Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 26/43

At the foot of gleaming glacier giants and rocky peaks in the Val d'Arolla, through forests and across lush meadows with rich flora. Along the way you will be enchanted by the sparkling blue Lac Bleu, from where it is not far to the mountaineering village of Arolla.

The starting point in Evolène is just a few minutes’ walk from the Evolène, Village bus stop. The houses are soon left behind on the yellow-waymarked hiking trail. The route climbs between forest and open meadows via La Giette. Even the first section demands a steady rhythm; in all, the ascent amounts to around 1,500 metres.

Beyond the lower slopes, the path becomes a white-red-white-waymarked mountain hiking trail. It leads through increasingly open terrain to the highest point near Mont des Ritses. At around 2,300 metres, roughly half of the 15-kilometre route has been completed. Here the long ascent eases before the route begins to lose altitude again.

The second section continues in a succession of ascents and descents across pastures and through stretches of woodland. A picnic area offers an opportunity for a break, after which the path leads via Pra Grassette to Arolla. Shortly before the destination, the Hôtel du Glacier lies close to the route. After just over six hours, the hike ends directly at the Arolla, poste bus stop.