Grand Muveran

If you’re looking for a hike that has it all, the ascension of the Grand Muveran is not going to disappoint. This challenging hike takes you from the flowery meadows, across cold river crossings to steep switch-backs through slippery rocks. Of course, the views at the top are breathtaking as always and they can even be enjoyed with a cold local beer from the Cabane Rambert.   

From the parking lot, take the path that goes along the river into the forest. Simply follow the yellow signs all the way up in the direction of “Cabane Rambert”. It starts off with a reasonable incline, but don’t be fooled, it will only get steeper. You’ll go through fairytale-like meadows of flowers of every shape and colour. After the ascent of the waterfall, you’ll be around halfway up so be sure to collect some cool fresh water from the river if you’re running low! You’ll go up another steep hill and then arrive in a more rocky region from where you can spot the guy’s flags on the right. The last climb of 250m zig zags up to finally reach your destination! 

At midday, it is possible to have a beer or even a delicious mountain lunch with exquisite views ranging from the Rhône Valley all the way to the 4000m summits in the distance. If you’re curious, you can check out the inside of the newly renovated hut. Be sure to take off your shoes and put the hut slippers to keep it clean! If you keep an eye out, you’ll surely come across the local ibex. They regularly make their way to the hut to treat themselves to the salt block and say hello to the hikers. 

It is also possible to sleep the night in the hut, but you’ll have to book well in advance as it is quite a popular option in the summer! Be warned though, this experience is the price of a Swiss hotel. You do get a three course meal with desert though, which is never anything less than mouth watering! You can also choose the less expensive option: to camp. They have a flat surface behind the hut where you can easily fit a few tents. 

Wether you’ve spent the night or are simply still full of energy, you can then make your way up to the summit of Grand Muveran. Be warned though, this hike is not even market on official maps as it is a real scramble all the way up. You’ll have to move up loose rock, walk along a few hundred meter drop holding on the the rock and even do very low grade rock climbing. If this doesn’t sound like lots of fun to you, please don’t make your way up because coming back down will not be any easier. For those that choose to give it a go, follow the blue dots and cairns all the way up.

Even if the ascension is only about 500m elevation gain, don’t be fooled by the time it can take to actually reach the summit. Plan a good 3-4 hours for the round trip (of course this takes into account the necessary time taken at the top to bask in the unbelievable views). You can see the Miroir d’Argentine in the east, the Dents du Midi, the Mont Blanc Massif with the recognisable Aiguilles du Tour and Aiguille d’Argentière as well as many Swiss 4000m mountains depending on the visibility conditions.   

To descend from the summit, follow the same path down to the hut. Then, to change scenery and not destroy your knees with a very steep descent, I would advise you to follow the path left through the grassy fields. Simply follow the signs marked “Ovronnaz” and enjoy the overarching mountains on either side. There is even the possibility to make a small detour for a refreshing mountain lake swim.