Self-guided · Valais, Switzerland
A wild circuit
around the seven peaks
of the Valais Alps.
A legendary 5-day loop through the high, wild country of the Swiss Chablais — a world of limestone towers, lunar cols, and the 3,257-metre summit of the Haute Cime.
- Days
- 5
- Distance
- 47 km
- Ascent
- 2,850 m
- Grade
- Moderate to challenging
Trip Essentials
The walk
The pioneer of
mountain trekking.
Rising from the Rhône Valley near the French border, the seven jagged peaks of the Dents du Midi are one of the most iconic sights in the Swiss Alps. This classic 5-day circuit was one of the first established trekking routes in the mountains, yet it remains surprisingly wild and authentic, far from the crowds of the more famous Alpine trails.
The route starts in the quiet village of Mex and climbs steadily into a world of high alpine pastures and dramatic rock formations. You'll traverse balcony paths with views across the North Face, navigate the chain-secured Pas d'Encel gorge, and cross the lunar landscape of the Col de Susanfe. For those with the legs for it, the optional ascent of the Haute Cime (3,257m) offers a panoramic reward that stretches from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc.
Every night is spent in a mountain refuge or gîte, where a warm welcome and a hearty half-board meal await. This is a trek for those who love the high mountains—raw, spectacular, and deeply immersive.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Mex → Chindonne
3.5 h · +750 m / −300 m · 9 kmStart from the village of Mex, climbing gently through forests and high mountain pastures. The path leads to the Chindonne inn, with an optional, more challenging variant via the Dent de Valerette for those wanting an early panoramic view.
- 02
Chindonne → Cabane d'Anthème
4 h · +700 m / −300 m · 12 kmA superb balcony walk beneath the North Face of the Dents du Midi. Traverse the valleys of the Val d'Illiez and the Chalin mountain pasture, keeping a lookout for chamois, before reaching the perched Anthème huts overlooking Champéry.
- 03
Cabane d'Anthème → Cabane de Susanfe
4 h · +700 m / −650 m · 9 kmHead for the Pas d'Encel, a narrow and impressive gorge navigated via a path secured by chains. Beyond lies the hidden Susanfe valley, a high-altitude sanctuary cut off from the world, where you'll stay in the hospitable Swiss Alpine Club refuge.
- 04
Cabane de Susanfe → Salanfe
3 h · +400 m / −600 m · 8 kmThe highest day of the tour. Climb to the lunar landscape of the Col de Susanfe. If conditions allow, leave your bags for the optional ascent of the Haute Cime (3,257m). Descend to the shores of the Salanfe reservoir for the night.
- 05
Salanfe → Mex
4 h · +300 m / −1100 m · 9 kmA final climb to the Col du Jorat for a wide panorama over the Rhône Valley. From here, begin the long, scenic descent back down to Mex, returning to the valley and completing your circuit of the massif.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Four nights in mountain refuges and gîtes. Accommodation is generally in small dormitories, though private rooms may be available at Mex and Salanfe (subject to availability). Showers are available on nights 1 and 4. These are authentic mountain stops—cosy, communal, and perfectly placed.
Getting there
Accessible by train from Geneva to Saint-Maurice, followed by a postal bus to Mex. Free parking is available in Mex for those arriving by car. We provide full travel details in your road-book.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Four nights half-board in mountain refuges and gîtes
Detailed road-book and IGN maps (one set per group)
Digital route files for navigation
Organisational costs and tourist taxes
All planning and support from Big Trail Adventures
Not included
- Picnic lunches (orderable at each refuge)
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Travel to and from the start point in Mex
- Cancellation and mountain rescue insurance
- Guiding — this is a self-guided tour
Book your Tour of the Dents du Midi — 5 days adventure.
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
How difficult is the Pas d'Encel?
It's a narrow gorge with some exposure, but the path is well-maintained and equipped with fixed chains for security. It's manageable for anyone with a steady head for heights and basic mountain experience.
Is the Haute Cime ascent mandatory?
No, it's an optional out-and-back from the Col de Susanfe. If you're feeling tired or the weather is poor, you can skip it and head straight down to Salanfe, saving about 4 hours of walking and 750m of ascent.
Do I need to carry all my gear?
Yes, this is a traditional mountain trek where you carry your own kit. However, as it's only 5 days and you're staying half-board, a 30-40 litre pack should be plenty.
When is the best time to go?
The season is short due to the altitude of the passes. July and August are prime time; by mid-September, snow can start to return to the higher sections.
Is there phone signal on the trail?
Signal is intermittent and non-existent in the Susanfe valley. It's a great opportunity to disconnect, but we recommend downloading offline maps or using the paper maps provided.