Tour of Miroir d'Argentine

Tour one of Switzerland’s most famous multi-pitch climbing walls with its shimmering and smooth rock. This hike takes you through luscious forests, across river beds, to fields of perfectly cut grass. Enjoy views of the famous rock faces as well as Lake Léman and the Rhone Valley from above. 

The hike begins on the Solalex plateau, located in a valley at the foot of the Diablerets massif and the imposing Miroir d’Argentine. It is possible to do it in either direction, although I’d recommend starting with the steepest bit first to “Roc du Châtelet”. From there, follow the upper path towards “La Motte” from which you’ll be able to admire views over the Rhone Valley. As you do the final traverse, you’ll arrive face to face with the “Grand Muveran” and slowly start the descent into the Vare alpine pasture.

This alpine paster covers a vast high plateau above the tree line on which marmots can be spotted. Listen carefully to spot them whistling! Like the view, the hike becomes more alpine here and offers an impressive view of the steep cliffs beneath the Diablerets glacier massif. After you’ve wandered through the flowery meadows, you’ll have to climb again to the Col des Esserts which you’ll cross. If you haven’t had a lunch break yet, this is a very nice spot to do so (however there is no shade). 

It’s all descent from there! Keep sticking to the furthest left path and go down into the rocky valley to the Refuge Giacomini where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and homemade fruit tarts. You’ll pass a first hut, the Cabana Barraud, from which it is also possible to follow a path left through the “Col de la Poreyrette” to the top of the Miroir d’Argentine. Be careful though, it is not for the faint-hearted! For the final section, you can choose to follow the narrow or wider paths down back to the parking lot. If you took the bus, make sure to check the schedule not to miss the last connection!