tsanfleuron, follow the yellow hiking trail signs pointing to the Cabane de Prarochet. The second part of the path is then indicated by cairns or painted on the stones. From the Prarochet hut, it is easy to lose the way, so be careful of the markings on the stones to continue northeast towards the Sanetsch Pass.
Start
Tsanfleuron (2110m)
Destination
Col du Sanetsch (2252m)
Author's recommendation
Bring binoculars for a chance to observe the rare bearded vulture.
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
Public transport
Approach
Driving from the west: exit junction 25 (Conthey), follow signs for Conthey and then Sion. After 2.7 km from motorway exit, at Pont-de-la-Morge, turn north up the valley of La Morge, following signs for “Col du Sanetsch”.
Driving from the east: exit junction 26 (Sion-Ouest), follow signs for Sion. After 800 m, turn left, following signs to Conthey. Follow this road for 2.6 km; at Pont-de-la-Morge, turn north up the valley of La Morge, following signs for “Col du Sanetsch”.
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion