Trail running

Via Valais Cabane d’Essertze - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges (Stage 2)

Durchqueren Sie Mondlandschaften und laufen Sie entlang von schneebedeckten Gipfeln.

Hérémence

-4/4°

The second stage of the Via Valais is 30 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 1783 meters. The route takes you from hut to hut amidst a unique alpine landscape.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

31.25 km

Duration

6:25 h
Durchqueren Sie Mondlandschaften und laufen Sie entlang von schneebedeckten Gipfeln.
Der Weg beginnt durch die Sträucher oberhalb des Val d'Hérémence.
Die Alp Mandelon

Description

Start the second stage by crossing the meadows above Hérémence to quickly reach the Grande Dixence, the highest gravity dam in the world. The path along Lac des Dix is quite wide and relatively flat. However, the ease of the first kilometers is soon interrupted by rugged terrain and a very steep ascent to Pas de Chèvres. Indeed, the path leading to the pass goes through glacial moraines, scree slopes, and numerous rocks, notably beneath the Mont Blanc de Cheilon. To ease the transition between the valleys, the Pas de Chèvres is equipped with a series of ladders and stairs. Once you have crossed the pass, take advantage of the stage's unique descent to increase your pace and admire the magnificent view of the valley below. A final ascent brings you to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges at 2810 m, where delicious homemade cakes are offered.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the Cabane d’Essertze, the path leads over the Grande Dixence dam and continues for seven kilometers along the flat section beside Lac de Dix. On the way to Pas de Chèvre, the route becomes significantly steeper. Follow the markings and cairns that help runners find their way through the rocks of the former Glacier de Cheilon. There are several ladders and stairs to cross the Pas de Chèvres. On the other side of the pass, the Val d'Hérens opens up towards Arolla, and beautiful paths lead you over the Alp Pra Gra to the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges.

Cabane d'Essertze - Lac de Dix - Pas de Chèvres - Pra Gra - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges

Start

Cabane d’Essertze (2197m)

Destination

Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges (2831m)

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Author's recommendation

If you encounter livestock guardian dogs on your way, follow these tips: http://www.protectiondestroupeaux.ch/

Technical information

Altitude

2859m

2135m

Ascent

+1547m

Descent

-904m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

For the 1st stage Via Valais: Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Access to the beginning of the path is provided by a first cable car between Le Châble and Verbier and a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes.

Approach

For the 1st stage Via Valais: Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard Route/Route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble.

However, it is advisable to use public transport as this is a multi-stage run ending in Zermatt.

Parking

For the 1st stage Via Valais: At the Le Châble cable car, a free parking lot with 240 spaces is available for a maximum of ten days.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

Safety information

Use of the 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 respect all signs and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and in respect of wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Be considerate to other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain trails:

  • Bring additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: consider the fitness level required for all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal factors.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Proper 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 being alone if possible.
  • Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, near watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Evolène provides you with information about trail running in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 

1:50’000 : 5003 Mont Blanc – Grand Combin 

1:50’000 : 5006 Matterhorn – Mischabel

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

Other itineraries

8.64 km 3:20 h Intermediate
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Hérémence

Die Staumauer Grande Dixence
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