Winter hikes

Chemin de l'Aiguille

Champoussin

0/5°

Enjoy a magnificent view of the Dents du Midi and taste one of the most renowned Swiss specialties: rösti!

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.99 km

Duration

2:45 h

Description

This walking route takes you to 1800 meters altitude, between Champoussin and Les Crosets, on the heights of the Illiez valley.

A pleasant path allows you to enjoy superb views of the Dents du Midi and the Vaud Alps. You might have the chance to see some paragliders taking off under the Croix-de-l'Aiguille. The highest point is the "Pas de Croisette", which lets you extend your view to the Dents Blanches and the Pointe de l'Au. Halfway, above Les Crosets, the restaurant Le Relais Panoramique welcomes you for a tasty break on its sunny terrace.

Turn-by-turn directions

Follow the winter pedestrian pink marking no. 15 (SuisseMobile 901).

Departure from the Frâchette shelter, located just before arriving at the village of Champoussin.

Walk towards Les Crosets and the Croix de l'Aiguille, taking a wide groomed path. At the crossroads of the various snowshoe trails, stay on the main axis which continues straight on flat ground. A little further on, where the two groomed paths separate, take the one that climbs in switchbacks to the right and passes under the summit of the Croix de l'Aiguille. Continue to the left on the groomed path to reach the "Pas de Croisette", a trail junction. From there, continue straight to the "Le Relais Panoramique" restaurant.

For the return, descend to "Crêté Borney" and from the hairpin bend, take the wide, groomed, and flat path that gently leads back to your starting point.

Start

Champoussin, bus stop "Frâchette" (1585m)

Destination

Champoussin, bus stop "Frâchette" (1585m)

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Author's recommendation

Let yourself be tempted by the exceptional menu of Le Relais Panoramique, where rösti are king (reservation recommended).

Technical information

Altitude

1844m

1585m

Ascent

+260m

Descent

-260m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Way cleared
  • Groomed snow
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From the Aigle SBB station, take the AOMC train line towards Champéry, to the stop "Val-d'Illiez." Take the bus towards Champoussin to the stop "Frâchette." Timetables on www.cff.ch or www.tpc.ch

Approach

On the A9 Lausanne-Sion motorway axis, exit St-Triphon. Follow "Pas-de-Morgins/Monthey," take the Route de la Vallée tunnel to Troistorrents. At the Troistorrents roundabout: follow Champéry/Val-d'Illiez. At the Val-d'Illiez roundabout: turn right towards "Champoussin/Les Crosets." Follow Champoussin; the Frâchette shelter is just before the bend descending to the village.

Parking

Park along the road in front of the picnic shelter (on the part where the road is wide enough).

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good shoes
  • Clothing adapted to the weather and cold: always have a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottle of water, picnic
  • Camera
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Printed version of the itinerary (click on "print" to download)

Safety information

The use of itineraries and information on this website is the responsibility of each hiker. Conditions on site may lead to course modifications. Valais/Wallis Promotion disclaims any responsibility regarding the accuracy and completeness of the website information.

  • Bring a map. Download the full itinerary description with a large-scale map by clicking the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked paths and obey all signage – for your safety, livestock protection, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Respect other users as well as plants and animals. Do not litter in nature.
  • Pay special attention to protecting 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.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have suitable clothing as well as sufficient food and water reserves. In case of uncertain weather, turn back in time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Be aware of constant danger warning signs, especially avalanche risks.
  • Inform your contacts about your route and, if possible, prefer hiking in groups.

More information: Dents du Midi Region

Additional information

Learn more about the destination: https://www.regiondentsdumidi.ch

Literature

Brochures and information: The tourist offices of the Dents du Midi Region provide a map for snowshoe or walking hiking routes in the region: free download on www.regiondentsdumidi.ch (brochures section) or CHF 5.- for the paper version.

Maps

SwissTopo national map 1:50,000: 272 St-Maurice

Source

This activity is brought to you by Région Dents du Midi. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

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