Imposing peaks, lush alpine meadows, dreamy mountain villages - Valais spoils you with pure nature. Discover the home of the Matterhorn and 46 other four-thousand-metre peaks on the back of sturdy, sure-footed Freiberg horses. This trail ride is aimed at riders who are happy to forgo a little comfort for the “nature” experience. You will spend the night in simple chalets or mountain huts and enjoy a raclette by candlelight.

During these days, you will cross 5 Alpine passes on narrow paths (e.g. Basset d'Artzinol, Meidenpass, Basset de Lona), ride to the highest reservoir in Europe, the Grande Dixence, and to the foot of the 4,380 m high Dt. Blanche. A spectacular panorama with views of mountains over 4000 m high awaits you throughout the tour. In the evening, you will spend the night in chalets or huts - enjoy the absolute silence and the sunsets in the mountains! A cozy raclette by candlelight rounds off a wonderful day. Approx. 1 to 2 hours on foot per day.

Itinerary

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at the ranch at 8am. After getting to know the horses and riders you are off! You start with a beautiful ascent through the forest of Sion with view over the Rhone valley and the mountains. After lunch, you will ride along the Dix valley. Overnight stay in a simple hut. (about 5 hours in the saddle)

Day 2: You will ride through the Val des Dix with its spectacular panorama! Picnic on the banks of the highest reservoir in Europe, the Grand Dixence. From Alp Mandelon, the luggage is strapped onto the horses for the last hour. Overnight stay in a secluded hut. (about 5 hours on the way)

Day 3: The ride progresses along a beautiful mountain path to the alpine pasture Alp Chemeuille at the foot of the Basset d'Artzinol (2.800m) and further to Evolène at the foot of the Dt-Blanche (4.380m). Enjoy your picnic in the enchanting alpine forest. In the afternoon, you will follow a path along the banks of the river La Borgne to your accommodation, a simple mountain inn. 

Day 4: If the weather is favourable, you will first visit the small valley at the foot of the Ferpèce glacier. Picnic with a view of the snow-capped peaks and a nice ride through the picturesque Forclaz Valley and up to the Fourcla Pass at 1,800 m. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama over the valley of Hérens with the mighty Dt. Blanche (4.346 m) in the background. Overnight stay on a mountain pasture. 

Day 5: You continue to ride on beautiful mountain paths, passing the church of St. Martin and the striking pyramids of Euseigne. The grey rocky peaks rise steeply from the forest. After a picnic in the Châlet de Boyrion, you will again reach the ranch above Sion, where you will stay overnight (dormitory). 

Day 6: Another ascent through the alpine forest, this time towards Val Hérens. Here you will pass typical romantic mountain villages such as Suen as well as the alpine meadows of St. Martin. Via Alp Mase at the foot of the Maya you will reach your hostel where you will stay in comfortable guest rooms.

Day 7: A long day of riding is on the agenda today: Ascent to the Cou Pass and ride on through the valley of Rèchy. A forest path leads to the Tracuit-Orzival alpine pasture and down to Grimentz. On the way you will enjoy the view of several 4.000m peaks. You stay on the forest paths in the Annivière valley until you reach the holiday resort of Zinal, at the foot of high mountains. Overnight stay in an Auberge.

Day 8: Enjoy the sunrise with a view of the 4,000m peaks. You ride up to Singlilne and Sorebois. Again and again there are breathtaking views of the mountains. Over the Col of Sorebois with a view of the turquoise blue reservoir of Moiry you ride to the hikers' hut at the lake where you stay overnight.

Day 9: You follow the shore of the reservoir of Moiry and ride over the dam in the direction of Basset de Lona (2,900 m). On the plateau of Lona you will find an idyllic landscape with small lakes and green meadows. Behind it, you will again enjoy the view of snow-covered peaks. The path continues over the meadows down to an alpine pasture where you will spend the night. 

Day 10: Return to the ranch over a sunny plateau. After lunch at the Auberge chez Daniel, you will gradually ride through woods and meadows back towards Sion. Farewell drink and journey home. 

Please note that the program may change at short notice depending on the weather and the condition of the trails! 

If there are less than 4 participants, you will take part in the Almritt and the Alpenritt instead, which also comprises 10 days of riding. 

Important: Riding starts on the first day. Meeting point at the stable is 8 am, departure approx. 5 pm! It is possible to arrive earlier - we will gladly reserve a place in the dormitory for you.

Accomodation
Please note that the accommodation for these tours is partly very simple and rustic! A shower is only available on a maximum of 4 days. The hikers' huts have no showers. Toilets are located outside the huts and there is only one wash room. Please bring your own sleeping bags.

Saddle & Tack: Western, English and Trail saddles, saddle bags available to all riders

Experience: You should have ridden for at least 2-3 years, have a good basic knowledge and also have experience in trail riding. The pace tends to be settled, due to the terrain. Sure-footedness and endurance are also required of the riders: 5-8 hours daily spent on the trail, 1-2 hours of these on foot! You will be in charge of your horse's care on the trip. Maximum weight: 90 kg.

Horses: You ride on Freibergers, the Swiss national breed, perfect for trail riding. Most of the horses have grown up in he high mountains, so are very sure-footed. These steadfast horses are also suitable for less experienced riders. During the summer months, they spend their time between rides in outdoor group housing at the yard. They outwinter on large grazing meadows.