The Valais Bisses Trails

Day 1: Arrival to Martigny Day 2: Col des Planches - La Tzoumaz Head over measdows from the Col des Planches to Col du Lein, a wonderful spot to stop with barbecue spots along the way; then into the forest at Boveresse and on romantic paths alongside the Bisse de Saxon (irrigation channels that are dry at first, and later running with water) to La Tzoumaz. Details: approx. 14 km ↑ 680 m ↓ 355 m, Hiking time: approx. 4.5 h Day 3: La Tzoumaz - Nendaz Enjoy a beautiful picnic area at Taillay near the Bisse de Saxon with a waterwheel and warning hammer in this lovingly restored part of the Bisse. En route to Nendaz, the silence of the forest is just as striking as the splendid views over 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 bisse hikers, and with eight of these irrigation channels still operational, it is the largest network still in use. The route from Planchouet to Veysonnaz leads 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 Day 5: Veysonnaz - St. Martin surroundings Today’s route runs alongside the Bisse de Vex to the Mayens de Sion and the mighty concrete church in Hérémence, the fairytale world of the earth pyramids in Euseigne which like an invitation to daydream. End off with the ascent to St. Martin, clinging to the side of the Val d’Hérens like an eagle’s nest. From here bus ride to Nax. Details: approx. 20 km ↑ 1’120 m ↓ 825 m, Hiking time: approx. 6.5 h. Day 6: St. Martin surroundings - Nax Bus ride back to St. Martin. Wonderful high-level hike above the Rhone Valley through Valais villages, on down into Vallon de Réchy. From the head of the Grand Bisse de Vercorin alongside the open suone (irrigation channels) to Réfuge du Bisse. Details: approx. 16 km ↑ 730 m ↓ 865 m, Hiking time: approx. 5 h. Day 7: Nax - Vercorin A demanding stage through the Vallon de Réchy with a stop in Vercorin where the old village centre around the church is worth a visit. Details: approx. 16 km ↑ 745 m ↓ 685 m, Hiking time: approx. 5 h. Day 8: Vercorin - Grimentz | Departure The around 500-year-old suone (irrigation channel) «Bisse des Sarrasin» and its 17 information panels are of great historical and technical interest. The route then leads via the «Grand Bisse de St-Jean» suone to the typical Valais village of Grimentz. After arrival in Grimentz via Sierre individual departures. Details: approx. 17 km ↑ 910 m ↓ 865 m, Hiking time: approx. 5.5 h.

The tour requires good physical condition especially towards the end and sure-footedness and a head for heights are mandatory in places. The hikes along the bisses (Suonen) are mostly flat, but there are ascents and descents to master now and again and the rock can be slippery when it rains.

Included: • 7 overnight stays incl. breakfast • Daily luggage transfers • Luggage collection at the station • Voucher for arrival by train • Carefully elaborated route • Detailed travel documents (1 x per room) • Navigation app and GPS data available • SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year • Service hotline Not included • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price • The Martigny - Col des Planches bus journey is not included in the price. Approx. CHF 6.- with half fare card • Bus trips St. Martin - Nax (return) are not included in the price. Approx. CHF 7.- with half fare card • The Grimentz - Sierre bus journey is not included in the price. Approx. CHF 8.- wtih half fare card

Option of additional nights - booking after your payment (you will be contacted by our booking team): • Martigny: CHF 95.- (per person in a double room) • Single room surcharge: CHF 40.- • Grimentz: CHF 95.- (per person in a double room) • Single room surcharge: CHF 40.-

• 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%

Level: Intermediate Equipment needed: • Good hiking shoes • Sunglasses • Comfortable hiking clothing suitable for the weather conditions Seasons: Season 1: 14.09. - 29.09.2024 Season 2: 18.05. - 13.09.2024 Accommodation category: Middle class hotels & mountain inns. In St-Martin shower/WC partly at the floor. Check-in/check-out: Check-in 16h (4pm), Check-out 11h (11am)