Sendero de los puertos alpinos

The previous stage was mainly uphill but the 25th stage of the Alpine Passes Trail is the opposite. With an altitude difference of 1,700 metres, it leads down from an alpine rock landscape to the heart of the village of Evolène.

The hike starts at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres at the Cabane des Becs de Bosson SAC hut. At the Pas de Lona, the trail branches off to the right with a wonderful view across the Val d'Hérens. This is a tributary valley of the Rhone and was covered by the Hérens glacier about 10,000 years ago. Incidentally, it is also known as the Eringer Valley. Sturdy Hérens cows graze here; this is a traditional Valais breed of cattle with a fighting temperament. They are therefore also deployed for the cow fights that are popular in Valais. At the end of this stage is Evolène, and this is where the final elimination phase of the Hérens contest is always held.

After about an hour and a half, you reach Alp L'A Vieille. There is a small chapel and a snack bar that sells local products. Just after this you pass the tree line, and an attractive path takes you through an enchanting forest to the hamlet of Volovron with its idyllic mountain pastures.

The last hour of the hike is mostly on a gravel road to Evolène. The region around Evolène leaves a lasting impression thanks to its picturesque countryside and surroundings. Evolène is a typical Valais village and it was first mentioned in 1250 as Ewelina. In 2012, Evolène even received the award for “the most attractive village in Romandy”. You can experience the history of the village on a guided tour or in the museum. Incidentally, Evolène is one of the last villages in western Switzerland where the patois dialect is still spoken.