Thru-hiking trails

Europe / Trails / Alpine Passes Trail

The Alpine Passes Trail, or the Alpine Pass Route in Switzerland, is a trail for mountain lovers. You hike 38 sections from St. Moritz to St. Gingolph in the Southern Alps near Lake Geneva. Along the way, you cross the Graubünden, Ticino, and Wallis regions, to end in Vaud. During the hike, you cross 32 mountain passes and are surrounded by 4000-meter-high alpine peaks. After a long day, you can relax in one of the SAC huts of the Swiss Alpine Society. The trail is 695 kilometers long and involves 442000 altimeters(!). If you like a physical challenge and want the best views of Switzerland, this is the trail for you! There are few people that hike this trail in one go, so it is very doable to hike the trail in different sections.  

Graubünden

The Alpine Passes Trail starts in St. Moritz in the region of Graubünden. The trail begins with a section that takes you 11 kilometers and two mountain passes towards the Jenatsch-hut, the highest SAC-mountain hut in the Graubünden at an altitude of 2652 meters. In the hut, you are able to recover from your first day with inspiring views over the valley. Talk about a strong start to your thru-hike! 

One of the trail’s highlights is in the Greina plateau. This is a high-altitude plateau that is 6 kilometers long and one kilometer wide, at an altitude of 2000 meters. However, because this is a protected nature reserve, you can only access it on foot, and you will encounter unique plants and animals along the way. After eight sections and around 150 kilometers, you will leave the Graubünden and enter Ticino. 

All images by Switzerland Tourism

Ticino

The Alpine Passes Trail continues in the southern region of Switzerland, Ticino. The name already suggests it, but this is the Italian part of Switzerland. Because of this, the Swiss kitchen makes a place for lasagna, tiramisu, and delicious coffees at the mountain huts. On the trail, you will cross rocky fields and various passes in order to reach cozy mountain huts. You pass waterfalls and mountain lakes, which give you an opportunity to relax and cool down.

Don’t miss it! The Capanna Gorna Gries is one of the most beautiful mountain huts on the route. You will notice it from a distance with its small foundation and protruding roof. In total, you hike four whole and two-half sections in Ticino in order to continue to Wallis. 

Wallis

The southern atmospheres make place for the 4000-ers in the region of Wallis. This region is unprecedented. From the Aletsch-glacier, the largest in Europe, to the magnificent Matterhorn, this region has it all. For reference, there are 48 mountains above 4000 meters in Switzerland, and 41 of them are in Wallis. And luckily, the longest part of the trail takes you through this region.

You will encounter the large Simplon Hospice at 2000 meters. In 1800, Napoleon ordered the construction of this hospice and it is still running. Continue hiking towards the Saas-Fee, where you cross the Balfrin Panorama Trail. This trail provides excellent views of the glaciers and snowy peaks of the 4000-ers in the region. Not surprisingly, you also cross the most prominent pass of the trail in Wallis, the Col de Prafleuri, which is nearly 3000 meters. Here you have a magnificent view of the eponymous glacier, and if you are lucky you can see some locals; the ibex! After 24 sections, you have almost reached the terminus and are now entering Vaud. 

Vaud

The final two sections of the trail are in the region of Vaud. You survived the toughest parts and are now descending slowly toward Lake Geneva. The final climb takes you over Col de Lovenex, where you are rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Leman. One final descent of 1400 meters and you have reached St-Gindolp; the end of the trail. An unforgettable experience right through the Swiss mountains. 

Don’t forget

For thru-hiking we have prepared a gear list, which you can find here. Some of the items that you should not forget on the Alpine Passes Trail are: 

  • Sleeping bag liner -> for the nights in the mountain huts
  • Hiking poles -> to spare your knees during the descents 
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses -> to protect yourself against the sun

 

Best time to hike

If you want to hike the whole trail in one go, the best time to hike is during the summer months. Be aware that during early summer, there might be snow patches, and in the autumn there is a chance of snow. Either way, be prepared for all weather circumstances; the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Always make sure to book mountain huts, this ensures that you do not have to sleep on the ground. This trail is for experienced hikers only; prepare yourself and know how to navigate in the backcountry.

Useful links

More info: Alpine Passes Trail

Route: Schweizmobil

 

 

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