Trient Vs: Hiking Trails, Bisses and Glaciers

Trient lies on the road to the Col de la Forclaz between Chamonix and Martigny. Hiking trails, historic sites and seasonal mountain activities are key factors when choosing when to travel and where to stay. The municipality has 53 kilometres of marked hiking trails, as well as individual multi-day hikes and routes for cycling and winter sports. The options vary in duration, terrain and conditions—especially when ice and snow are involved.

Hiking between hamlets and through history

The Sentier des hameaux runs along the slope of Les Jeurs, passing through several hamlets. It traces the history of the road and covers the quarrying of millstones, regional place names and geology. Along the trail are a bread oven and a chapel dating from 1745; a museum stop also presents the history of the Barberine power station. The topics thus range from landscape and local history to energy supply.

On the Tour du Mont-Blanc, red-and-white GR markings show the way, except along the roads on the valley floor. The Tour de la Vallée du Trient is usually completed in five days. These are different points to consider when planning: for one route, the marking system and its exception are important; for the other, the usual duration.

Bisses, glaciers and fortifications

The Bisse du Trient trail starts at the Col de la Forclaz and leads to the snout of the Trient Glacier. Along the way, the Passerelle du bisse de Trient crosses the Trient River. It is about 64 metres long and 13 metres above the valley; it is also part of the easy walking route between the pass and the glacier. The bisse once transported blocks of ice down to the valley and now irrigates meadows and vineyards in Martigny-Combe.

The accumulation zone of the Trient Glacier lies on the Plateau du Trient at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,200 metres. The ice there is 100 to 150 metres thick. The Aiguille du Tour borders the area to the west, the Aiguilles Dorées to the south and the Pointe d’Orny to the east. At the Col de la Forclaz, the fortifications offer a viewpoint over the valley and the village of Trient. The fortifications at La Forclaz and Litroz are open to the public; admission is free, visits are unguided and information panels provide explanations. Opening is seasonal. The Fort Litroz requires advance booking; visits are possible, weather permitting, from mid-April to October.

The Gorges mystérieuses de Tête-Noire offer a different kind of route: the circular trail includes four wooden ladders and 120 metres of walkways. The gorges are open from June to October. Check current access before planning your visit.

Winter activities and seasonal conditions

More than 50 recorded ice-climbing routes are spread across six climbing areas in the municipality. Suitable ice conditions are available from December; the ideal period runs from December to February, but depends on the weather. Ski touring routes such as La Tour Ronde and Carraye also depend on snow and mountain conditions.

In the village, the Jardin des Neiges offers age-appropriate first experiences on snow and on gliding equipment in a safe, playful environment. The facility includes a mini ski lift and a two-kilometre toboggan run. The playful Sentier ludique du Bisse du Trient introduces visitors to the history of the bisse, ice harvesting, irrigation and the climate; children can enjoy games with Charlotte the marmot. As the Jardin des Neiges operates seasonally, check its current winter opening dates before travelling.

Cycling routes and getting there

The Mountainbike-Parcours dans la vallée du Trient is classified as difficult and is 52.42 kilometres long. Its route passes through Trient, continues to the Col de la Forclaz and then returns to Vernayaz; check current route conditions before setting out. This is different from the Tour du Mont-Blanc Vélo stage from Vallorcine to Champex-Lac, which passes through the village of Trient.

You can reach the starting point of this stage in Vallorcine on the Mont-Blanc-Express from Martigny or Chamonix. To get to the starting point at the Col de la Forclaz, travel from Martigny by train and then by bus. Check current timetables before travelling to make sure the connections suit your route plan.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: La Forclaz, Riddes, Fully, Saillon, Isérables, Martigny-Combe, Martigny, Arbarey.

Back to the main travel overview: Martigny.