This walk is part of the trek The Matterhorn Tour.
Stage starting in pasture which quickly heads into the high mountains passing through the Valcornera pass.
(S) From the shelter, take the path that quickly splits in two
(1) At marked crossroads, turn right on the trail of the Matterhorn Tour, go south-west towards the lake on its left bank, heading south-east.
Before arriving at Chardoney (2), make a 90° turn and begin the ascent of Valcornera pass almost due east.
Cross a large plateau (3), where snow persists later in the season, and quickly reach the cairns that mark the trail for the climb. This trail through scree requires a great deal of care in order not to lose the cairns, and it ends at Valcornera pass.
(4) Start the descent to the refuge remaining very vigilant, the beginning of the descent will be made easier by using the free rope to keep your balance. This short section leads to an easy arrival to the Perrucco Vuillermoz shelter (F) on the banks of the lake at Mont Dragon.
Waypoints :
D : mi 0 - alt. 6581ft
1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 6535ft - Prarayer crossroads
2 : mi 2.12 - alt. 7756ft - Chardoney
3 : mi 2.89 - alt. 9357ft - Plateau below the pass
4 : mi 3.18 - alt. 10016ft - Col de Valcornera
A : mi 3.61 - alt. 9465ft
No shelter on this course.
Vigilance as noted in the text at Valcornera pass both uphill and also at the beginning of the descent.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Mont Dragon near the refuge of Perrucco Vuillermoz.
Discover the giant that resides here, the splendid Matterhorn itself, before getting a closer look in the evening at the Gandeg cabin.
Warm-up walk to reach the Prarayer refuge along the right bank of the lake.
Undertaken over 10 days, this circuit around the Matterhorn is outstanding. Each day it takes you over the 4000 m peaks of this alpine range. As it is located in 2 countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also brings you into contact with three European languages: Italian, German and also French in Valais in Switzerland.
A high mountain stage which requires hiking boots with crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. You should get an early start for this long stage of the hike.
A Tour du Cervin alternative today, visiting the north side of the colossal peak before reaching Zermatt.
A long climb to Torrent Pass before reaching Moiry Lake, then Saint-Luc by bus, Tignousa by cable car and finally Bella Tola by foot.
Think about correcting the distance indicated by points (5) et (6) : you need to deduct 10 km.
An easy climb reaching part of Zermatt ski slopes, extending to an uphill-downhill balcony trail leading to the famous Europahutte (Hut).
Watch out: The Himalayan footbridge just before Europahutte is currently out of service. You'll need to head down to Randa valley along the second blue marked trail on the map before heading back up to the hut (allow for 2 extra hours).
An unusual stage today: it starts with a downhill hike before a long climb uphill, a second descent and a ski lift ride followed by a walk over flatland and a bus ride to the lodge.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.