Tour du Mont Blanc Trail Update
Jump to Walker’s Haute Route update here
Jump to information about COVID testing and new green pass requirements in France
Bionnassay swing bridge is closed
Bionnassay swing bridge is closed on the Tour du Mont Blanc alternative route with a detour via Le Champel in place.
Route Impacted
Col Tricot alternative route between Col de Voza / Top of Bellevue Cable Car and Refuge de Miage
Detour
Via Le Champel. Add up to 1 hour to reach Refuge de Miage if you take the detour from Col de Voza / Top of Bellevue Cable Car…1.5 hours if you detour from the trail closure point closer to the bridge
When is it expected to reopen?
No date available
2. Snow bridge in La Vallée des Glaciers
Arrow pointing to where snowbridge is. Image source: local government Facebook page
Route Impacted
Snow bridge is on Main trail between Les Chapieux and La Ville des Glaciers. It can be seen on the yellow dashes above.
Detour
Stay on the road between Les Chapieux and La Ville des Glaciers. No extra time required to complete this detour.
When is it expected to reopen?
The signs will be taken down when the snow has melted/bridge collapsed and safe passage possible again.
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Walker's Haute Route Trail Update
Hikers are completing all sections of trail between Chamonix and Zermatt with the exception of the updates noted below.
Rockfall near Cabane du Mont fort
Route Impacted
Small section of trail between Cabane du Mont Fort and Col Termin is impassable due to recent rockfall.
Detour
Good news is the detour is minor. Join the Sentier des Chamois further along, before leaving the Verbier ski area. The staff at the Cabane can point this route out from the balcony. for those already planning the Col Termin route, it will only add an extra 15mins. As of 22nd of July, Cabane du Mont Fort staff were still advising that hikers avoid Col de la Chaux due to persistent winter snow still present at the pass. Ask for an update on arrival at the Cabane for latest situation.
When is it expected to reopen?
No date available yet.
2. Cabane des Dix Temporary Closure due to COVID-19
A hiker recently brought Covid-19 to Cabane Des Dix and it was transmitted to the staff. As soon as it was discovered, they closed the Cabane immediately and have been in isolation. They will reopen on the 26th July with a renewed focus on the health of guests arriving.
3. rock fall zone below Pas de Chevres/ Col de Riedmatten
Route Impacted
Route between Lac Des Dix and Arolla. The rock fall zone below Pas de Chevres/ Col de Riedmatten has been really active. See video here from Cabane Des Dix staff posted on Facebook over a week ago.
Hikers have been advised to avoid it. Once Cabane Des Dix reopens, updates will be more readily available. Be aware that if you attempt this section and need to turn back, it is unlikely you’ll reach Grande Dixence in time to catch the last connecting bus to Arolla on the same day.
Detour
See detailed blog post with options here
When is it expected to reopen?
This is always a higher risk area of trail. Know your plan b options and take advice from hikers coming toward you and local cabane staff for latest update on then trail.
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COVID Updates
COVID testing on the trail
The Swiss Alpine Club are recommending that unvaccinated people get tested before attending a mountain cabin. A 45min rapid test for about CHF 30 can be done at pharmacies around Switzerland.
For the Tour du Mont Blanc, unfortunately there are no pharmacies on the trail. The closest location is Sembrancher which is a bus/train ride from La Fouly or Champex Lac.
For the Walker’s Haute Route, the pharmacies along the trail are at;
Sembrancher
Le Chable
Verbier
Evolene (bus ride from Les Hauderes)
Vissoie (bus ride from Grimentz/Zinal)
Saint Niklaus
Grachen
Zermatt
For the Tour of Monte Rosa, the pharmacies along the Swiss section of trail are at;
Saas Fee
Saint Niklaus
Grachen
Zermatt
2. Health Pass in France
From August, the health pass (COVID Green Pass) will be required to board a train and enter all cafes, restaurants and shopping malls. Some information can be found here on how foreigners are able to obtain a French health pass.