| Hiking
in the Swiss Alps - A dam good trip (map) |
Day1
(map)
|
A short cable car ride takes us to an important access
point for Verbier's upper ski area, Les Ruinettes, where our
world-class hike begins. In overcast weather, with new snow visible on
the mountain tops, we hike up a grassy slope to Col du Greblet. We stop
for morning tea at a small lake, where we spot some ptarmigans (alpine
birds)
scurrying through the snow. We continued on a short climb to Col de
Chassoure and began a long descent through snow covered rocks. At the
bottom
of the descent we enjoyed our first lunch in the spectacular scenery of
the Alps, where green hills roll out like emerald carpets at the base
of white claciers. After lunch, we continued downward to Tortin
(6,745') and then on to the charming ski resort of Siviez where we
overnight at the Hotel de Siviez (5,715') at the heart of four valleys.
Hiking: 1,805' up, 3,315 down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day2
(map)
|
From Siviez, we began the day with a short van ride to
the dam of Lac de Cleuson(7,225'). A pleaseant trail near the lake
leads us to Col de Prafleuri (9,785') where we encounter 4 inches of
fresh snow and some wonderful views of jagged peaks reflected in the
water below. We head downward to the enormous dam of Grand Dixence
(8,015'), which, at 935 feet is one of the tallest dams in the world.
Located at the end of the Heremence Valley, it is surrounded by
imposing peaks and presents a spectacular sight. Our hotel this night
is the Hotel Ritz (7,065') which is eerily located at the base of this
huge dam. Hiking: 2,558' up and 2,790' down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day3
(map)
|
In the morning, we follow the trail along the pristine
mountain lake (created by the dam), and then continue our journey
hiking toward the glacier
of Cheilon, which has cornices so large it resembles mountains in the
Himalayas. After a very steep climb through boulders and loose slabs of
rock, we reach the top of the pass at 9,600 feet, and then descend to
Arolla (6,615'), an appealing village in the French-speaking part of
Switzerland. On the way down we catch a glimpse of the famous
edelweiss flowers amongst scattered limestone rock. We overnight at the
funky Hotel Mont Collon, established in
1862. Hiking: 2,535' up and 2,985 down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day4
(map)
|
After breakfast, we ride by van to Le Cotter (7,590')
to begin our hike. We ascend up beautiful meadows and pastures, over
the Col de Torrent (9,632') back down to charming Lake Moiry, which
turns from
green to tropical turquoise with the changing sun and reflects Dent
Blanche in the background. A steep descent from the dam of Moiry
(7,590') through the forest and small gorge brings us to the charming
village of Grimmentz (5,015'), where we overnight at the Hotel Cristal.
Hiking: 2,420' up and 2,985' down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day5
(map)
|
We catch a ride in the van and depart from Zinal
(5,525'),
heading over the Col de Forcletta (9,485'). From here we descend into
the spectacular and very narrow Turtmantal valley and then hike down
into the hamlet of Gruben (5,995'). The Hotel Schwartzhorn is our
resting spot for the night. Hiking: 3,960' up and 3,490'down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day6
(map)
|
Today we hike through larch forests and alpine meadows
over the final mountain pass of the trip, L'Augsbordpass (9,550').
After we reach the top and enjoy the fabulous views, a long downhill
takes us to a small clifftop cluster of homes with cable-car connection
below to St. Niklaus. We ride the cable-car down and then take a
train to the impessive resort town of Zermatt (5,280'). The Matterhorn
stands sentinel at the head of the valley, but the overcast skies hide
it from us on this day. Zermatt is car-free, with the exception of
electric taxis
and buses, and the alpine air is noticeably clear and fresh. We
overnight in Zermatt, following a wonderful farewell dinner where we
share
memories of our journey together with the "old man grappe". Hiking:
3,555' up and
5,855' down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
Day7
(map)
|
Our last day of hiking brings us to the tiny village
of Zmutt (6,385') located at the foot of Mount Cervin. The Matterhorn
remains hidden throughout the drizzle of the morning, but then appears
in the afternoon to take our breath away. We return to our hotel in
Zermatt for our final night. Hiking:1,105' up and down. |
Pics by... Brian&Hilary,
Claire |
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