Trail running
Via Valais Turtmann Hut - Randa (Stage 7)
Turtmanntal
7/15°
Discover the most incredible leg of the Via Valais with its varied terrain, amazing views and peak at 3,610 metres, making it the highest trail in the Alps.
Difficulty
DifficultLength
19.31 kmDuration
4:50 h
Description
Leg 7 is undoubtedly the most adventurous on the Via Valais. The Turtmann hut is the start of a long ascent to the Schöllijoch, a pass that opens onto the Matter valley (Mattertal). The alpine path leading to the pass is rocky and partially equipped with cables. Follow the Brunegg glacier and below the Barrhorn before reaching the Schöllijoch, which is the most difficult passage of the entire Via Valais in technical terms. Descend with cables and metal steps and head down to the glacier below to join a rocky path. This requires the utmost caution throughout the 2,000 m long descent. Before reaching Randa, the route skirts the hillside and offers a panoramic view of the Matter valley. Finally, below the Weisshorn, the trail ends with a very steep descent to Randa.
Turn-by-turn directions
The ascent to the Schöllijoch from Turtmann hut is particularly steep and unrelenting. To reach the glacier from the pass requires climbing down a series of ladders and wire ropes. After crossing the glacier, a rocky path takes you down to Randa. Pass through Chella and continue down into the valley, crossing several bridges over the Rosszügji and other fast flowing streams. Where the trail splits to go up to Gross Kastel is where you begin a steep descent to Randa.
Turtmann Hut - Schöllijoch - Schölligletscher - Chella - Guggiberg - Rosszügji - Randa
Start
Turtmann Hut (2519m)
Destination
Randa (1409m)
Author's recommendation
While not directly on the Via Valais, the Topali Hut is a detour that’s worth the extra effort. Have a slice of cake and enjoy the view from the patio.
Technical information
Altitude
3342m
1403m
Ascent
+1186m
Descent
-2296m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Take a first gondola lift between Le Châble and Verbier, then a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes in order to get to the start of the trail.
Approach
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard/route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble. It is advisable to use public transport however as this is a multi-leg route that ends in Zermatt.
Parking
For the 1st Stage Via Valais : 240 free parking spaces are available at the Le Châble Aerial Cableway station for a maximum of 10 days.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
