Tour des Dents-du-midi

There are multiple route options for the Tour des Dents-du-Midi, and this is one of them. They’ll vary based on their starting points.
You’ll start at the Anteme hut and hike toward the Signal de Soi. The regular path will take you on a beautiful crossing under the rocks, with torrents from the Soi glacier. This route is dominated by the north face of the Dents-du-Midi and the Chalin glacier and crosses the Chalin cirque to the Majedo clearing. You will be led down through a wooded valley to the Valère and Valerette mountain pastures, to reach the Chindonne mountain pasture.

From Chindonne, you’ll then cross the undergrowth to the Chalet in Bagnes. You will have to cross the forest of Cleusey, cross the Mauvoisin torrent, and reach the Fahy mountain pasture to see the waterfalls. The path then crosses the Mauvoisin several times, where it passes through the forests of Seintanère and Orgières to arrive in Mex. A diversion is possible to Vérossaz, and an alternative route exists in the event of flooding of the Mauvoisin.

Then, you will depart from Mex by a forest road. From here, you will undertake a crossing of the Saint-Barthélemy torrent on a footbridge. To reach the Col du Jorat, you will have to go through a steep, winding path. It’s worth it though, because from here, it’s possible to access and enjoy a panoramic view of the Salanfe plateau, its lake and its dam, framed by the Dents-du-Midi, the Luisin, and the Sallière Tower. Then comes the descent to the Salanfe inn, which is easy.

From the Auberge de Salanfe, you will have to walk along the lake along the alpine pasture road. After the water arrives, you will follow the track towards Lanvouisset. Here, the trail climbs up to a cliff equipped with a handrail. Then, a lunar landscape leads to the Col de Susanfe, between the Haute Cime and the Tour Sallière. Next, you’ll have to descend to the Susanfe hut. In case of heavy snow, you are advised to take the “Chemin d’hiver.”

From the Susanfe hut, the path will wander through the Susanfe valley, dominated by Mont Ruan and the Sallière Tower. After you pass the Giétroz reservoir, the Pas d’Encel will be a steep passage equipped with handrails. Afterwards, a descent to the Bonavau refuge can be done if you choose to sleep there, with options to reach Champéry via the Gran Paradiso or the Roc Coupé.

Finally, from the Bonavau refuge, you can backtrack about 400 meters to take the tour’s trail thanks to a footbridge thrown over the impetuous torrent of the Saufla. The path climbs steadily past the Rossétan mountain pasture and the Métecoui chalet.

There, an exceptional view of the valley and the beautiful region of Planachaux, Les Crosets, and the Portes du Soleil awaits. You’ll need to push a bit more to reach the two small lakes of Anthème, which are the real jewels of softness and calm in the greenery of a plateau limited by the Sélaire ridge and the Dent de la Chaux. Below there, you’ll find the Antèmoz hut, where the trek ends.

The Tour des Dents-du-Midi is accessible from June to October, depending on the snow conditions. The trail has appreciable flexibility thanks to the many refuges along the route, which means you can adapt your stages according to preferences.

If you’re unsure about lingering snow, try contacting the mountain huts before you head to Valais. They’ll be able to give you an accurate idea of the trail accessibility at the time of your hike.

It is strongly advised to check the weather and the condition of the paths before departure. Conditions can be risky at certain times of the year. It is therefore advisable to inquire at a guide office or resort in Les Marécottes in winter. For a 2 to 4-day hike, it is crucial to prepare your equipment well. You should take sturdy hiking boots that have already been worn to avoid blisters, but also remember to take the right equipment with you for a stay in the high mountains.

The right equipment means layers, gear for the mountain huts, a backpack that fits, and a first aid kit at a minimum. Be sure to also download the GPX file to your device! You can find a full gear list for hut-to-hut tours here.

This hike requires a good physical condition and experience with mountain trails. However, it can also be done with the family if they’re up for the challenge. Some passages can be dizzying or exposed, so it is important to be vigilant and not overestimate your abilities. This is not a hike for people with vertigo.

To train for the Tour des Dents-du-Midi, you should try to take daily hikes or hop on the stairmaster at the gym as often as possible. Working on your cardiovascular health, along with your strength, will make it a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, adding balance and endurance exercises can be quite helpful.