Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 41/43

The seven rock teeth of the Dents du Midi are impressive on the ascent. A mysterious valley awaits at the pass, then a rocky ledge at the Tour de Don. The view over lake Geneva and towards Mont Blanc is magnificent. Across pastures with groups of spruce trees and a 150-metre-long suspension bridge, the stage ends in spectacular fashion.

The hike begins at the post office in Morgins with a long ascent. The broad hiking trail leaves the houses behind and leads through forest and across open pastures to the Portes de Culet. The route then remains scenic, continuing in a steady succession of climbs and descents to the Portes d’Onne, where the mountain trail begins.

A white-red-white waymarked trail now follows the ridge. With views of Lake Geneva and Montreux, it climbs to the Tour de Don. At just under 2,000 metres, this is the highest point of the hike; the summit lies only around 200 metres from the French border. The route continues via the Tête du Tronchey to the Col de Reculaz.

Beyond the pass, the long descent begins. Open slopes increasingly give way to forest as the trail leads down towards Torgon. After around six hours and a total ascent of approximately 1,000 metres, the first houses come into view. Shortly afterwards, the hike ends at the Torgon, village stop.