Snowshoeing trail to the Lac d'Arbey

The alpine pastures of Arbey occupy a sunny plateau about 400 vertical metres above the floor of the Val d’Hérens, opposite Evolène. In winter, the snow-covered pastures offer glorious views of the dramatic mountains that frame the Val d’Hérens, culminating in the valley’s emblematic peak, the Dent Blanche (4,357 m).

The trail begins on the valley floor just outside Evolène, and leads steadily up through pine forest to the Arbey pastures. In winter, a thick blanket of snow covers the frozen lake, the lush pastures and the roofs of the ancient wooden buildings: the sense of tranquillity is bewitching, and the views breathtaking.

The trail then leads gently downhill along the edge of the clearing before re-entering the forest for the descent back to the starting point.

This lies about 800 metres from the centre of Evolène: a gentle walk of about 15 minutes along quiet lanes. The village itself is well worth exploring, with its exceptionally well-preserved heart of ancient wooden houses.

Die Alpweiden von Arbey liegen auf einem Sonnenplateau gegenüber von Evolène, etwa 400 Meter über dem Val d’Hérens. Im Winter bieten die schneebedeckten Weiden herrliche Ausblicke auf die spektakulären Berge, die das Val d'Hérens umgeben und in der charismatischen Spitze der 4357 Meter hohen Dent Blanche gipfeln.

The start of the snowshoe trail lies on the road to Lana, just across the river from Evolène. The route leads anticlockwise up through forest to the Arbey pastures. Here the trail loops around the frozen lake and then follows the edge of the clearing before re-entering the forest. The final section of the walk retraces the initial outward leg for about 500 metres.

The starting point lies about 800 m from the centre of Evolène, or 1 km from the main village car park: an easy stroll of about 15 minutes. From the village church, head downhill to reach the country lane to Lana, and follow this across the river.