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High-altitude hike in the Sanetsch Pass area (2252 m above sea level) through an otherworldly landscape with special rock formations below the Zanfleuron Glacier. Includes a refreshment break at the Cabane de Prarochet.
moderate
Distance 9.8 km
3:00 h
535 m
390 m
2,555 m
2,109 m
The “Lapis of Zanfleuron” are a collection of rock formations below the Zanfleuron Glacier. The power of the glacier and the weather have shaped this otherworldly landscape. The upper part, until recently covered by ice, shows rounded and polished formations. Below, the rock was freed by the ice thousands of years ago. Accordingly, erosion is clearly visible and a typical karst landscape has formed over time: deep and twisted cracks as well as karst funnels (sinkholes), created by mountain folding and flowing water, shape the landscape. Between the two zones are the moraines left by the Zanfleuron Glacier until 1850. Today, the glacier lies around 2 kilometers from this unique place in Europe.
The circular hike leads around this moon landscape in a wide loop. The path begins in the hamlet of Zanfleuron heading towards the glacier, up to the hut of Prarochet (2,556 m), built by the Savièse Ski Club. From mid-June to mid-September this hut is the ideal place to stop and enjoy a refreshment. From there you can enjoy views of the ski lifts of Diablerets, the impressive rock formation “Quille du Diable,” and several 4000-meter peaks of Valais.
The path passes the northern side of the Lapis de Zanfleuron and then goes to the Sanetsch Pass.
Hiking highlights:
- Spectacular and scenic ride from the Rhone Valley to the Sanetsch Pass (by PostBus or private vehicle).
- Les Lapis de Zanfleuron – karst landscape with sculptural rock formations.
- Cabane de Prarochet – mountain hut near the Zanfleuron Glacier.
Author’s recommendation
Take binoculars to observe the rare bearded vultures native here.
Author
Delia Inniger
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Mountain hut Cabane de Prarochete, 2,555 m
Lowest point
Plan de la Fontaine, 2,109 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Forested/wild trail
1.4 km
Path
8.3 km
Road
106 m
Safety information
The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – be it by bike or on foot. So that all users can benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is fundamentally at your own risk.For all hikes:
- Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
- Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wild animals.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants and animals.
For mountain hikes:
- Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts and seasonal dependencies.
- Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.
For high alpine hikes:
- Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Observe warning signs indicating danger at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.
Tips and suggestions
Further information about the destination:Roadbook
From the hamlet of Zanfleuron, follow the yellow hiking trail signs to the Cabane de Prarochet. The second part of the path is then marked by cairns or painted on the stones. From the hut, it is easy to lose the way, so pay attention to the markings on the stones, which lead northeast to the Sanetsch Pass.
Rest stop
Nearby
Top Partner
Waypoint
Start point
End point
Low point
High point
Forecast
Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
show {x} more
Photo
Video
RestaurantSAC Hütte - Cabane de Prarochete
Col du Sanetsch
Public transport
Regular train connections to Sion. Then PostBus to Chandolin-près-Savièse, transfer to the PostBus to Sanetsch Pass. The PostBuses run once daily (morning outbound trip, afternoon return) and from mid-August only on weekends. Timetables for trains and PostBus can be found on sbb.ch.Directions
Motorway A9 to Sion.
Approach from the west (Martigny): exit 25 (Conthey), then follow signs to Conthey and Sion. After 2.7 km in Pont-de-la-Morge, drive north into the Val de la Morge and follow signs to the Col de Sanetsch.
Approach from the east (Sierre): exit 26 (Sion-Ouest), then follow signs to Sion. After 800 m, turn left towards Conthey. After 2.6 km in Pont-de-la-Morge, drive into the Val de la Morge and follow signs to the Col de Sanetsch.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Sanetsch Pass.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'589'302E 1'130'160N
DD
46.322748, 7.299738
DMS
46°19'21.9"N 7°17'59.1"E
UTM
32T 369113 5131312
w3w
///haystack.planting.moped
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Conthey provides you with informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination.
Author’s map recommendations
National map SwissTopo 1:25,000: 1286 St-Léonard
Book recommendations for this region:
Show more
Equipment
We recommend:- Good footwear
- Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
- Headwear
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Picnic
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)
For certain hikes:
- Swimsuit
Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from German.
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
9.8 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
535 m
Descent
390 m
Highest point
2,555 m
Lowest point
2,109 m
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
Maps and trails
Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
Distance
Duration
Ascent
Descent
User Questions
Unanswered