Summer Hiking in the Swiss Alps: From Gentle Strolls to Zipline Thrills
The vertiginous Valais canton in south-west Switzerland presents a plethora of adventures for summer hikers, ranging from abseiling down deep gorges to wild swims in glacial pools. Nights are spent swapping hiking tales in traditional mountain huts, adding a communal charm to the alpine experience.
Embracing the Alpine Wilderness
In winter, the jagged ridges of the Valais are dominated by expert skiers and ice climbers, but summer transforms the lower slopes into an accessible paradise for hikers. Well-marked trails cater to all levels, from gentle strolls to serious alpine routes, with the added convenience of ski lift infrastructure. This region invites city-dwellers to fill their lungs with clean Alpine air while exploring dramatic peaks.
The journey often begins in Saas-Fee, a car-free high-altitude village famous for hosting Wham! during the filming of the Last Christmas music video. From balconies adorned with geraniums, hikers can enjoy views of church spires and towering mountains, setting the stage for the adventures ahead.
Thrilling Via Ferrata and Canyon Explorations
Between Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund lies the Sass-Fee Alpine Canyon, a deep gorge accessible only with a guide. Via ferrata systems, featuring ladders, metal rungs, and safety cables, allow climbers to navigate high-level routes. Guided by experts like Aldo Lomatter, who built the canyon route, adventurers criss-cross on wobbly bridges, climb rock faces, and zip through gulleys on exhilarating ziplines.
The challenges intensify as the route progresses, culminating in a 40-metre abseil to the riverbed and a final zipline into a dark cave. This thrilling finale requires a leap of faith, emerging into the sunlit hamlet of Saas-Grund for a well-deserved fondue lunch.
Mountain Hut Hospitality and Scenic Hikes
After refuelling, a gondola and cable car transport hikers to Morenia for a gentle two-hour hike to the Britannia Hut at 3,030 metres. Built in 1912 as a gift from British members of the Swiss Alpine Club, this hut offers jaw-dropping views over the Allalin glacier and Mattmark area. Accommodation is simple, with shared dormitories, communal plastic clogs, and no showers, but it fosters a sense of community.
Dinner is served family-style, featuring hearty mountain food like cream of vegetable soup, saffron risotto, and roast beef. Hikers exchange tales and weather forecasts in multiple languages, creating a jovial atmosphere. Early breakfasts cater to those preparing for distant summits, ensuring a restful night amidst the alpine serenity.
Wellness and Further Explorations
Returning to Saas-Fee, the WellnessHostel 4000 offers a spa experience with a 25-metre swimming pool and wood-panelled saunas overlooking the gorge. A day pass provides a perfect way to stretch tired muscles after mountain exploits. For broader exploration, a free PostBus and train journey lead to Champéry, where the Tière via ferrata presents another vertiginous challenge, including a climb near a thundering waterfall and a single wire crossing above the River Tière.
Scenic Summits and Rural Retreats
A cable car ride to Croix de Culet reveals lush grass and alpine flowers, contrasting with its winter ski popularity. Hikes through farmland allow stops at cafes and honesty boxes for fresh cheese and cakes. The Col de Cou mountain pass offers a unique vantage point straddling the French-Swiss border, with views of the Terres Maudites and Dents du Midi ridges.
Descending to the tranquil Barme plateau, the Cantine de Barmaz provides rest with hearty dishes like choléra, a leek, potato, and cheese pie. As the day ends, the jagged spikes of the Dents du Midi glow in umber and gold, lulling hikers to sleep with distant cowbells and the sounds of the alpine night.
This trip showcases the diverse adventures of summer hiking in the Swiss Alps, blending thrills with serene mountain beauty.
