The itinerary starts from Tourbillon, in the upper part of the Ovronnaz resort. A forest track leads to Patiers, a small hamlet in the middle of a wide clearing. Follow the track for about a kilometre and then take a left fork to start the ascent that will lead you up through the forest to the Croix de Loutse: an enjoyable climb that requires relatively little effort.
A splendid view looks out over the horizon. The trail that follows the road leads you to a mountain pasture and on to the Loutze buvette. The spacious terrace provides a welcome break, and the many regional specialities will appeal to food lovers. In the summer, a nearby dairy also sells its delicacies.
The footpath to the west of the buvette is the start of the descent. From the plateau of the Pro Paron colony, the route runs down through the forest and is occasionally quite steep. It will lead you down to the Couvert de Tourbillon.
Did you know?
The track can be used all year round. During the winter, the track is marked for snowshoers and hikers.
The parish of Chamoson owns the colony on the Pro Paron plateau. In 1934, Marie-Louise Delaloye, a nurse from Chamoson, built a chalet in an attempt to fight tuberculosis and provide mountain holidays for local schoolchildren.
The colony was destroyed by an avalanche in 1965 and rebuilt in 1968 thanks to Mademoiselle Delaloye’s savings.
Parking at Tourbillon. Catering: buvette de Loutse.
