Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 37/43

The physically challenging route leads from the village of Trient up to scenic Alp Catogne. On the descent, it continues into the narrow valley of Le Châtelard. Next to the steepest funicular in the world, the trail leads uphill again to Lac d'Emosson, where fantastic views of the Mont Blanc beckon.

A long and demanding mountain hike to Lac d’Emosson begins at the Trient, Betty bus stop. Beyond the village, the trail initially climbs through forest. It soon becomes a white-red-white-marked mountain trail and ascends to the Pas des Moutons. Open meadows replace the forest before the route reaches its highest point at just under 2,100 m after a little over two hours. The terrain remains high and expansive, and the strenuous initial ascent is complete.

A long descent follows, initially across open slopes and later once again through forest. At Le Châtelard, the small balancing reservoir lies close to the trail. The route now turns uphill again. Passing through Giétroz with its chapel, the yellow-marked hiking trail makes a final sustained ascent to Lac d’Emosson.

After 15 kilometres and almost seven hours, the hike ends near the Col de la Gueulaz with views of the reservoir. The Lac d’Emosson bus stop is located immediately beside the finish.