Tour of the Val d’Anniviers: Grimentz – Vercorin (stage 4)
Grimentz
-8/-2°
Panoramic trail on the western slopes overlooking the Val d’Anniviers, linking two of the valley’s most delightful villages: picturesque Grimentz and arty Vercorin.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
12.93 kmDuration
4:30 h
Description
The diversity of the Val d'Anniviers is highlighted by two villages and the high mountain path that links them. Overlooked by the highest peaks in the Valais, Grimentz stands out with its wooden houses festooned with flowers. Vercorin, on the other hand, lies on a sunny plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley.
The panorama trail between the two towns runs along the western slopes of the Val d'Anniviers. Apart from a steep climb at the start and the descent to the finish, it follows a high-altitude route, from which spectacular views can be enjoyed. While Grimentz has trails devoted to everything from geraniums to local legends, Vercorin has a handful of art galleries and museums, including one dedicated to the painter Édouard Vallet, who lived in the village for many years. Events are held here every year, including R&Art (contemporary art installations) and Vercojazz.
Turn-by-turn directions
The full route links the two resorts, beginning with a steep climb and finishing with a long descent. Shorter alternatives are possible by making use of the gondolas at either end of the hike.
For the full hike, start at the gondola station in Grimentz. The trail initially follows the route of the gondola, but about half-way up begins zig-zagging away to the right and eventually joins a track that leads northwards to the alpine pastures.
A long traverse of the high mountainsides leads to the pastures of Orzival (2,100 m) and then Tracuit (1,898 m). The path continues to Sigeroulaz – the middle station of the gondola from Vercorin to Crêt du Midi – before dropping steeply down to Vercorin itself.
For an easier start to the hike, take the gondola from Grimentz to Bendolla, and traverse the high slopes to join the route near Chiesso Blanc. To skip the final steep descent, take the gondola from Sigeroulaz down to Vercorin.
Start
Grimentz (1588m)
Destination
Vercorin (1313m)
Author's recommendation
The Anniviers Liberté/Freedom pass ensures a 50% reduction on the funicular railway, while travel by PostBus and certain activities are free.
Technical information
Altitude
2139m
1313m
Ascent
+585m
Descent
-860m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
