Snowshoeing

Chandolin : Parcours de l'Alpage de Chandolin n°1

Chandolin

N°1 : This hike accessible to all, is a real source of relaxation by nature, because of its itinerary winding mainly through the forest and the alpine pasture of Chandolin.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

4.69 km

Duration

1:50 h

Description

This loop immerses you in the forest located on the heights of Chandolin. Start by walking up alongside the ski slope, before reaching the forest. This gentle path leads you to Pramarin through a peaceful landscape.

The path zigzags up betwen several chalets and join a path on the right, leading to the Illhorn ski run. From here you can enjoy a stunning view on the mountains of the valley. You can see downhill the Illhorn Hut. Don't hesitate to make a well-deserved stop here and have a drink on its panoramic terrace. Then go on by following the ski run and reach the Chandolin’s alpine pasture. The hike continues on a forest road until the ski run that leads you back to the village.

Turn-by-turn directions

Walk back from the bus stop to the Tourist Office. Then, follow the road starting on the right and reach the Illhorn ski run. After a steep climb, turn left onto the famous Sierre-Zinal path, leading you to Pramarin, through a peaceful forest.

After a short ascent through the meadows, follow the upper path heading to the right. Cross the ski slope and walk alongside the ski run down to the Illhorn Hut for a well-deserved break. Go up alongside the ski run heading towards St-Luc, until you reach the alpine pasture of Chandolin. Then walk down to Chandolin by following first the forest road, then the ski run down to the village.

Start

Office du Tourisme de Chandolin (1975m)

Destination

Office du Tourisme de Chandolin (1975m)

Author's recommendation

Take a well-deserved break on the beautiful terrace of the Illhorn Hut. The view on the valley and its several 4000-meter peaks is magnificent.

Technical information

Altitude

2174m

1976m

Ascent

+198m

Descent

-198m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Forest roads
  • Forest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

You can easily reach Chandolin from Sierre by Postbus. The itinerary starts at the last stop, at the bus stop "La poste".

Approach

Take the motorway A9 towards Sierre, exit Sierre-Est, direction Val d'Anniviers. In Vissoie, follow the sign "St-Luc/Chandolin".

Parking

Many parking places are available in the village centre.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  •  Good, waterproof footwear

  • Snowshoes

  • hiking poles

  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket

  • hat or cap

  • sunscreen

  • bottle for water, picnic

  • camera

  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Use of the snowshoe trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ 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.

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

Literature

The Chandolin tourist office offers map and information on hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopoMaps 1:50000 : 273S Montana

Source

This activity is brought to you by Val d'Anniviers. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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