Valais Sun Trail (Stage 1): Crans Montana- Leukerbad

Logo Valais Sun Trail (Stage 1): Crans Montana- Leukerbad
Logo Valais Sun Trail (Stage 1): Crans Montana- Leukerbad
Tour data
24.22km
1,375 - 2,180m
Distance
816hm
865hm
Ascent
07:30h
 
Duration
Brief description

Experience the Valais from its sunniest side: the first section of the Valais Sun Trail leads from Crans Montana to Leukerbad. Historic water pipes and a magnificent panorama await you along the way.

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Crans Montana

Route
Crans (1,476 m)
0.2 km
Montana (1,495 m)
1.5 km
Vermala
2.6 km
la bergerie
3.1 km
Les Marolires (Cry d'Er) (1,649 m)
3.7 km
Hameau de Colombire
6.9 km
Cave du Sex
8.8 km
Theodoluskapelle
16.6 km
Larschi
19.9 km
Loèche-lès-Bains (1,402 m)
24.1 km
Kirche Maria Hilf
24.1 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

The Valais Sun Trail measures 75 kilometres: the long-distance hike treats mountain walkers to the sunny side of the Valais in four stages. The first section begins in Crans Montana. On the way, you can expect typical Valais wooden houses, charming mountain villages and magnificent alpine flowers. But the highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking panorama of the Valais peaks.

The first stage from Crans Montana to Leukerbad is the most demanding. Along the historic Bisses - old water pipes - in Bisse du Tsittoret, through forests and past alpine farms, the hiking trail leads steadily up to "Varneralp". In the process, hikers overcome around 800 metres in altitude until they reach the high plateau from Crans Montana. From there, the trail descends steeply to Leukerbad.

As a relaxing conclusion, the soothing thermal water awaits the strained muscles.

Directions

The trail starts in Crans Montana. From the high plateau above the Rhone Valley, the trail leads along the Bisse du Tsittoret. Historic water pipes - the so-called Bisses - bring water from rivers to irrigate the surrounding communities. In Cave de Colombire and Cave du Sex, it is worthwhile to stop for a snack in one of the alpine inns. After that, the path divides. The hike continues to the right over a bridge and up to "Roti Hittu". A refreshing diversions awaits straight ahead: the waterfall and the setting of the "Bisse du Tsittoret" promise cooling before the shady ascent to "Roti Hittu". In return, hikers are rewarded with magnificent panoramas. For example, from the "Varneralp" high plateau or at the Plammis and Chäller vantage points. A path carved into the stone leads towards Alpe "Larschi" to the "Kluscheten" and past hamlets to Leukerbad.

Highest point
2,180 m
Endpoint

Leukerbad, main village square

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

Day hiking bag (approx. 20 litres) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable footwear, multi-layered clothing suitable for the weather and hard-wearing, telescopic poles, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, maps.

Safety instructions

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.

Tips

Start the hike in Leukerbad early in the morning and tackle the steep section to Varneralp on the ascent. 

Additional information

The tourist office in Crans Montana or in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.


Directions
From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Sierre; Crans Montana.

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Crans Montana.

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Sierre; Crans Montana.

Public transportation
Crans Montana can be reached from Leukerbad in about 1.5 hours. By bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to Leuk, then by train (SBB) to Sierre and then by cable railway (SMC) to the starting point in Crans Montana.

Starting point in Leukerbad: Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad.

Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Parking

Different underground car parks in Crans Montana. Follow the local car park routeing in Crans Montana.


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General info

Refreshment stop
Cultural/Historical
Flora
Fauna
A lot of view
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