28 July 2025
Crans-Montana offers a multitude of natural landscapes that make it a paradise for hikers. Among these routes is the authentic Across the Mountain Pastures hike, which immerses you in the pastoral heritage of the Haut-Plateau region, and which is accessible to anyone.
The starting point for this hike is Merbé, the mid-station on the Crans-Cry d'Er cable car. From the moment you arrive, the views over the surrounding peaks open out in front of you, it’s a promising start!
The trail starts at a leisurely pace as you walk through the pastures on the Corbyre Alp, the path then leads you to the Pépinet, Colombire and Prabaron pastures. These mountain pastures, still in use today, bear witness to an ancestral way of life when mountain farming followed the rhythm of the seasons, long before the arrival of tourism.
As you walk, you'll come across traditional mountain chalets or ‘mayens’, free-ranging herds and glimpses of the highest Alpine peaks, it’s truly a return to roots.
Halfway along the route, the Colombire Hamlet invites you to take an enlightening break. Its Ecomuseum traces the history of the region's ‘mayens’ and alpine pastures. It's an opportunity to gain a better understanding of local customs, in a place that is perfectly in harmony with the natural surroundings.
You can also enjoy a gourmet break at the Relais de Colombire, where local produce is highlighted - all with panoramic views to savour without moderation.
After this cultural interlude, the walk continues towards Plumachit and then Aminona, where nature becomes wilder and quieter. It's the perfect way to round off this walk, along a downhill route that is accessible to anyone.
A free shuttle bus awaits you in Aminona (line 431 "Aminona - Crans Forest") to take you to the centre of Crans-Montana and back to your PostBus stop for the return journey to Sion.
Outbound: Gare, Sion - Crans-Montana, Le Mérignou
Then take the Crans Cry d'Er gondola to the intermediate station: Merbé..
Return: Free shuttle bus 431 "Aminona-Crans Forest" to the Crans-Montana, télé Cry d’Er stop.
Then take the Car Postal from the Crans-Montana, Le Mérignou stop to Sion station.
If you're looking for a gentle, rewarding hike that's accessible without a car, Across the Mountain Pastures is for you.
