Trail running

Via Valais Verbier-Zermatt

Dritte Etappe durch das Val d'Hérens

Verbier

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From Verbier to Zermatt, this route with nine stages and a length of 308 kilometers offers sports enthusiasts 14,000 meters of altitude in the midst of a grand setting full of incredible panoramas.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

308.24 km

Duration

69:15 h

Description

From Verbier to Zermatt, the route goes between rocky passes and lush green valleys, through larch forests and juniper bushes, over long distances, and along bluish glaciers. On your route through the valleys, observe the changes in landscape, language, cuisine, and culture. This trail running route does not follow the direct line between start and finish but bypasses slopes and chooses the most beautiful and practical paths through Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Each stage ends in a charming mountain village or mountain hut if the route continues at higher altitudes.

Turn-by-turn directions

The route starts above Verbier and leads in nine stages of 20 to 30 kilometers each to Zermatt. The Via Valais runs at altitude, in the heart of the mountains, on marked hiking trails. You hike between passes, peaks, and huts. The route also allows a bit of asphalt, as it crosses some mountain villages worth visiting. After leaving Verbier, the villages of Evolène, Zinal, and Randa are the next towns directly on the route before you reach Zermatt.

Verbier - Cabane d'Essertze - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges - Cabane des Becs de Bosson - Cabane de Moiry - Zinal - Turtmann Hut - Randa - Mountain Lodge Ze Seewijnu - Zermatt

Start

Les Ruinettes (Verbier) (2191m)

Destination

Zermatt (2161m)

Author's recommendation

Carry only the essentials with you. The hut system and crossing various villages allow you to replenish your supplies.

Technical information

Altitude

3346m

688m

Ascent

+18498m

Descent

-18537m

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
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Access to the start of the trail is provided by a first cable car between Le Châble and Verbier and a second one that runs from Verbier to Les Ruinettes.

After completing the ninth stage of the Via Valais, regular trains run from Zermatt to all over Switzerland.

Approach

Take the A9/E62 highway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard Route/Route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble. Nevertheless, it is advisable to use public transport as it is a multi-stage run that ends in Zermatt.

Parking

A free car park with 240 spaces is available at the Le Châble cable car for a maximum of ten days.

Equipment

We recommend:

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

Safety information

Use of the trails 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 trail paths and heed all signs 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: 

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

Additional information

Additional information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism office in Verbier provides you with information about trail running in the destination.

Maps

SwissTopo national 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

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais