Hikes

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Hikes

Col du Sanetsch

High-altitude hike from the Col du Sanetsch (2,252 m) across an other-worldly landscape of sculpted rock formations below the Tsanfleuron Glacier. Refreshment stop at the Cabane de Prarochet.

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The "Tsanfleuron Lapis" is an impressive rocky area sculpted by the forces of nature, which lies below the Tsanfleuron glacier. On the upper part, until recently covered with ice, the rock is smooth and rounded, polished by the glacier. Below, the rocks released from the ice thousands of years ago provide an eroded and cracked karst landscape over time and with the flow of water. Between the two areas are the moraines that the Tsanfleuron glacier left until 1850. Today, the glacier is about 2 km from this incomparable place in Europe. The hike makes a wide loop around this lunar landscape. The path begins in the hamlet of Tsanfleuron in the direction of the glacier, until the hut of Prarochet (2'556 m), built by the ski club of Savièse. From mid-June to mid-September, this hut is the ideal place to stop and have a refreshment. From there, you can enjoy the view of the Diablerets ski lifts, the impressive "Quille du Diable" rock formation and several 4,000 meters peaks from Valais. The path then leads along the northern side of Tsanfleuron's lapis to the Sanetsch Pass.   Highlights: Spectacular drive up (by car or postal bus) from the Rhône valley Les Lapis de Tsanfleuron – karst landscape of sculpted limestone Cabane de Prarochet – welcoming mountain refuge near the foot of the glacier

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Turn-by-turn directions

 

From the hamlet of Tsanfleuron, follow the yellow hiking trail signs pointing to the Cabane de Prarochet. The second part of the path is then indicated by cairns or painted on the stones. From the Prarochet hut, it is easy to lose the way, so be careful of the markings on the stones to continue northeast towards the Sanetsch Pass.

Start: Tsanfleuron (2110 m)
Destination: Col du Sanetsch (2252 m)

Author's recommendation

Bring binoculars for a chance to observe the rare bearded vulture.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    2555 m 2109 m

  • Ascent

    535 m

  • Descent

    390 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 4 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Circular route
  • Refreshment stops available

Public transport

Train to Sion. Postal bus to Chandolin-près-Savièse; change onto postal bus to Col du Sanetsch. One connection a day on high season, and only during weekend from mid-august. Find full timetable information at www.cff.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway to Sion.

Driving from the west: exit junction 25 (Conthey), follow signs for Conthey and then Sion. After 2.7 km from motorway exit, at Pont-de-la-Morge, turn north up the valley of La Morge, following signs for “Col du Sanetsch”.

Driving from the east: exit junction 26 (Sion-Ouest), follow signs for Sion. After 800 m, turn left, following signs to Conthey. Follow this road for 2.6 km; at Pont-de-la-Morge, turn north up the valley of La Morge, following signs for “Col du Sanetsch”.

Parking

At the Col du Sanestch (free of charge)

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the 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.

 

For all hikes:

  • 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.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature. 

For mountain hikes:

  • 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.
  • 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.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Literature

The tourist office in Conthey has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

 SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1286 St-Léonard