Via Valais Verbier - Cabane d’Essertze (Stage 1)

With a little over 1,100 metres of difference in altitude, this first 29 kilometer leg links Verbier to the Essertze hut. Start off along the calm water of the Bisse du Levron for several kilometres, before setting off on beautiful climbs. The route takes you to the Col Termin and, higher up, the Col de Louvie, offering impressive views of the Val de Bagnes and the Combins range. The path then descends towards the Grand Désert lake, allowing you to walk through a landscape dotted with rocks and home to many ibex. Return to flat ground along the Bisse de Chervé, which leads you to the Mont-Rouge overlooking the Cleuson dam. After a last descent, you’ll arrive at the Essertze hut, managed by Hérémencia ski club volunteers. The wide variety of terrain offered by this initial leg is a perfect preview of the diversity and quality of the entire route.