Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 35/43

The gentle hike through the Val Ferret valley leads across meadows, through forests, into small chalet villages and along the river. On the final ascent, magnificent views of the stretch you just covered in the dead-straight valley open up. The lake of picturesque Champex reflects the wild, forested mountain landscape.

The hike of around four and a half hours begins at the La Fouly VS (télésiège) bus stop. The highest point, at around 1,600 metres, is reached shortly after the start. Passing the La Fouly lake, the trail leaves the village and initially descends through smaller settlements. It soon joins a mountain path running between forest and open meadows.

The descent continues on easier hiking trails via Saleinaz and Praz-de-Fort. Sections of forest alternate with meadows and the houses of the Val Ferret. The lowest point is reached in Issert, where the character of the hike changes markedly.

The long climb to Champex-Lac now begins. The trail gains elevation steadily through the forest until the Lac de Champex comes into view near the end. The final metres lead directly to the shore and the nearby Champex, Lac bus stop. After 15 kilometres and around 600 metres of ascent, this varied valley hike ends beside the lake.