Ovronnaz – Derborence
Use the Jorasse chairlift to access the hillside path leading to the Pierre à Vatserou. The route twists and turns through picturesque countryside, passing through Plan Coppel and Plan Salentse, with the Petit and Grand Muveran in the background. The twists and turns will take you to the Rambert hut, offering breathtaking views of the Valais Alps, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, via the Combins and the Dents-du-Midi. You might even be lucky enough to spot an ibex!
The route continues towards the Col de la Forcla, dominated by the Dent de Chamosentse reflected in the waters of the Lac de la Forcla. The lunar landscape is revealed with its rocks, pebbles, cliffs, névés and marshes. The mineral valley of Derbonne, reminiscent of Mars, leads the hiker to the Derborence nature reserve. On the way, the rustic gîte on the Dorbon mountain pasture (La Chaux) offers a well-deserved respite. The mysterious world of Derborence, with its turquoise lake, brings this wilderness hiking experience to a close.
Finish your adventure by taking the post bus back down to the plain along a winding, spectacular route: an experience not to be missed!
From Sion, Ovronnaz is easily reached by train and bus.
Access to the Tour :
Jorasse chairlift
Return journey:
Bus : Derborence - Sion / Train : Sion - Riddes or bus : Sion - Leytron / Bus : Riddes - Ovronnaz
Catering: Jorasse mountain restaurant - Rambert hut - Dorbon gîte - Refuge du Lac
Features
Duration
6h (no break)
Length
16 km
Difficulty
Medium / T2-T3
Height difference
+979 m / -1454 m
Minimum altitude
1456 m
Maximum altitude
2584 m
Starting point
Jorasse arrival of the chairlift
Point of arrival
Lac de Derborence hut
Period
Depending on snow conditions and the opening of the Derborence road
Did you know ?
Charles Ferdinand Ramuz's novel "Derborence", published in 1934, tells the story of a shepherd who is buried when a cliff collapses on the Valais side of the Diablerets massif on 23 September 1714. These famous rockfalls, like the one in 1749, caused extensive damage.
In 1958, the Sion - Derborence postal line was officially opened. The daily journey was an adventure: it left Sion at 9.30am, but it was impossible to predict the time of arrival! The driver was equipped with a pick and sledgehammer to deal with any rocks that fell during the night...
