Trail running

From Col de la Forclaz to Col de Balme

Der Weg ist leicht abfallend und bietet einen Blick auf die französischen Alpen.

Trient

1/6°

Closed

This circular trail leads you on ideal paths to Col de Balme, just a stone’s throw from the French-Swiss border, which runs at the famous pass.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

20.26 km

Duration

4:40 h
Der Weg ist leicht abfallend und bietet einen Blick auf die französischen Alpen.
Dieser Trail bietet einen atemberaubenden Blick auf das berühmte Mont-Blanc-Massiv.

Description

You start this wonderful singletrail with the impressive panorama from Trient to Chamonix at Col de la Forclaz. After half a kilometer of jogging, the path leads through the forest along the Suone down to the river Trient. Follow the white signs towards Les Tseppes and begin the ascent. A steep path leads you through the dense forest, which gradually flattens so you can speed up your pace. A short loop takes you to Croix de Fer, the highest point of the trail, where the path becomes rockier and slightly exposed. Once you reach the summit, take time to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. Then follow the path to Col de Balme. Just a few steps from the French border, the route winds between blueberry bushes and offers a unique view of the Trient Glacier. After a short descent, you will return to the Suone Trient, along which the return runs flat.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Col de la Forclaz, follow the Suone Trient-Combe for half a kilometer before descending towards Le Peuty. From there, signposts indicate the ascent through the forest to Les Tseppes. At the end of the ascent, continue to the Croix de Fer, the highest point of the singletrail. Once you have reached it, take a short break to enjoy the landscape around you. Now begin the return journey. Walk to Col de Balme and its mountain hut, near the French-Swiss border. A longer section then leads you to Chalet des Grands, before you reach the Buvette Glacier du Trient after a steep descent. From there, follow the Suone Trient-Combe along a wide, flat path that returns you to your starting point at Col de la Forclaz.

Col de la Forclaz - Suone Trient-Combe - Le Peuty - Les Tseppes - Croix de Fer – Col de Balme – mountain hut Col de Balme - Chalet des Grands – Buvette Glacier du Trient - Suone Trient-Combe – Col de la Forclaz

Start

Col de la Forclaz (1526m)

Destination

Col de la Forclaz (1526m)

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Author's recommendation

The start of the circular trail at Col de la Forclaz is also the ideal place to enjoy a delicious ice cream after running.

Technical information

Altitude

2342m

1302m

Ascent

+1283m

Descent

-1284m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Martigny and change to a bus to Col de la Forclaz.

Approach

Take the A9 motorway to Martigny, then continue on Route de la Forclaz towards Trient.

Parking

Free parking is available at Col de la Forclaz.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good running shoes
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Head covering
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Trail poles

Safety information

Use of the trail paths and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

For all trails:

  • Use only marked trail paths and obey all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain trails:

  • Take extra sunscreen. UV rays at altitude can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: consider 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 provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.
  • Inform your family about your trail route. Avoid going alone if possible.
  • Observe warning signals indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise rapidly and without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism office in Trient provides information on trail running in the destination.

Maps

Topographic maps SwissTopo: 1:25,000: 1324 Barberine/1344 Col de Balme

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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