Tour du St. Bernard

The Tour du St. Bernard is the perfect alternative to the overcrowded Tour du Mont Blanc. In 4–8 days, you’ll traverse the Swiss canton of Valais, home to numerous 4,000-meter peaks, cross into Italy, and come close to Mont Blanc. Along the way, you’ll find cozy huts and a monastery where you can stay overnight, keeping your backpack light. When I hiked the route in mid-September, we encountered more animals than people: chamois, marmots, and even a snake!

Overview of the Tour du St. Bernard

• Distance: 90–120 km
• Duration: 4–7 days
• Elevation Gain: 6,000–8,000 meters
• Difficulty: Challenging, with some high-alpine terrain and a few sections secured with ropes.
• Best Time to Visit: June–September

In winter 2024, I spent two months in Liddes learning to ski. While there, I came across several hiking maps and knew I had to return in summer. Since I was traveling to Liddes in September for the Nomadfest Switzerland, I took the opportunity to combine it with a hut-to-hut tour in the St. Bernard Valley.

I was joined by Mountain Brat Julia. After my solo hike in the Pyrenees earlier that summer, I was glad not to venture out alone this time. Julia also got a glimpse into the life of digital nomads, as we spent a few days at the Coliving Swiss Alps before and after the hike.

 We began in Liddes, hiking clockwise, though you can start at La Fouly or the St. Bernard Pass and hike in either direction. The tour can be shortened or extended to suit your preferences, and I recommend allowing 4–8 days to complete it.

Stage 1: Liddes – Cabane de Mille

From the small village of Liddes, a steep but safe trail leads up to the Cabane de Mille. From the hut, you can explore nearby peaks or simply enjoy the views. The hut offers postcards for purchase (card payment accepted).

 

Stage 2: Cabane de Mille – Bourg Saint Pierre

From the hut at nearly 2,500 meters, descend into the valley to Bourg Saint Pierre. Accommodation options include hotels, inns, and a campsite where you can book rooms or small cabins. The campsite owner even helped us out with cash when we needed it.

Alternative Stage 2: If you prefer not to stay in the valley, you can hike to the Cabane de Valsorey or Cabane Velan. However, this route is more challenging, with exposed sections secured by ropes. Avoid this option if snow is present.

Stage 3: Bourg Saint Pierre – Hospice de St. Bernard

Despite being near a road, the trail is scenic, passing a reservoir before ascending to the St. Bernard Pass near the Italian border. Overnight at the Hospice de St. Bernard, a monastery that welcomes hikers.

Stage 4: Hospice de St. Bernard – Rifugio Bonatti (Italy)

This stage requires crossing a 3,000-meter pass with some scrambling (T4 difficulty). Due to snow and early winter conditions, we opted to descend directly to La Fouly instead. The Rifugio Bonatti lies on the Tour du Mont Blanc and can be quite busy.

Alternative Stage 4: Descend from the hospice to La Fouly via the Lacs de Fenêtre, avoiding the challenging pass.

 Stage 5: Rifugio Bonatti – La Fouly

From Italy, cross the Grand Col Ferret back into Switzerland with views of Mont Blanc. This route overlaps with the Tour du Mont Blanc and can be crowded.

Stage 6: La Fouly – Cabane de la Tsissette

A steep ascent leads through the Combe de l’A nature reserve to the Cabane de la Tsissette, known for its fondue and wildlife spotting.

Stage 7: Cabane de la Tsissette – Liddes

Descend to Liddes via a shorter forest road or a longer, scenic woodland trail.

 

Practical Tips

• Getting There: Reach Valais by train via Zurich, Basel, or Lausanne to Martigny, then connect to Liddes or other starting points by bus.
• Accommodation: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts offer basic facilities with dormitory-style rooms. Book online and expect prices between 70–90 CHF (including half-board).
• Best Time: Trails are often snow-free from July to September.
• Provisions: Small supermarkets and restaurants are available in key towns. Huts offer meals and packed lunches.
• Money: Not all huts accept cards. Bring Swiss Francs for payments.

For a detailed packing list and GPS tracks, visit my Komoot profile or download the Swiss Topo app for the most reliable maps.

Enjoy your adventure on the Tour du St. Bernard!