Tour des lapiaz de Zanfleuron

Les Coteaux du Soleil
6/11°
High-altitude hike in the Sanetsch Pass area (2252 m above sea level) through an otherworldly landscape with special rock formations below the Tsanfleuron Glacier. Includes a refreshment break at the Cabane de Prarochet.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
9.76 kmDuration
3:00 hDescription
The “Lapis of Tsanfleuron” are a collection of rock formations below the Tsanfleuron 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 Tsanfleuron 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 Tsanfleuron 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 Tsanfleuron and then goes to the Sanetsch Pass.
Hiking highlights:
- Spectacular and scenic ride from the Rhone Valley to the Sanetsch Pass (by PostBus or private vehicle).
- Les Lapis de Tsanfleuron – karst landscape with sculptural rock formations.
- Cabane de Prarochet – mountain hut near the Tsanfleuron Glacier.
Turn-by-turn directions
From the hamlet of Tsanfleuron, 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)
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
Public transport
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
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion






