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Via Alpina Stage 79: Vernayaz - Trient

HardValais/Wallis · Switzerland

GPX
Distance
12.2 km (7.6 mi)
Elevation gain
1,448 m (4,751 ft)
Typical time
4 hr 43 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1,305 m (4,281 ft)

About Via Alpina Stage 79: Vernayaz - Trient

Via Alpina Stage 79: Vernayaz - Trient is a 12.2 km hiking route in Valais/Wallis, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 1,448 m (4,751 ft) along the way, topping out at 1,305 m (4,281 ft). Most people take around 4 hr 43 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

The higher sections open out completely, with ridgelines stacking into the distance on clear days.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Martigny-Ville, about 4.9 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by via-alpina.org.

In short, Via Alpina Stage 79: Vernayaz - Trient suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard12.2 km1,448 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+1,448 m
Descent
−600 m
High
1,305 m (4,281 ft)
Low
454 m (1,490 ft)
352 m616 m879 m1143 m1407 m0.0 km3.0 km6.0 km9.0 km12 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 77 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • High point of 1,305 m (4,281 ft)
  • Mountain
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
69/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
59/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
64/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
32/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
18/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Via Alpina Stage 79: Vernayaz - Trient

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Valais/Wallis · Switzerland

Distance
1.1 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
23 m
Typical duration
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