Snowshoeing

Jorasse

Ovronnaz-Jorasse

Ovronnaz

Through forests and alpine pastures, this is a pleasant and relatively demanding route connecting Ovronnaz and Jorasse, with lovely views of the village and surrounding mountains.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

4.03 km

Duration

2:00 h

Description

From the village of Ovronnaz, follow the road to the chairlift, then to the cantonal sports center. The marked snowshoe trail takes you to the foot of the Muverans. You immediately get into the heart of the matter by gaining height in a dense forest to reach the Odonne alpine pasture, overlooked by the Seya. Then, the slope becomes more regular and gradually, the mountains reveal themselves, such as Pointe de Chemo, the Six Armaille, Pointe d'Aufalle, and, of course, the Muverans. Since the trail crosses ski slopes several times, caution is advised. The ascent continues, alternating flat sections and hairpin turns, up to the Bougnonne alpine pasture, which hosts about a hundred cows in summer. A few more efforts to climb the foothills of the ski area, then the Jorasse restaurant and its panoramic terrace offer a comforting break and a magnificent view of the Valais Alps.

Turn-by-turn directions

The route starts just after the departure from the chairlift, at the cantonal sports center and climbs through the forest up to the Odonne alpine pasture. As you ascend, the panorama unfolds. You steadily gain height, alternating flat sections and steeper stretches to reach the Bougnonne alpine pasture and then continue to Jorasse.

Be cautious, as skiers sometimes use parts of the route. The path also crosses several avalanche corridors. Securing it can take a few hours to several days and grooming is not always guaranteed. Therefore, the route may be closed due to avalanche risks. Be sure to check with the ski lifts before venturing on this route.

Start

Ovronnaz, chairlift parking (1381m)

Destination

Ovronnaz, chairlift parking (1939m)

Author's recommendation

The path crosses the Ovronnaz ski area several times and runs alongside ski slopes for 800 meters. You can descend or ascend using the Jorasse chairlift.

Technical information

Altitude

1939m

1381m

Ascent

+558m

Descent

-0m

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 towards Riddes. From Riddes station, postal bus to Ovronnaz to the stop "Ovronnaz, Croisée du centre". From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the parking lot at the sports center. All train and bus schedule information is available on cff.ch.

Approach

From the A9 motorway, take exit no. 24 "Riddes-Leytron-Chamoson" and follow signs for Leytron, then Ovronnaz.

Parking

Chairlift parking

Equipment

  • Snowshoes 
  • Clothing adapted to weather and cold: always have a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottle of water, picnic
  • Printed version of the route (click on "print" to download)

Safety information

  • Take a map. Download the complete route description with a large-scale map by clicking the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked paths and observe all signage – for your safety, for livestock protection, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Be respectful of other users, plants, and animals. Do not litter in nature.
  • Take special care to protect yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even under cloudy skies.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the physical level of each participant, weather forecasts, and the season.
  • It is essential to have appropriate clothing, as well as sufficient food and water supplies. In uncertain weather, turn back in time.
  • Pay attention to warning signs about constant danger, especially avalanche risk.
  • Inform your relatives about your route and, as much as possible, prefer hiking with others.
  • Conditions vary greatly depending on sunshine and temperature. The path crosses several avalanche corridors. Be sure to check with the ski lifts. Grooming is not always guaranteed. The route may be closed due to avalanche risks.

Additional information

Jorasse restaurant opening according to the ski area

https://www.ovronnaz.ch/domaine-skiable/horaires-tarifs/ouverture-horaires

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

Maps

Map: 1:25 000 Du Rhône aux Muverans, MPA edition

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais