What you will experience

Set off on a 4-day trek around the monumental walls of the Dents du Midi, through mountain pastures, high-altitude lakes and mineral ridges.

Spend your first night at the Salanfe refuge (1,900m), by its turquoise lake, after crossing the spectacular Pas d'Encel canyon.

Follow the trail to the Col du Jorat (2,300m) in the early morning to spot ibex, chamois and golden eagles, before crossing the historic village of Mex.

Watch the sunrise from the Dent de la Valerette (2,059m), a natural balcony overlooking the Rhône valley.

Explore the ridges between the Dent de Valère and Lac de Soi, a wild jewel nestling in an Alpine cirque.

Sleep in typical refuges and inns (Salanfe, Chindonne, Anthème), amid mountain pastures, forests and mineral landscapes shaped by the Dents du Midi.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 4
- Accommodation·Refuge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·750m
  descent
- D+·1500m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·15km
  KM covered
Meet at 8.45 am at Champéry station, the starting point for our adventure around the Dents du Midi. After a briefing and a final check of our rucksacks, we’ll set off at a gentle pace to get to know one another: this first stage of 15 km, with 1,500 metres of ascent and 750 metres of descent, gives us time to find our rhythm.

The climb steepens rapidly and takes us through a beautiful spruce forest, before a ridge path in the Cirque de la Saufla immerses us in a high-mountain atmosphere. Next comes the technical section at the Pas d’Encel, a spectacular limestone canyon, which suddenly opens out onto the flower-filled meadows of Susanfe. The contrast is striking: beautiful limestone cliffs, millions of years old, tell the geological story of the place.

We head up the valley to a stone hut, where a well-deserved break with a hot drink is in order. Refreshed, we continue our ascent to the pass, at 2,400 metres, before beginning our first descent towards Lake Salanfe. We reach a Mountain hut situated right by the water’s edge, at 1,900 metres, for our first night at altitude.

The guide reserves the right to alter the route depending on weather conditions or if the schedule is not adhered to.

2
DAY2/ 4
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·1400m
  descent
- D+·1500m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·18km
  KM covered
Our second day, covering 18 km with 1,500 m of ascent and 1,400 m of descent, begins with the climb up the Col du Jorat, at 2,300 m, a great way to warm up and, with a bit of luck, spot a few of the mountains’ elusive inhabitants.

This is followed by a long descent to Mex, a typical Valais village dominated by the majestic Cime de l’Est, which belonged to Savoy until 1476. After a welcome break in this authentic setting, we gain altitude again and skirt the Dents du Midi via a series of ascents and descents, amongst mountain pastures and shaded paths.

We round off the day with the climb to our guesthouse, nestled at 1,600 metres, where we’ll spend our second night enjoying a hearty hot meal.
3
DAY3/ 4
- D-·850m
  descent
- D+·1300m
  Vertical ascent
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we will spend the night
- Distance·16km
  KM covered
An early start for this third stage of 16 km (1,300 m ascent, 850 m descent), with our sights set on a memorable sunrise from the Dent de la Valerette, at 2,059 m – a veritable natural balcony overlooking the Rhône Valley.

We’ll then follow a magnificent ridge to the foot of the Dent de Valère, winding our way between valleys and ridges, high above the still-slumbering mountain pastures. If time and the group’s energy allow, a detour is a must to discover Lake Soi, a wild gem nestled in a rocky cirque – a place that would be a shame to miss.

We’ll finally reach a mountain hut at 2,000 metres, where we’ll spend our last night in a refuge, lulled by the silence of the mountains.
4
DAY4/ 4
- D-·1000m
  descent
- D+·50m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·8km
  KM covered
After our final morning in the shadow of the Dents du Midi, we leave the mountains behind for good as we set off on this final leg of our return journey to the valley. The descent is gentle and gradual: we cross several mountain pastures, rejoin the Saufla torrent which we follow closely, before making our way leisurely down to the village of Champéry.

We’ve come full circle! A final drink, or a pizza at the village pizzeria, would be the perfect way to round off these four days of hiking around the Dents du Midi.

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The guides who will lead your adventure

Virginie

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

Hi, I’m Virginie. I left my native Switzerland to settle in Grenoble, France. That’s where I discovered the best job in the world: being a mountain leader!

I’ve devoted myself fully to this work since the end of 2023. Always on the move, I explore the summits through trail running, hiking and climbing, just to keep things varied. Sharing my passion enriches me day by day, and I feel lucky to make a living from it.

Find out more about Virginie

What's included in the price

Included

Throughout your stay, you'll be supervised by Virginie, a mountain leader.

Accommodation: you will sleep 3 nights in a dormitory, in a mountain hut or hostel.

Catering: Breakfasts and evening meals are included from the first evening until breakfast on the last day.

Picnics: Lunches are included every day, except for the first lunch when you will have to bring your own picnic.

Not included

Transport to and from the starting point of your adventure.

Any personal consumption in accommodation.

The picnic lunch on day 1.

Everything that is not included in "What's included in the price".

What level to expect?

Level 3

Participants must be at least 18 years old

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This trek is for experienced hikers looking for a real sporting challenge, with several technical and exposed sections around the Dents du Midi.

You're at the right level if:

You're comfortable with hikes of 6 to 7 hours per day, including up to 1,500m of ascent
You're ready to hike independently, carrying a rucksack with all the gear you'll need for the expedition
You appreciate the comfort of a gîte or a staffed mountain hut, where a hearty hot meal and an authentic alpine atmosphere await you after a day on the trails
You're prepared to take on a variety of alpine trails, including accessible technical sections in stunning mineral landscapes (including the Pas d'Encel)
You're not prone to severe vertigo and you're comfortable on moderately exposed passes and ridges
You're looking for a full mountain immersion, blending effort, exploration, and shared moments in a wild and unspoiled setting

Take the level quiz

Getting there

Start · 08h45

Champéry railway station, Switzerland

End · 15h00

Champéry railway station, Switzerland

Transport

By train

Want to skip the traffic and travel stress-free? The train is your ally. Here's the route to follow to reach Champéry, via Geneva and Aigle:

Departure station > Geneva
Geneva > Aigle (1h16)
Aigle > Champéry (1h)

Indicative arrival times

Meeting point at 8:45am at Champéry train station (1874 Champéry, Switzerland).

Train at 5:38am from Geneva to Aigle
Train at 7:38am from Aigle to Champéry

Indicative return times

End of the trip at Champéry train station at 12:00pm.

Train at 12:48pm from Champéry to Aigle
Train at 2:26pm from Aigle to Geneva

Don't hesitate to check the timetables in real time on the CFF website to plan your journey as well as possible.

By car

Prefer the freedom of a road trip?

You can get to Aigle by car, where you can park your car free of charge in the car park at the meeting point.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

4.8/ 5 · based on 2 reviews

Boonaert C.

La très bonne préparation par Wildhartt et la qualité du guide qui nous a accompagné ont fait de ce tour des Dents du Midi une expérience réussie pour tout notre groupe: 4 jours de partage et de découverte dans un cadre montagneux splendide. Je vous le recommande vivement !

Dupont C.

Des paysages sublimes et variés, un chouette groupe et un excellent encadrement par Aurélien: tout était au top pour ce tour des Dents du Midi que je conseille vivement. Aurélien a proposé des variantes adaptées à l'évolution du groupe et aux conditions météo (évitant ainsi les averses). Nous avons reçu beaucoup de conseils techniques très utile pour progresser, et des explications instructives sur la géologie, la végétation, la faune, le milieu alpin. Marmottes, chamois et bouquetins étaient bien présents. Très bonne ambiance tout au long du séjour ;-).

Denise H.

Guide très agréable, à l écoute des désirs et des aptitudes des participants. Refuge, accueil très sympathique, repas de qualité et très savoureux. Belle experience. Merci

Marie F.

Absolument ravie d’être passée par Wildhartt pour ma première expérience de trek/bivouak ! Notre guide Thomas était top, l’organisation parfaite (matériel, repas, logistique) La création du groupe Whatsapp en amont du départ est un vrai + Hâte de réserver ma prochaine aventure !

Christophe R.

Nous avons participé cet été à cette randonnée itinérante de 5 jours avec des ânes en famille, avec nos deux enfants de 8 et 11 ans, et nous en gardons un très beau souvenir. Un grand merci à notre accompagnateur, Romain, qui a parfaitement géré le séjour du début à la fin, y compris lors des moments plus compliqués. Il est très présent et prend en charge une grande partie des aspects pratiques, ce qui est particulièrement appréciable. Il faut cependant garder à l'esprit qu'il reste tout de même un certain nombre de choses à gérer en tant que participant, notamment lorsqu'on voyage avec des enfants. Le matériel fourni pour les ânes était parfaitement adapté et nous a permis de profiter pleinement de l'expérience. Quant au parcours, il était tout simplement magnifique, avec des paysages variés et superbes. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié le premier bivouac, qui se trouvait dans un cadre splendide, ainsi que la nuit en auberge dont le confort a été très apprécié après deux étapes fatigantes. Concernant les points plus mitigés, nous avons trouvé que le début du parcours était sensiblement plus difficile et technique que ce à quoi nous nous attendions au regard du niveau annoncé pour le séjour. La conduite des ânes demande un temps d'adaptation, et la combinaison de cette découverte avec des étapes de randonnée déjà exigeantes a rendu les deux premiers jours assez sportifs. Heureusement, Romain a su s'adapter à la situation en modifiant intelligemment l'itinéraire afin d'alléger la troisième journée. Cette adaptation nous a permis de récupérer et de profiter pleinement de la suite du séjour. Malgré cette réserve sur le niveau de difficulté du début du parcours, nous recommandons cette expérience pour la qualité de l'encadrement, la beauté des paysages et l'originalité de l'aventure avec les ânes.

Frequently asked questions

What meals are included?

All meals are provided from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the fourth day. Breakfast and dinner are served in the mountain huts or inns, generally based on local produce and adapted to your energy requirements. Picnics for lunch are taken from the mountain huts each morning.

Are there any dizzying passages?

Yes, there are some moderately vertiginous sections, particularly at the Pas d'Encel and on certain ridges. These sections may impress some people who are sensitive to heights, but they remain accessible to hikers used to mountain trails. It is important to be comfortable on varied terrain and not suffer from severe vertigo to fully enjoy the expedition. The guide will be present to accompany and advise each participant on these passages to ensure a safe crossing.

Can I arrive the day before or extend my stay?

Yes, it is possible to arrive earlier or extend your stay after the expedition. To make things easier for you, we offer optional extra nights when you book. If you wish to organise your stay outside these options, we recommend that you contact the local accommodation providers or the Champéry tourist office directly for the best options for accommodation and additional activities.

What equipment should you take with you on the Dents du Midi tour?

A detailed list will be sent after registration. Here is an overview of the recommended equipment: Backpack: 40-50 litres Hiking shoes: suitable and already broken in Clothing: suitable for mountain conditions (waterproof jacket, fleece, hat, gloves) Sun protection: cream, sunglasses, cap Hiking poles: useful for comfort and balance Water bottle or bag: minimum capacity of 1.5 litres Sleeping bag liner: for nights in mountain huts

How big is the group?

The number of participants is limited to 8 to ensure a friendly, personalised experience.

What are the options for special diets?

The accommodation offers meals suitable for vegetarians and can, as far as possible, cater for certain dietary restrictions (gluten-free, lactose-free). It is essential to indicate any dietary restrictions at the time of registration, or when requested by the Wildhartt team via the expedition's Whatsapp group, so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

How comfortable is the accommodation?

The accommodation on this tour is mountain refuges and inns, offering a warm, rustic atmosphere. Situated in the heart of nature, they offer total immersion in breathtaking scenery, with breathtaking views of the Dents du Midi, the Alpine valleys and sometimes even spectacular sunrises or sunsets. The dormitories are equipped with duvets or blankets, but it is necessary to bring a sheet for reasons of hygiene. Facilities include toilets, and hot showers are available in some huts (sometimes at an extra cost). The communal areas are designed to offer a moment of relaxation and sharing with other hikers. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange experiences, relax after a day's walking and enjoy meals prepared with local produce.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful break — some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
24% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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4-Day Trek around the Dents du Midi

What you will experience

Itinerary