Les Collons: Ski Touring, the Bisse de la Muraz and Alpine Nature
Accommodation in Les Collons
Les Collons combines winter skiing with hiking trails and seasonal nature experiences. When planning your stay, you can consider which activity you want to focus on: a practice area in winter, a ski tour, a guided hike or a visit to the chapel. If you are looking for a hotel in Les Collons, these differences can help you tailor your travel dates and daily plans to your interests.
Skiing and ski touring
The snow park between the La Muraz and Theytaz II ski lifts comprises two lines, one blue and one red, the Gaspard play zone and a rest area. As its winter configuration may change, it is advisable to check the layout for your planned travel dates. Le Petit Vallon is a ski practice area for children and beginners in Les Collons 1850. It has two magic carpets, and access is free. Winter operation is seasonal, and access conditions may change.
Two named starting points are described for ski tours. The Les Collons 1800–Thyon 2000 route begins 150 metres from the Thyon Tourisme tourist office, behind the tennis courts in Les Collons 1800. It offers views of the Rhône Valley. The Les Collons 1900–Thyon 2000 route begins in front of the La Cambuse hotel-restaurant on the Les Collons 1900 plateau. It is considered easy and offers views of the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn; from Cheillon, the view extends as far as Mont Blanc. Both routes are open subject to winter conditions and lift operations, while visibility depends on the weather. The different starting points and views give you specific information to help choose a tour.
Trails and scenery
The visitor trail along the Bisse de la Muraz is eight kilometres long and passes through alpine pastures, forests and the resort of Les Collons. The route combines alpine scenery with the resort of Les Collons. The bisse is believed to be the oldest canal in the valley. A document from 1328 mentions it in connection with an arbitration ruling by the Bishop of Sion concerning pasture and water rights.
The hike along the CrĂŞtes de Thyon is led by mountain guide CĂ©line Gaspoz. The trail offers expansive views on both sides and leads to the Gouilles and the highest peat bogs in the Alps. Visibility depends on the weather, and trail conditions vary seasonally. If you are planning a guided hike, take both the seasonal nature of the activity and current conditions into account.
Nature experiences and excursions
On the excursion to observe marmots, chamois and deer, the bus travels to the Mandelon alpine pasture at an altitude of 2,066 metres. An approximately 1.5-hour guided hike begins there. The excursion focuses on observing animals in the wild; specific sightings are not guaranteed. It runs seasonally, and reservations are required. Check dates and booking availability in advance.
The seasonal birdwatching hike in Les Collons invites you to see, hear and identify local birds. It also includes a light breakfast in the forest. When choosing between this activity and the wildlife excursion, you can consider whether you would prefer to learn about birds on a hike or take a guided excursion to observe marmots, chamois and deer.
A guided e-bike tour also explores the 4 Vallées along scenic trails with electric assistance. The meeting point is the Thyon-Région tourist office in Les Collons 1800. The activity is seasonal, and meeting arrangements may change. Confirm the details before making plans.
A visit to Les Collons
The Notre-Dame des Neiges chapel in Les Collons is accessible on Saturdays during the day until 16:30. Confirm access before your visit. This lets you combine the visit with a hike or another activity while keeping the specified time in mind.
Discover more destinations: Thyon.
Return to the main travel overview: Vex.
