Trail running

From Simplon to Spitzhorli and Alten Spittel

Simplon Trail

Simplon-Simplonpass

From the famous Simplon Pass, you climb a rocky summit and cross a hilly slope before reaching the old hospice “Spittel” on an intense and varied circular route.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

20.19 km

Duration

4:33 h

Description

The Simplon Pass is an important route through the Alps connecting Switzerland and Italy between Brig and Domodossola. This circular trail run starts at Simplon Pass, this time for a less frequented adventure. You start at the height of the Simplonblick Hotel (2005 m) and ascend steeply to the Spitzhorli summit (2736 m), from where you have a view of the Bietschhorn, Lagginhorn, Weissmies, Monte Leone, and the Mischabel massif, a panorama accompanying you throughout the trail. Continue to Straffolsee and then towards Gspon, where you turn off at Sirwoltesattel. After descending, the circular route leads past waterfalls along the Stockalperweg, a well-preserved mule track from the 17th century. This leads you to Alten Spittel, the former hospice from 1650, and continues through meadows back to Simplon Pass.

Turn-by-turn directions

The path starts next to the Monte Leone restaurant on the Simplon Pass and ascends through Beschmoos to the Üsseri-Nanzlicke Pass. You reach the summit of Spitzhorli by walking a few more meters. Then return to Üsseri Nanzlicke and descend to Straffolsee. Climb again to Sirwoltesattel, where a steep and partly rocky slope leads to the few stone houses in the village of Chluismatte. Then you walk along Chrummbach to Nideralp. Follow the signs to Stockalperweg and cross the Alten Spittel before returning to the starting point.

Simplon, Monte Leone - Beschmoos - Üsseri Nanzlicke - Spitzhorli - Üsseri Nanzlicke - Straffolsee - Sirwoltesattel - Chluismatte - Nideralp - Alten Spittel - Simplon, Monte Leone

Start

Simplon, Monte Leone (1988m)

Destination

Simplon, Monte Leone (1985m)

Author's recommendation

The Bietschhorn lies directly behind you for most of the route. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the view.

Technical information

Altitude

2725m

1799m

Ascent

+1178m

Descent

-1180m

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
  • Round trip
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Brig and from Brig the bus to Simplon, where you get off at the Monte Leone stop.

Approach

Follow the A9/E62 towards Domodossola/Simplon

Parking

Free parking spaces are available at Simplon, Monte Leone.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

Safety information

Use of trail paths and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions 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 trails and follow all signs and instructions - for your own safety, the protection of grazing animals, and respecting wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain trails:

  • Bring additional sun protection. UV rays can be very strong at high altitudes, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully, considering the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
  • 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’s better to turn back early.
  • Inform your family about your trail route. Avoid going alone if possible.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers near riverbanks, watercourses below dams and reservoirs: Water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Simplon

Literature

The tourism office in Brig provides information about trail running in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 1:50,000: Visp 274T

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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