Meeting at Champery train station at noon, we’ll check gear before starting our hike. The trail gradually ascends from the village into a remote mountain valley, offering stunning alpine views. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Bonavau Refuge, a cozy hut with classic Swiss charm. Here, we’ll settle in, enjoy the valley views, and savor a home-cooked meal—our perfect introduction to the journey ahead. Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) | Elevation Gain: +580 m (+1,903 ft) -66 m (-217 ft) | Time: 4 hours

An early start takes us through the Pass d'Encel, a steep, rocky ascent with chain supports. After a break at Cabane Susanfe, we continue up to Col du Susanfe. Here, we can either descend or, if conditions allow, tackle the Dent de Midi summit (3,300 m / 10,826 ft) for incredible views over Lake Geneva (+600 m, +4 km). A careful descent brings us to Lake Salanfe, a remote alpine valley where we’ll spend the night, watching for marmots and ibex near our refuge by the dam. Distance: 11–14 km (6.8 – 8.7 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,400 m to +2,000 m (+4,593 ft to +6,562 ft) | Time: 8+ hours

Today, we cross the Col du Jorat, winding through alpine woods and following a mountain stream before traversing high trails toward Chindonne. Upon arrival, we can relax on the terrace and reflect on our journey. For those with energy to spare, an optional ascent of Dent de Valerette offers one last rewarding summit. Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,100 m (+3,609 ft) -1,300 m (-4,265 ft) | Time: 7 hours

Our final day takes us along the south-facing slopes of the mountain as we make our way back to Champéry. We start with an optional ascent to Signal de Soi, then follow ancient shepherds’ paths down to Restaurant Les Rives, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned Swiss lunch. The journey concludes with a scenic walk through the Galerie Défago, a spectacular cliffside path offering stunning valley views. We expect to arrive back in Champéry by 4 PM, allowing time for evening flights from Geneva (8 PM or later). Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft) -1,650 m (-5,413 ft) | Time: 6 hours