Eurotrek Alpine: Alpes Vaudoises

Upon your arrival in Gstaad, drop your luggage off and take the bus to Gsteig. Today’s stage begins starts in Gsteig bei Gstaad, a municipality in the canton of Bern, and leads along old mule tracks over the Col du Sanetsch – a historic pass that crosses into Valais. The panoramic views both of the Valais Alps and the Les Diablerets glacial world in Vaud are simply magnificent.

Today’s stage takes you on an impressive trail past the rocky Lapis de Zanfleuron limestone formations, over a few exposed sections and into the Derborence nature reserve, one of Switzerland’s last primeval mountain forests. It’s here, in the nature reserve surrounding Lac de Derborence, where you’ll spend the night.

You’ll kick today off by hiking through the rocky Derbonne valley, before the route climbs steadily uphill to Lac de la Forcle. The path up to the pass Col de la Forcle leads you past the last remnants of the glacier of the same name, which you’ll be able to see on your right.

Once you reach the pass, stunning views of the Vaud Alps’ jagged peaks unfurl before you. The descent takes you over rocky and gravelly paths. Your destination, the Cabane Rambert, is just a short climb away from here.

The Plan Salentse is gravelly and rocky, with short sections secured with ropes. The Rhône valley unfurls before you on your descent to the cable car at Bougnonne, the mid-point of today’s stage, before you then continue up to the Col de Fenestral on secured and well-maintained paths with the water in the Fully reservoirs glistening in the sun just below you. Your evening accommodation is the Cabane du Demècre, which is over 2,300 metres above sea level.

This stage consists of a long descent via Portail de Fully to the Plan de la Mèna ridge. You can look forward to impressive views down into the Rhône valley today. Eventually, you’ll wind your way down to Branson and continue by bus to Saillon, where, if you wish, you can take the strain off your tired knees with a swim.