Swiss Alps Hike & Yoga Retreat
Val de Bagnes
Private retreat - best dates: July - August
Ideal group number: 4 - 8 guests
A guided hike in Val de Bagnes
The Bagnes Valley is a mountainous region of the Valais canton in the French-speaking side of Switzerland. It is famous for its jaw-dropping array of high-altitude ski slopes and picturesque villages, such as Verbier. Bagnes Valley has an abundance of protected wilderness and 3000m+ peaks, including the majestic Grand Combin, a pavlova of pristine snow above the Glacier de Corbassière, where we will spend a night en route! At the top end of the valley is an otherworldly lake and reservoir, Lac de Mauvoisin. Our unique 74km route over 6days has been carefully planned by Nina. We will cover 5000m ascent gain in total, and journey through incredible scenery. The route follows hiking paths, and varies in vegetation, from forests, to barren rock and shale, to glaciers and grasslands.
The Swiss Alps in high summer is a heavenly awakening. The skies are flawlessly blue, and the afternoons mild and lingering. The air is bursting with the aromas of fragrant wildflowers, and is peppered by the mineral spray of mountain spring water. Average temperatures range from a low of 7 degrees to a high of 20 degrees celsius. However, when the sun is out and you are hiking, the real feel is up to 28 degrees celsius from midday to early evening. In the early morning and late evening, temperatures can drop dramatically given the high altitude.
Expected climate in August
It is recommended that you are fit, comfortable with being on your feet for ±7hours, and have some experience of mountain hiking. All ages are welcome. We will be carrying our own backpacks. Breakfast and dinner and accommodation is provided along the way. There are a few steep sections that will require care and some skill to navigate. Hiking poles are recommended.
Please feel free to request a packing list from Nina.
Fitness and hiking experience
6 Day Hiking Route in Val de Bagnes
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 - Sunday
Le Châbles - Les Ruinettes - Lac la Vie - Cabane Mont Fort
Distance: 9.4km | Ascent 768m | Descent 550m | ± 4hrs
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Begin at Les Ruinettes gondola station. As you walk out of the station, turn right towards the Ice Cube apres-ski bar and restaurant. Les Mouton Noir will be on your left. As you approach Ice Cube, take the path to the right, and veer under the Medran- Les Ruinettes gondola. Soon you will see the main walking path that takes you in the direction of Croix de Coeur and Savoyleyers. Continue on this path for about 20minutes, until there is a smaller foot path veering up the mountain to the right, signposted to Col de Mines. Take this path and begin a short, sharp few switchbacks up to the Col. Don’t forget to look behind you, and take photos of the pleasant views of Verbier town and the Bagnes Valley below. Upon arrival at Col de Mines, take the path veering towards your left. There is a clear sign to Lac des Vaux. The path soon becomes fairly steep, but is very well maintained and consistent under foot. You will see Lac des Vaux, and the smaller Lac Rogeneux as you approach. There are lovely spots all around for a picnic, or bracing lake swim! Take the path that cuts between Lac Rogeneux and Lac des Vaux and prepare yourself for another incline in the direction of Les Attelas gondola station. You will clearly see the station, although if hiking in the summer months it is not operational. As you reach the col with Les Attelas on your right, you will enjoy thrilling views down to Les Chaux and across the Bagnes Valley. Begin your descent, taking the path in the direction of Fontenay and Les Chaux. There are many paths cutting across this valley, all well signposted. Keep Fontenay in sight as you descend. Close to Fontenay you will meet a t-junction with another path that wraps around from Fontenay to the divine mountain bistro at Cabane du Mont Fort. Veer to the left for a 30minutes easy walk to Cabane du Mont Fort and our first night out on this Swiss Alps adventure!
Day 2 - Monday
Cabane Mont Fort - Col Termine - Lac Louvie
Distance: 7.5km | Ascent 486m | Descent 700m | ± 4hrs
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We set out from Cabane du Mont Fort to zig-zag across a grassy valley. The path begins to climb up to join a contour path along the ‘haute route’ towards Col Termin. Follow the path as it wraps around mountain faces and dramatic crevices. The views into the Bagnes Valley, and even across to the Combin massif, are magnificent. Stop to sip on vital mountain water along the way, and catch your breath as this path undulates, with a few short sharp inclines. After around 2hours the path reaches a t-junction with the ‘lower route’ that wound along (below our ‘haute route’) from Les Chaux. Continue towards the Col. Some sections can get quite tricky under foot, and in the last section before you reach the Col you will need to clamber over rocks. Col Termin is the perfect spot for some lunch, or a snack. Take a small path to the right as you look down the spectacular, azure Lac Louvie to find a grassy perch with views of the Lac and the Grand Combin. Don't scramble along here too long if you have vertigo! After lunch, return to the Col Termin junction, and take the path to Cabane Louvie. Be sure to take the ‘longer’ path that wraps around the back of Col, and not directly down in the direction of the Lac. The ‘longer’ path offers better views of the Combin massif, and on a clear day you can see as far up the Bagnes Valley as Lac de Mauvoisin. There are sections on the descent to Cabane Louvie that are very steep and precarious. Take your time and use your hiking poles! You cannot miss the Cabane, it will be clearly visible below you, situated at the foot of the Lac, looking back up towards Mont Fort and the Grand Desert!
Day 3 - Tuesday
Lac Louvie - Fionnay - Cabane Brunet
Distance: 9.92km | Ascent 979m | Descent 950m | ± 5hrs
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We set out with our backs to Lac Louvie and the steep, dramatic Bagnes Valley below. We begin the day with a big descent. The ±900m descent is well marked and clear to follow. It is very steep in some sections and requires some care and patience. Halfway down there is a sturdy bench and picnic table, with fabulous views of the Bagnes Valley, Lac Mauvoisin, and Combin Massif. Fionnay is a picturesque hamlet, and an inviting espresso stop in the seat of the narrow valley. From Fionnay, take the main road between the two dams in the direction of Le Plamproz. The road winds for a short distance before you meet a t-junction. Take a sharp left along Route de Mauvoisin. Cross over the river, and keep an eye out for the footpath that veers to the left, off the road. This is the beginning of the 700m+ ascent to Cabane Brunet. The path up to Brunet is unrelentingly steep, as you weave along switch back after switch back. The arrival at Cabane Brunet is a moment of pure bliss! Refreshing beverages and magnificent views await! There is an option on this day to take a shuttle bus up to Cabane Brunet from Fionay, thus skipping the steep climb.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Cabane Brunet - Buvette de Pindin - Col de Avouillons/ La Maye - Passerelle de Corbassière - FXB Panossière
Distance: 8.8km | Ascent 1021m | Descent 485m | ± 5hrs
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We set out from Cabane Brunet towards Buvette de Pindin (2350m), a picturesque mountain dairy café, supplied by the happy cows of Écuries de Sery. There, we put down our packs and walk up to a hidden secret lake with gorgeous views over the valley. Upon return, we take a break to sample Pindin’s famous apricot tart. Reunited with our packs, we continue on the hike into a wide valley beneath Col de Avouillons (2850m). Here, we have a choice depending on weather and energy levels. Either we climb over Col de Avouillons, or we take the contour path around it, beneath La Maye, which offers great views of the Val de Bagnes. Both routes take between 90min - 2hours. From here, we arrive at the famous suspension bridge, Passerelle de Corbassière. Get your cameras ready! With the Grand Combin meringue for a backdrop, this is a majestic scene. After the bridge, follow the signs up to our cabane for the night. There is a climb of about 250m to FXB Panosièrre at the end of the day. The cabane is situated directly in front of Glacier Corbassièrre, and its only method for receiving supplies is by helicopter!
Day 5 - Thursday
FXB Panossière - Col des Otanes - Pierre à-Vire - Pont du Lancet - Cabane Chanrion
Distance: 17.25km | Ascent 1187m | Descent 1250m | ± 7.30hrs
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We depart the cabane and skirt the left of the glacier, taking a turn to the left on the Col des Otanes path. The climb up to the col is very steep and sudden. There is some loose shale under foot. It is a bracing 200m climb to start the day! It is well worth a breather at the Col (2850m) - the 360 degree panoramic views are astounding! Look out for wild ibex and eagles. From the Col, continue on the path to the right, in the direction of Mauvoisin. As you descend, you will come to a t-junction. The route to the left is directly down to Mauvoisin. Take the fork to the right in the direction of the lookout points, Le Chantier d’Elmer and Pierre à-Vire (2300m). En route, you will cross many rivers, and begin to navigate a path along the length of, and looking down on, the massive Lac de Mauvoisin. There is a gradual climb up to 2500m, before the path starts to wind down to Pont du Lancet. The bridge is at the source, or top end of the Lac. Once over the bridge, the path turns up again for the final climb of the day. This 400m climb at the end of the day is challenging, but the path is not technical, and clearly leads you to Cabane Chanrion.
Day 6 - Friday
Cabane Chanrion - Col de Tsofeiret - Barrage de Mauvoisin - Mauvoisin
Distance: 11.63km | Ascent 190m | Descent 797m | ± 4hrs
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On our last day, we set out from Chanrion in the direction of Col de Tsofeiret. We cross over dramatic, gushing rivers and have an opportunity to absorb the glorious, ruggard beauty of the high Swiss Alps. The Col offers 360 degree views, including a gaze down at Mauvoisin, and the much smaller, Lac Tsofeiret. We meander along the escarpment on a gradual decline until we reach the archeological site of Écuries du Giètro. This is an opportunity for a breather and a look into the traditional agrarian way of life in the Alps. From here, we start a short sharp descend to a large path on the edge of the Lac. This path winds through tunnels and offers spectacular views of the Lac and the immense engineering feat that underlies it. Emerge from the last longest tunnel onto Barrage de Mauvoisin. Take your time to soak in the monstrous scale of the dam wall, and enjoy the art exhibition that is usually erected over the wall. Once crossed, the barrage descends into a dark tunnel that eventually ends up on a dirt road, followed by a short footpath back to Mauvoisin car park. There is a charming old hotel here. Our private shuttle bus will meet us in Mauvoisin car park to transport us back to Le Châble.
FAQ’S
Some of your questions answered
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Yes! There is a detailed packing list - please contact us so we can share it with you :-)
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This is a nature immersion and hiking holiday, with daily meditation and yoga. It is not a yoga retreat in the sense that yoga is not the main focus. The main focus are the mountains! We will be doing guided meditation and functional movement for 20mins every morning, and 1hour of chilled, accessible yoga for all levels in the afternoon. There is plenty of exercise to be had with all the hiking, so our yoga practice on this holiday is to calm the mind, cultivate presence, and support the body. I find yoga to be a wonderful accompaniment to hiking. I find my legs are so much fresher and lighter because I always do the right kind of chilled yoga in the evenings after a big day of hiking. All yoga sessions have to be done outside, and so if we are unlucky and have very wet conditions, this may effect the timing and duration of the yoga sessions.
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The route is accessible to someone who is fit and steady on their feet. You do not have to be an experienced hiker to complete this, but you must be comfortable with spending long hours on your feet and carrying a pack. There are some steep climbs and descents, so I highly recommend you bring hiking poles, to help with footing and stability. Please have a look at the route descriptions and details above on this page. You will see that Day 3, 4 and 5 are quite long (±17km each day)! The fitter you are when you start the hike, the more you will enjoy it. If you do not train in advance of the hike and are unfit, you are opening yourself up to possible injury and a lot of discomfort. You will also slow the rest of the group down, and may be forced to miss out on sections, which is not fun for anyone :-(
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Each cabane is unique, but they all have the same basic layout: A large kitchen and dining/relaxing/social area with cozy fireplaces; bathrooms; ski / hiking boot room; dorm bedrooms, ranging from 2 bunk beds p/room to 10+ beds per room. Where possible, our group will have a dorm room we all share, or smaller rooms where you will be paired with someone from our group. The beds are comfortable and clean. There are pillows, duvets and blankets. You will not need to bring a sleeping bag. You will need a sleeping bag liner. They are very remote hiking cabins, they are not luxury hotels. They are designed for communal living. It is strongly advised you bring an excellent pair of earplugs and an eye mask. There is hot water, toilets, and showers the communal bathrooms.
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Included in your hiking holiday package is breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast: Freshly baked bread, butter, cheese, preserves, milk/yogurt and museli. There is always fresh coffee, teas, and fruit juice.
Dinner on night 1 and 3 - at hikers’ huts: The food is always made with pride and care; it is simple and wholesome. For dinner expect regional specialities like polenta with cheese, mountain mushrooms and cream, potato rosti, stews, fondue, soups, salad, and a small desert. The huts will accommodate vegetarians. The huts also have regional wine and beer for sale, softdrinks, and a la carte menus throughout the day.
Dinner on night 2 and 4 - at a restaurant: I have chosen a restaurant for our group on these two nights as we are staying at hotels. The restaurants have a la carte menus with a range of options, including vegetarian options. Expect regional dishes and local ingredients. Included are 2 courses. Beverages and dessert are at your own expense.
All of us will arrange our own lunches. This is best because when hiking, people want/need different types of foods at different times over the day. It is recommended that if you have a particular type of hiking food you love, then bring that with you!
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On night 1, Vermigehütte only accepts cash, and small cafes and farmers stalls along the route also on accept cash. The 2 hotels we stay at, and both restaurants we will go to for dinner on night 2 and 4, accept credit cards. I recommend you bring some Swiss Francs with you (or Euros are also sometimes accepted, but you will get Swiss Francs in change). I would bring ±200 CHF in cash per person, and a credit card.
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The best location to stay the night before and after the hike is in Andermatt. For hotel and b’nb recommendations, please ask Nina.
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Booking Terms
A non-refundable deposit payment is required to secure your booking.
Balance payment is required 30 days prior to retreat start date.
If booking between within 30 days before start date, 100% payment is required to secure booking.
Cancellation terms
All payments are non-refundable.
In the event the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, we will set new dates in the future. 100% of payments made will go towards the new dates. If these dates don’t suit you, we will issue a full refund.
It is recommended that you get your own travel insurance.
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
