Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 36/43

This relatively short stage is part of the "Tour du Mont Blanc". After the romantic, uninhabited Durnand valley comes a steep climb to Alp Bovine, where magnificent views of the Rhone Valley and Martigny beckon.

The hike begins directly beside Lac de Champex at the Champex, Lac bus stop. The village of Champex-Lac lies on the lakeshore; the route initially leads to the Col de Champex and soon leaves the settlement behind. The long ascent begins amid woodland and open meadows, gaining around 880 metres in elevation overall.

After the first few kilometres, the path becomes a mountain hiking trail and climbs more steeply. Sections of woodland alternate with alpine pastures until the Alpage de Bovine is reached. Shortly afterwards, the route reaches its highest point at the Col de Portalo, at just over 2,050 metres. After around three hours, most of the ascent has been completed.

The long descent leads back through woodland and open terrain to the Col de la Forclaz at around 1,530 metres. For a short stretch, the route follows the Bisse du Trient. It then continues downhill on an easier hiking trail. After around 16 kilometres and five and a half hours, the hike ends in Trient, a few steps from the Trient, Betty bus stop.