Via Alpina, Stage 17/20

Panoramic high-level path past Berghaus Eggli and the Wilde Bode limestone karren area to the language border at Col de Jable. Many traditional alp huts with large shingle roofs and cheesemaking in copper cauldrons high above Etivaz.

The roughly six-and-a-half-hour hike begins right by Gstaad bus stop. Beyond the last houses, the path climbs out of the valley and soon becomes a mountain hiking trail. Sections of forest alternate with open pastures, while much of the total ascent of around 1,250 metres is gained over the first seven kilometres. At the Wilde Bode pass, the long climb eases for the first time.

The route then continues over the Trittlisattel. Shortly afterwards, in rockier terrain, it reaches its highest point at just over 1,950 m, well away from the summit of Pointes de Sur Combe. A succession of short ascents and descents now follows across the open heights. Col de Jable links Gstaad in the canton of Bern with L'Etivaz in the canton of Vaud and leads into French-speaking Switzerland.

From the pass, the mountain trail descends through pastures and occasional stretches of forest. Towards the end, the gradient becomes more sustained until the route reaches L'Etivaz. Maison de L'Etivaz bus stop is only a few steps away.