28 July 2025
On the mountainside above Crans-Montana, the Bisse du Ro is a spectacular hike which combines wild nature with cultural heritage and thrills. This emblematic trail links Lake Tseuzier to the centre of Crans-Montana via vertiginous footbridges, rocky passages and breathtaking views.
Carved out of the rock in the 15th Century to irrigate crops, this suspended water channel bears witness to the ingenuity of local inhabitants at the time, who had to contend with unforgiving terrain to get a vital water supply to their land. Decommissioned in 1946 to make way for a tunnel, the ‘bisse’ was preserved as a hiking route, thanks to local efforts.
A perfectly safe trail today, the route is still impressive: from cliffs to forest on scree and former avalanche corridors, you will see the ruggedness of the Rière valley, and the wilderness of the Ertentse. An aerial footbridge inaugurated in 2020 adds a dizzying touch to this unforgettable experience.
Worth noting: the first 3 kilometres are accessible to everyone, but from point 1,598 onwards, caution is strongly advised, even if the trail is accessible.
Our tip: stop off at Pascal Cordonier's little hut on the dam, where you can enjoy one of the most emblematic Valais dishes: raclette.
Details
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, 4/5
Distance: 11.3km
Duration: 3h35
Ascent: 144 m
Descent: 429 m
How to get there
By public transport: Be sure to check the bus timetables to get to the starting point.
By car: Car park at Lake Tseuzier (Ayent) and return from Crans-Montana by bus (check the bus timetables carefully)
Do you fancy a timeless hike to the top of the known world? The Another Time trail plunges you into a lunar landscape above the Plaine Morte, at an altitude of almost 2,900 metres. This short but striking trail, marked by cairns (piles of stones), invites you to engage in a geological, glaciological and almost philosophical meditation.
In around fifteen minutes, you walk through a mineral landscape, along a symbolic path towards the «Maybe Lake» — a lake that doesn’t yet exist, but which could soon appear in place of the melting glacier. It would be the first lake in the world to be named before it was born.
The "Another Time" trail is a sensory and contemplative experience, between climatic gravity and alpine poetry, and is the perfect way to round off a day in the mountains, and it is ideal for families.
At the end of the trail, you are invited to place your own stone in the forest of cairns, a collective work which is constantly evolving, at the edge of the eternal silence of the high mountains.
Details
Difficulty: Very easy, 1/5
Distance: 0.5km
Duration: 15min
Ascent: 38m
Descent: 92m
How to get there By public transport:
- From Sierre station, take the SMC funicular or an SMC bus to Crans-Montana.
- From Sion station, take the Car Postal. Once there, free SMC shuttle buses run to the ‘Crans-Montana, Barzettes’ bus stop Take the ski lifts to the top of Violettes, and then the Funitel to Plaine Morte, where the trail starts.
By car: Parking is available under the cable car (Parking Barzettes-Violettes), then take the cable car and Funitel up to Plaine Morte.
Between Cry d'Er and the Cabane des Violettes, the Marmot Trail takes you into the heart of the these endearing rodents’ favourite territory. They have become real mascots for Crans-Montana. Here, on the well-exposed, rocky slopes, these inhabitants of the mountain pastures have made their home in a sunny area of scree, dotted with hiding places, observation points, water sources and tender grasses - a real paradise for marmots.
From the summit of Cry d'Er (accessible by ski lift), a panoramic descent takes you gently down to the Cabane des Violettes, following a signposted path along which observing these small animals becomes a game of patience and wonder. Their ability to detect the slightest vibration or movement makes them veritable sentinels of the mountain.
On arrival at the Cabane des Violettes, you have two choices: continue the adventure on foot via the Pépinet mountain pasture to Vermala, with a breathtaking backdrop of peaks over 4,000 m high (Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa etc.) or opt for a descent by gondola.
This hike is ideal for families or groups of friends who want to explore an exceptional mountain ecosystem that is both accessible and alive.
We recommend taking a break at the Cabane des Violettes:
Nestling at an altitude of 2,200 metres, this authentic mountain refuge offers breathtaking views of the Alpine giants. The hut offers simple, tasty mountain cuisine using local produce, as well as rustic but comfortable accommodation. The atmosphere is friendly, with a warm welcome, and the sunny terrace alone is worth the diversion.
Tip: In high season, it's best to book for meals or overnight stays.
Information & booking: Cabane des Violettes website
Details
Difficulty: Moderate, 3/5
Distance: 6.2 km
Duration: 2 hours
Ascent: 80m
Descent: 682m
How to get there
By public transport:
- From Sierre station, take the SMC funicular or an SMC bus to Crans-Montana.
- From Sion, take the Car Postal. When you arrive, take the free SMC shuttle bus to the Crans-Cry d'Er ski lifts (the nearest stop is Crans-Montana, télé Cry d'Er.)
By car: The Crans-Cry d'Er car park is available at the departure point of the Crans-Cry d’Er gondola, then take the ski lift to Cry d'Er.
This summer, let the paths of Crans-Montana tell you their stories. Between spectacular natural surroundings, living traditions and moments suspended in time, each trail promises escape.
Get your hiking boots on, fill up your water bottle and set off to explore! Whether you're looking for thrills, nature or to explore alpine culture, these three walks are sure to be a memorable part of your holiday.
And if you want more, don't hesitate to get even more hiking inspiration on our special page.
