Discover a variety of stunning hikes accessible by public transport from Crans-Montana. From the challenging Trail des Patrouilleurs to gentle walks through vineyards, these routes showcase the diverse landscapes of the Valais region. Explore alpine peaks, lush forests, and charming mountain villages while enjoying panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and surrounding Alps.
The following hikes are sorted by travel time from Crans-Montana, making it easy to plan your perfect mountain getaway. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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Follow the route of the famous Trail des Patrouilleurs team race (15 km course), which takes you up to the Bella Lui and then the iconic Col du Pochet. Starting at the Ycoor ice rink in Montana, the loop begins with a gentle climb as far as the Lac de Chermignon. The itinerary then becomes steeper, following the course of the famous Chetzeron ski piste up to the hotel of the same name, which reveals superb views of the Rhône valley and the surrounding peaks. Continue your climb as far as Cry d’Er, and then pass via Tsa Bonna to reach the Bella Lui, at an altitude of more than 2,500 metres. From here, do a loop that allows you to climb the ladders of the Col du Pochet for a guaranteed blast of adrenalin. Head back down via the initial section of the Chetzeron piste course before traversing to access Merbé and Arnouvaz. Eventually you reach the centre of Montana after a total descent of more than 1,200 metres, having enjoyed magnificent views of the Alps along the way.
17.15km
1198m
1198m
3h 50mThe highest connected vineyards in continental Europe lie on a sunny slope high above the river Vispa, culminating at an altitude of 1,150 m. A fascinating theme trail leads from the floor of the Rhône valley through the vineyards and up to the village of Visperterminen. Local winegrowers cultivate a range of grape varieties of which the most prestigious is the golden Heida. This rare member of the Savagnin Blanc family of grapes flourishes on the light soils here, and produces an aromatic straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey and exotic fruits. Our trail begins in Visp, and leads through the twisting alleys of the Old Town before reaching the first of the vineyards, which extend from the banks of the Vispa for 500 vertical metres up the mountainside. The path zig-zags up through the vines before turning south to climb to the village of Visperterminen. The views of the Vispa valley – which leads to the resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee – and of the snow-capped peaks in the distance are enchanting. Along the trail, information panels tell a fascinating story. The vineyards here date back to Celtic, pre-Roman times – hence the name «Heida», derived from the word for «pagan». Many kilometres of dry-stone walls, painstakingly built and maintained by hand, support the narrow terraces of the steep vineyards; the rocks store warmth from the sun and radiate it out again through the night, helping the vines flourish at this high altitude. Hundreds of part-time winegrowers working tiny plots handed down over generations cultivate grapes for the main cooperative winery, the St. Jodern Kellerei, open for visits. Restaurants along the route also offer the chance to taste the wines along with local delicacies. Highlights Fascinating theme trail on wine and winemaking through dramatic terraced vineyards Old Town of Visp, charming mountain village of Visperterminen Glorious mountain scenery; tasting opportunities en route
7.91km742m46m3h 0m| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders | |
| (15m) | |
| Visp |
This hike climbs through the forests of the Val d'Anniviers to traditional villages and ends in either Chandolin or St-Luc. The trail first follows the steep, wooded slopes of the valley. In Chandolin, it levels out for the second part of the hike to St-Luc. Perched at an altitude of 1,956 m. on a sunny south-facing slope, Chandolin is one of the highest villages in Europe, inhabited all year round. Ella Maillart, one of the great travellers of the 20thcentury, and famous photographer, writer and journalist, spent the last years of her life here. A permanent exhibition in an old chapel is dedicated to her. In St-Luc an astronomical observatory near the arrival of the funicular is open to the public. The village features many attractions, including a planetarium in an old 19thcentury barn, several working 18th century mills, a historical trail and a "bread trail".
9.33km943m267m4h 0m| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (14m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders, gare routière | |
| (22m) | |
| Les Pontis |
The Vallée du Trient was one of the first regions in the Swiss Alps to attract foreign tourists – thanks to the Route des Diligences («Stagecoach Road»), built between 1855 and 1861. The valley soon became internationally famous because of its scenic beauty and elegant resorts such as Finhaut, which has retained its magnificent Belle Epoque hotels. The track, with its 51 hairpin turns, now offers a delightful family walk. The trail roughly follows the route of the narrow-gauge Mont-Blanc Express, built from 1902 to 1906 – so tailoring the perfect outing is easy. Highlights of the itinerary include dramatic views of deep gorges – especially in the upper valley, inaccessible to cars – and Le Trétien, a village of national architectural importance thanks to its historical wooden buildings and twisting lanes. Families will enjoy stopping at Les Marécottes to visit the highest-altitude zoo in Europe, home to black bears, wolves, lynx, marmots, chamois, ibex and many other alpine animals. The adjacent natural swimming pool in the rock, 70 metres long, reaches temperatures of 24-27 degrees in summer, heated by the sun. In Salvan, a small museum commemorates a pioneering visit by a prestigious guest: Guglielmo Marconi. During an extended stay in summer 1895, he managed to send a message using electromagnetic radiation over a distance of more than 1 kilometre: wireless was born. The route as a whole forms part of the ViaCook, a cultural itinerary that traces the very first group tour through Switzerland, organised by the British package holiday pioneer Thomas Cook in 1863. Highlights: Dramatic scenery, deep gorges and Finhaut with its Belle Epoque hotels. Les Marécottes – alpine zoo, natural rock swimming pool Switchback descents, fun for kids – 17 bends at start of walk, 37 at end
13km923m161m5h 0m| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders | |
| (25m) | |
| Martigny |
| Martigny | |
| (4m) | |
| Vernayaz MC |
Crossing through meadows, bordering apricot trees and skirting the edge of forests, the Voie des Érables trail boasts commanding views of the Rhône Valley. The twelve information boards dotted along the route from Isérables add an extra dimension to the hike, offering interesting insights into the history and nature of these locations. Discover traditional raccard granaries, drystone walls and even grain-growing terraces along the trail. With its hillside path, the Voie des Érables trail is a very easy and charming walk, not least thanks to stunning colours of the maple trees that give the trail its name.
9.7km837m200m3h 30m
Maximum elevation: 1195m
Difficulty: Hard
Minimum elevation: 471m
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valais.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders | |
| (24m) | |
| Riddes |
Sion is surrounded by a sea of vineyards that laps against the slopes of the two rocky outcrops of Valère (also known as Valeria) and Tourbillon, each crowned with castles. The terraces of grapevines in the first section of this walk are among the steepest in the world. The route takes you along a picturesque old irrigation channel, known as a “Suone”, and through winemaking villages where you can enjoy tasting opportunities.
19km720m460m5h 15m
Landscape: Through a vineyard
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (7m) | |
| Venthône |
Following the narrow, deep gorges south of Brig, this trail leads through splendid pine forests and sheltered floodplains. High-level paths cut into the rock snake along the slope high above the Saltinaschlüocht gorge. Later, the trail runs along the banks of the Taferna which winds its way down between huge boulders.
12km1600m260m5h 20mLandscape: Over a pass,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders | |
| (24m) | |
| Brig |
This stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the Great St. Bernard Pass. From Martigny, a path that is steep in parts leads across the narrow Les Trappistes Pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From there, the route follows the Napoleon Trail.
20km900m500m6h 0mLandscape: Through a gorge
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders | |
| (25m) | |
| Martigny |
| Martigny, gare | |
| (2m) | |
| Martigny, Grand Verger |
After Nax, there are several water channels next to the path. Along the slope, the trail enters into the Val de Réchy. At the point where the Bisse de Vercorin draws its water, the trail turns and continues through forests and over alps. The stage ends in Vercorin with its historic village centre built around the church.
17km760m700m5h 10mLandscape: Along the water,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders, gare routière | |
| (34m) | |
| Vercorin, poste |
The around 500-year-old suone (irrigation channel) «Bisse des Sarrasin» and its 17 information panels are of great historical and technical interest. The route then leads via the «Grand Bisse de St-Jean» suone to the typical Valais village of Grimentz.
17km900m680m5h 25mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Crans-Montana gare | |
| (13m) | |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) |
| Sierre/Siders, gare routière | |
| (34m) | |
| Vercorin, poste |
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1499m
Maximum elevation: 2539m
Minimum elevation: 647m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 1345m
Maximum elevation: 1921m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1001m
Minimum elevation: 451m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 1306m
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
