Trient - Chalet du Glacier - TrientWalk 8102
Canton - Valais / Wallis - Vallee du Trient
Author - Trient Office de Tourisme
Length - 8.0 km / 5 miles
Ascent - 310 metres / 1023 feet
Descent - 310 metres / 1023 feet
Time - 2.75 hours
Grade - easy/moderate
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This is a straightforward hike on easily graded paths. There are no difficulties with navigation.
Start & End - the village of Trient, 10 km. southwest of Martigny (VS).
From the village church walk up to the main road. Turn right in the direction of Forclaz. After a short distance along the road, take the signed track on the left which directs you to the Sentier du Bisse-Glacier. This leads you uphill to reach the main road to Forclaz. Go straight across the road and onto the track/footpath.
Height is gained as you zig-zag upwards. Meeting the transverse path from Forclaz, turn right and follow the drainage channel (bisse) south towards the Glacier du Trient. Almost level the path threads through trees with occasional views across the valley to the Col de Balme.
You reach the Chalet du Glacier (1583 m.) where refreshments are available in season. A grand view of the Glacier can be enjoyed whilst you take a break. For those with energy to spare you can walk closer to the foot of the glacier.
Leave the Chalet du Glacier on the same path used for the outward route and take the first path left. Cross the footbridge over the glacial river and turn right. This path leads to a metalled lane that will take you back to Trient.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5003 - Mont Blanc - Grand Combin
Recommended Books
Walking in the Valais
Comprehensive guidebook to the Valais region, describing 111 day walks and 10 multi-day tours. Home to the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche, the routes are in the Fieschertal and the Aletsch glacier region, the Lötschental, Saastal, Mattertal, Turtmanntal, Val d'Anniviers, Val d'Herens, Val de Bagnes, Val Ferret and Vallée du Trient.
The Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1
Guidebook to the Alpine Pass Route following the Swiss Via Alpina 1, a 360km trek east-west across Switzerland, from Sargans, on the border of Liechtenstein, to Montreux, including prologue from Liechtenstein. A demanding 3-week trek described in 18 stages, crossing 16 passes including the 2778m Hohtürli. Requires good fitness and experience.