Choose this itinerary if you’d like to join an all-women departure. The program and inclusions remain the same as with mixed-group departures.
This 5-day hut-to-hut Switzerland adventure takes you along one of Valais’ most stunning multi-day routes, beneath the Grand Combin, Vélan, and Mont Blanc massifs. By day, we traverse high passes, turquoise lakes, and glacier vistas; by night, we unwind in welcoming mountain huts and alpine lodges. Smart logistics, small groups, and off-the-beaten-path trails let us fully enjoy classic Valais scenery, wildlife like ibex, and hearty local cuisine.
We meet in Verbier or Le Châble and make our way up to Les Ruinettes, where our hike begins. From here, we hike through high meadows to the Mont Fort huts for our first night in the mountains—complete with sweeping panoramic views, at 2,457 m (8,060 ft).
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 mi), 4-5 hours
Elevation: +597 m (+1,959 ft) / -365 m (-1,198 ft)
Accommodation: Cabane du Mont-Fort mountain hut
Today, we’ll set off to traverse the Mont-Pleureur reserve. Along the way, we’ll pause at Lac de Louvie for a swim if conditions allow, then cross a high col with sweeping valley views before descending into Mauvoisin. This is the most demanding day of the trek, but if needed, we can descend toward the valley and take a bus for the final section. Keep in mind that this option isn’t guaranteed.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 17.6 km (10.9 mi), 6.5 hours
Elevation: +1,168 m (+3,832 ft) / -1,777 m (-5,830 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel du Mauvoisin
Starting by the dam, we’ll follow glacial valleys to the peaceful, recently renovated Cabane de Chanrion—prime ibex territory! It’s a shorter day, giving us time to relax and enjoy the hut.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 10.7 km (6.6 mi), 3.5 hours
Elevation: +936 m (+3,071 ft) / -295 m (-968 ft)
Accommodation: Cabane de Chanrion
On our fourth day, we’ll cross the Tsessette plateau and climb to Col des Otanes, the highest point of the trek, before descending to the spectacular Panossière Hut, set right beside the Corbassière Glacier.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 16.3 km (10.1 mi), 7 hours
Elevation: +1,193 m (+3,914 ft) / -1,023 m (-3,356 ft)
Accommodation: Cabane FXB Panossière
For our final hike, we’ll descend toward Le Moay and Bruson. If our legs are tired, we can take the lift down to Le Châble—saving about two hours, and perhaps even riding the lift back up to Verbier. This option isn’t guaranteed, though, so come prepared for the full route. We finish with farewells in the valley.
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hiking: 18.3 km (11.4 mi), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +460 m (+1,509 ft) / -1,484 m (-4,869 ft)
Included:
Not included:
This 5-day hut-to-hut Switzerland hiking tour is ideal for active hikers with some mountain experience who are comfortable with 4-7 hours on mountain trails while carrying a light multi-day pack. While the terrain is not technical, expect consecutive days of narrow paths, rocky sections, sustained climbs, and long descents. Great fitness is certainly required.
Day 2 is especially demanding, and Days 2 and 5 can sometimes be shortened, but these options aren’t guaranteed, so make sure you’re prepared for the full route.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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This plan assumes you’re already active and have some hiking experience. Give yourself 16 weeks if you can, and build up gradually with rest weeks along the way. Aim for one long weekend hike, one or two hill or stair sessions, and two strength sessions a week.
No mountains nearby? Use stairs (up and down), bridges, dunes, and local hills, and repeat short climbs and descents to build elevation. An inclined treadmill helps with climbing but not descending. Twice a week, add step-ups, step-downs, squats, lunges, calf raises, and single-leg balance.
On longer hikes, carry the backpack you’ll bring on the trek, packed with water, layers, and your overnight essentials, and wear well-worn hiking boots. Practice pacing yourself, eating and drinking regularly, using poles if you’re bringing them, and descending carefully on tired legs.
Group sizes and pricing
5-day hut-to-hut Switzerland hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this 5-day hut-to-hut Switzerland hiking tour is based on shared dorms at mountain huts and a twin-share room/dorm room at the hotel. A single occupancy room for the one hotel nights can likely be arranged at an additional fee. As for huts, most likely it won’t be possible to arrange a single room. Please contact us before booking if interested.
The starting point of your 5-day hut-to-hut Switzerland hiking tour is Verbier or Le Châble, depending on where you spend the night before the adventure (Le Châble for those staying in Le Châble or Martigny, Verbier for those staying in Verbier). To get there, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA).
Once you land, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
You will meet your guide on Day 1 of the tour, most likely in the morning. We recommend arriving at least a day before Day 1 of the adventure as you’ll start hiking that day.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.