Snowshoeing

Jorasse

Ovronnaz-Jorasse

Ovronnaz

This pleasant and rather challenging itinerary through the forest and alpine pastures takes you from Ovronnaz to Jorasse, and offers lovely views of the village and its surrounding mountains.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

4.03 km

Duration

2:00 h

Description

Starting from the village of Ovronnaz, take the road to the chairlift, then continue to the cantonal sports centre. The path that is marked for snowshoers leads you to the foot of the Muverans. The challenge swiftly becomes apparent as you climb up through a thick forest until the Odonne mountain pasture, overshadowed by the Seya. The slope then becomes steadier, gradually revealing mountains such as Pointe de Chemo, Six Armaille, Pointe d'Aufalle and, naturally, Muverans. The trail often cuts across the ski slopes, so caution is required. The ascent continues, with alternating flat sections and hairpin bends, until you reach the Bougnonne mountain pasture, which during the summer welcomes approximately 100 cows. Just one more push and you’ll reach the lower slopes of the ski area, where the Jorasse restaurant and its panoramic terrace will provide a refreshing break and a magnificent view of the Valais Alps.

Turn-by-turn directions

The itinerary starts just beyond the departure of the chairlift at the cantonal sports centre and climbs through the forest up to the Odonne meadows. The panorama gradually appears as you climb. The elevation rises gradually, with alternate flat and steeper stretches, until you reach the mountain pasture of Bougnonne and then Jorasse.

Use caution, as skiers occasionally ski along sections of the itinerary. The route also cuts across several avalanche chutes. It can take a few hours or several days to secure this trail and grooming is not always guaranteed. As a result, it may be closed due to the risk of avalanche. It is crucial to obtain information from the ski lift operators before heading out on this trail.

Start

Parking of the chairlift (1381m)

Destination

Parking of the chairlift (1939m)

Author's recommendation

The trail intersects the Ovronnaz ski slopes several times and skirts the ski slopes for about 800 metres. You also have the option of using the Jorasse chairlift to ascend or descend.

Technical information

Altitude

1939m

1381m

Ascent

+558m

Descent

-0m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Regional train from Sion or Martigny to Riddes. From Riddes station, take the postal bus to Ovronnaz to the "Ovronnaz, Croisée du centre" stop. From there, it takes about ten minutes on foot to reach the sports centre car park. All information about train and bus timetables can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

Exit the A9 motorway at exit n° 24 "Riddes-Leytron-Chamoson" and follow signs to Leytron and then Ovronnaz.

Parking

Chairlift parking lot.

Equipment

Sturdy footwear and walking sticks are recommended. Crampons or snowshoes may be necessary.

Safety information

The terrain varies considerably depending on sun exposure and temperature. The trail cuts across several avalanche chutes. It is crucial to obtain information from the ski lift operators. Grooming is not always assured. The itinerary may be closed owing to avalanche risk.

Additional information

The Jorasse restaurant is open whenever the resort’s ski lifts are operational.

Téléovronnaz : info@teleovronnaz.ch  +41 27 306 35 53

Maps

1:25 000 Du Rhône aux Muverans, edition MPA

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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