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Hikes

Sentier du Balcon du Mont-Blanc

Learn more about the Finhaut-Emosson region thanks to the explanatory boards along the route this hike follows which also offers an incredible view of the Mont-Blanc massif.

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This educational trail takes you from Finhaut to Six Jeur, above Emosson, and offers an introduction to the local fauna and flora, as well as a number of geological features such as the Fenestral glacial cirque. You’ll cross a diverse natural environment including swampy areas, meadows, mountain pastures, glacial moraine and rocky outcrops, with the added surprise of foot and handprints engraved near the Tête de la Boffa in 1927 by Louis Lugon-Moulin, the region's postman. The route continues towards Emosson and the eponymous dam with a breathtaking panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. The end point at Emosson Dam is a stunningly beautiful finale with a final ascent to the highest point on the hike, Six Jeur, at 2062 m above sea level and a special place due to its protected "Bas-marais" biotope.

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Turn-by-turn directions

Start your journey at Finhaut train station, crossing the village to find the start of the trail, which is indicated by a sign saying "À travers Finhaut". The path goes to the shooting range, then, after a walk through varied natural landscapes, leads to the Tête de la Boffa, before branching off towards Fenestral. This mountain pasture is located in an ancient glacial cirque on a frontal moraine, testimony to the presence of glaciers thousands of years ago. The route continues towards Emosson and leads to the Gueulaz pass, which offers a clear view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Trient plateau. Once you reach Emosson Dam, the trail continues upwards on the final stage of your hike past the chapel to the highest point of the trail at Six Jeur.

Start: Finhaut, train station (1223 m)
Destination: Emosson, dam (1962 m)

Author's recommendation

Exciting activities await you at Emosson,  including the VerticAlp installations, dinosaur tracks and a visit to the dam.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1964 m 1224 m

  • Ascent

    850 m

  • Descent

    115 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • 'Healthy climate'
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Flora

Public transport

Take the CFF train to Martigny station, and change here to board the Mont-Blanc Express. Exit at the Finhaut stop, which is the starting point of your hike.

Approach

From the A9 freeway, take exit 22 at the Gd-St-Bernard interchange and follow the E27 motorway towards Martigny-Combe. At the tunnel exit, take the first exit at the roundabout to the route de la Forclaz towards Finhaut.

Parking

Parking is available at Finhaut train station, as well as in front of the school.

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 on the «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 the «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, as well as 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 your hike carefully: take into consideration the fitness level of each participant, the weather forecast and the 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 Finhaut has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1324 Barberine