The Valais Bisses Trails

The plague led to a switch to more productive livestock farming in Valais. The construction of irrigation channels, the so-called bisses in French, or Suonen in German, which continue to characterise the image of the Rhone valley even today, was started in the middle of the 13th century in order to irrigate the pastures and meadows. The mountain farmers of Valais came up with some adventurous constructions, which you will see at close range on this hike. The water runs quietly in the canals next to you and leads you from one mountain village to the next on little-used mountain paths.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Martigny

Day 2: Col des Planches - La Tzoumaz

From Col des Planches over meadows to Col du Lein, a wonderful spot to stop with barbecue places. Then into the forest at Boveresse and on romantic paths alongside the Bisse de Saxon (irrigation channels), at first dry, later running with water, to Tsoumaz. Details: approx. 14 km ↑ 680 m ↓ 355 m, Hiking time: approx. 4.5 h

Day 3: La Tzoumaz - Nendaz

Beautiful picnick area at Taillay near the Bisse de Saxon with waterwheel and warning hammer. Lovingly restored part of the Bisse. En route to Nendaz, the silence of the forest is equally as striking as the splendid views to the Rhone Valley. Details: approx. 12 km ↑ 250 m ↓ 560 m, Hiking time: approx. 3.5 h

Day 4: Nendaz - Veysonnaz

Nendaz is a paradise for suone (irrigation channel) hikers, with eight suonen (or bisse) it is the largest network still in use. Enjoyable tour from Planchouet to Veysonnaz, through flowery meadows alongside the open channel of the restored Grand Bisse de Vex. Details: approx. 14 km ↑ 240 m ↓ 340 m, Hiking time: approx. 3.5 h

Tour character

The tour makes greater demands on physical condition especially towards the end. The hikes along the bisses (Suonen) are mostly flat, but there are ascents and descents to master now and again. The rock can be slippery when it rains. Sure-footedness and, sometimes, a head for heights are required.

Included

• 4 overnight stays incl. breakfast

• Daily luggage transfers

• Carefully elaborated route

• Detailed travel documents (1 x per room)

• GPS data available

• Service hotline

Not included

• Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price

• Bus journey Martigny - Col des Planches not included in the price. Approx. CHF 12

• Bus trips Sion - Veysonnaz or Veysonnaz - Sion are not included in the price. Approx. CHF 10

Possibility of additional nights - booking after your payment (you will be contacted by our booking team):

• Martigny: CHF 79.- (per person in double room)

• Single room surcharge: CHF 35.-

• Veysonnaz : CHF 95.- (per person in double room)

• Single room surcharge: CHF 35.-

Cancellation conditions:

• Up to 29 days before start of the trip: 20%

• 28 – 15 days before start of the trip: 50%

• 14 – 08 days before start of the trip: 70%

• 07 – 1 days before start of the trip: 90%

• 0 day before start of the trip / No–show: 100%