Rambert to Col du Demècre

This stage begins with a stairway-like descent. Heading south, the path follows the mountain stream Salentze and takes you down from Cabane de Rambert to Saille hut in three sections – via Plan Coupel and Le Pessot, a waterfall in the Salentze (1,790m). As could be expected, the path is steep next to the waterfall. From here, you can reach the spa resort of Ovronnaz in 30 minutes.

The route separates off from the path to Ovronnaz, crossing the stream Salentze and heading up towards Bougnone (1,864m). When you reach Alp Bougnone, the route traverses woods and meadows at roughly the same altitude to reach Petit-Pré (1,996m). There’s a line of four stone huts in the midst of the blossoming meadow. A huge sign with the words Gîte Lui d’août points the way to a hut on a pretty terrace nestled amongst the mountains, where you can quench your thirst. This hut is managed by Saillon ski club. Then you turn your back on Seya (2,181m) and Lui d’août, and head off towards Les Grand-Prés d’Euloi. The path passes some cliffs on the left and then leads up the steep scree slope of Combe du Fenestral to Pass Fenestral (2,453m).

A unique natural spectacle awaits: small lakes sparkling between grey rocks and emerald green Alpine meadows. Three of the area’s highest mountains, Tita Sèri (2,850m) and Dent de Morcles (2,970m) to the right and Chavalard (2,898m) to the left, stand guard over the pass. Cabane du Fenestral, which is owned by Fully ski club, is a few metres below the pass. Chatting with the hut’s warden over a glass of wine, you’ll quickly forget the rigours of the ascent. The path drops down to the reservoir, which you can skirt round on the left or the right. A 20-minute detour to the newly renovated Cabane de Sorniot (2,064m) on Alp Sorniot is very worthwhile. Depending on the season, you’ll see black Hérens fighting cows grazing there with their “queen”.

Back at the reservoir, you can rejoin the path that leads to Cabane de Demècre. This hut has been completely renovated by the Fully-based association “Les Trotteurs”. You are amply rewarded for today’s hike with fabulous views across to Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi and down the Rhone Valley to Lake Geneva.

Accommodation

• Lui d’Août / Saillon
• Fenestral
• Sorniot
• Demècre