Trail running

Through the “Rocs”

Blick auf den Pigne d'Arolla beim Wildbach Torres des Maures

Evolène

Discover the hamlets of La Sage, La Forclaz and Les Haudères with this route leading through a variety of terrain, ideal for an all-round training session.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

10.51 km

Duration

2:02 h

Description

This loop offers a chance to discover the authentic villages of the Evolène region. Three distinct sections feature a variety of landscapes and levels of difficulty. The first stretch consists of a fairly steep climb of about 400 vertical metres. This is followed by a shallower but exhilarating descent across the mountainsides, with a final leg along the river of La Borgne.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the car park, follow the road as far as Evolène’s Coop supermarket, and then continue for about 200 metres in the direction of Les Haudères. Turn left through the hamlet of La Fauchère to tackle an ascent of 400 vertical metres, which will take you to just below Villa. Follow a lane across the mountainside, crossing over mountain streams along the way, to reach the village of La Sage. The view from the chapel here of the Dent-Blanche and the Dents de Veisivi is magnificent. Head down through the forest to Les Haudères, and then return to your starting point by following the course of La Borgne, the main river of the Val d’Hérens.

Start

Parking de la colonie la Niva (1348m)

Destination

Parking de la colonie la Niva (1348m)

Author's recommendation

Let yourself be inspired by the 15 poems and watercolours by the local artist and poet Francine Carrillo, on display along the “Contemplative Path” between Villa and La Sage.

Technical information

Altitude

1729m

1342m

Ascent

+426m

Descent

-427m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take a train to Sion, and then a PostBus to Evolène; dismount at the bus stop by the Coop supermarket. Set off on foot towards Les Haudères, and follow the signs for trail no. 3.

Approach

A9 motorway to exit 27, “Sion-Est”. Follow signs for Evolène and continue to the car park of the La Niva holiday centre.

Parking

Car park at the La Niva holiday centre.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or peak cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking poles

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 For all trails:

  • Use marked trails only, and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.

For mountain trails:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.

Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Evolène can provide information on trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25,000: 1327 Evolène

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion