Difficulty level 4/5, moderate to difficult hiking. About 3 to 7 hours of hiking per day in rocky mountainous terrain, up to 16.9km/10.5mi in distance daily. Expect +300 to 1,200m/985 to 3,937ft of daily ascents. Highest elevation reached on this trip is 2,918m/9,574ft.

You only need to carry a small backpack during hikes with the necessary items for the day. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to next accommodations. Your luggage will arrive in the early evening each day.

Limited to 1 bag transported per person and a maximum weight of up to 15kg/33lbs per bag.

Possible for groups of 2 and above. Solo hikers are not allowed on this trip due to safety concerns.

Departures are possible anytime between early July and mid-September.

*Please be advised that the beginning of the season has a strong risk of snow and snowy conditions on the trail.

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days of hiking

Start

On day 1 in the afternoon at hotel check-in (~3pm) in Arolla.

Finish

On day 8 in Zermatt upon hotel check-out (~10am) in Zermatt.

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet (documents available in English, French & German) will be sent by email that includes access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only), the list of booked accommodations, any included travel vouchers and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, we can provide a printed version of the travel packet for an additional fee. It will be waiting and available at the 1st accommodation of the itinerary with maps, topo guide and travel folder. This must be requested at the time of booking. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or general orientation meeting for this tour.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

7 nights in private double occupancy rooms. From mountain lodges to 3* hotels, 1 night in a simple mountain lodge hotel with no en-suite bathroom option (Grüben). All other nights have en-suite bathrooms.

Meals

Dinners and Breakfasts: Included and served at hotels (except dinners in Tasch & Zermatt). These nights there are multiple restaurant options to choose from in town near accommodations. Lunches: It is always possible to ask for picnic lunches at the hotels, but you will also find grocery stores in all the villages to plan your own lunches. (Except in Grüben).

*Please let us know when you register if you are allergic to anything or if you have a special diet; we will do our best to have hotels adapt your meals.

It is possible to add extra nights before, during or after your tour in Arolla, Täsch or Zermatt. Please contact our sales team for availability and rates.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Arolla, Switzerland

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Zermatt, Switzerland

By Plane

The nearest airport to Arolla is Sion (SIR) Airport which is 75km/24mi away, but this airport has very limited flight options. There are better nearby larger international airports to use including Geneva (GVA), Zurich (ZRH) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). From any of these options a train can be planned to get to Sion (then bus to Arolla) or Zermatt. There may be private taxi options, but the costs will be high for this option from any of the international airports to Arolla/Zermatt.

By Train/Bus

From Zermatt, a great number of trains travel to Sion and/or other destinations (international airport cities). Zermatt is easily reached by train from many regional destinations.

From the Sion main railway station, you then take a taxi or bus to Arolla passing through Les Haudères. From Sion to Arolla thereare PostBus options (39km/24mi) at multiple times daily.

Pendolino or Eurocity Train (Milan - Sion - Geneva)

Website to see Train schedules: The SBB online portal for timetable, trains and public transport

Website to see bus schedules: Timetable and ticket purchases (postauto.ch)

By Car

The common arrival route is driving from Sion – Evolène – les Haudères – Arolla.

Parking - You can park your car at the first hotel, with advanced notice.

Travel story

Would you like to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the greater Grand Angle hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we can consider publishing on our blog.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Germany/Austria/Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the most common plugs are E/F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL: It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle/taxi, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is not allowed or easily stored on this trip beyond the 1 bag per person requirement. Maximum 15kg/33lbs per bag per person.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during hikes. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

Switzerland, the Swiss Confederation, capital city: Bern.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Switzerland Country Code: +41

European Emergency Services: 112

Swiss National tourist information office in Zurich Website: Switzerland Travel & Vacation | Switzerland Tourism (myswitzerland.com)

Valais Tourism Office Website: Holidays, Leisure, Gastronomy, Live & Work | Valais Switzerland

Evolène Region Tourism (regional tourist information office) Phone: +41272834000 Website: Welcome to Evolène Region | Evolène Région (evolene-region.ch)

Zermatt Tourism Office Website: Zermatt: Holidays in Switzerland & the Alps

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

In the Valais canton, French and German are spoken. Usually some English is spoken in all tourist areas.

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is used in all of Switzerland.

Change: possible in all railway stations, post offices or banks.

Evolene – 1:25,000, Vissoie – 1:25,000, Val d’Hérens - 1:25,000, Val d’Anniviers - 1:25,000, St Niklaus - 1:25,000, Zermatt / Gornergrat - 1:25,000