Walliser Sonnenweg, Stage 1/4

Pleasant hike from Montana along the Bisse du Tsittoret, past inviting mountain inns into the valley of the Tièche. Then on a sunny slope over Varneralp to Leukerbad, where weary hikers can relax in the warm thermal spa.

From the Crans-Montana, Scandia bus stop, this long hike initially leads through Crans. Before long, the route passes directly by Lac Grenon, leaving the houses behind. A sustained ascent begins across meadows and pastures, alternating repeatedly between open slopes and sections of forest.

After around nine kilometres, the hiking trail becomes a mountain trail. It continues uphill to the highest point at just under 2,200 m, not far from Gitzitotz. With more than 1,100 metres of ascent and a total distance of 24 kilometres, this stage makes for a long day hike. The route then descends steadily through open terrain and forest, passing the Theodoluskapelle.

The first houses reappear at Larschy. The trail continues to lose altitude, changes once more between mountain trail and hiking trail, and reaches Leukerbad after a little over seven and a half hours. The final stretch leads into the village to the Leukerbad, City bus stop.