Arbaz: Hiking, Climbing and Bisses

Arbaz lies at an average altitude of 1,150 metres on the south-facing slope of the Adret. From here, unobstructed views stretch across the Rhône Valley and the Valais Alps. The village offers a range of activities to help you plan your stay: walking trails, climbing opportunities, visits to the observatory, as well as ponds and regional products.

Hiking and trails along the bisses

Arbaz and its mountains are best experienced on foot. The trail network includes winter hiking trails, snowshoe trails and walking paths. At 2,886 metres, Col des Audannes is the highest point in the municipality of Arbaz. It is therefore a prominent elevation reference for the municipality, regardless of which particular route you choose.

The Chemin des Moulins passes through Arbaz towards the Vallon de la Sionne and returns via the village of Blignou. Another route description is provided by the Chemin du Tour de la Combe d’Arbaz: it starts at Étang-Long in the Mayens d’Arbaz and follows the Bisse de Bitailla to the Réservoir des Évouettes. Before setting out on this hike, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions, as they may change.

The Chemin du Musée passes through Arbaz and Ayent along the bisses of the Anzère region. Near the Mayens d’Arbaz, the Bisse d’Ayent crosses the Bitailla, which is also known as the «bisse taillé». The Chemin du Musée is accessible year-round; temporary closures may nevertheless occur. So before your hike, check for any current restrictions.

Climbing on the south-facing slope

The Arbaz climbing wall is at an altitude of 1,100 metres and faces south. It is 40 metres high and consists of high-quality dolomitic limestone. Three sectors offer a total of 42 routes, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. The wall can be used from early in the year until the start of winter. This combines a clearly defined season of use with a selection of routes for different experience levels.

Free parking is available five minutes from the climbing wall. The Arbaz climbing garden is also among the area's named climbing destinations; it offers beautiful views across the Rhône Valley and towards the Alps. If you would like to include hiking and climbing in your trip, Arbaz also offers numerous mountain biking routes as another activity option.

Visits to the observatory

The Observatoire d’Arbaz-Anzère regularly organizes public visits. Group visits are arranged year-round on request. If you would like to visit as a group, confirm the arrangements before making plans, as they may change. The observatory's basic equipment includes a 40-centimetre large telescope and a refractor. The equipment may be updated; if the instruments are important to your visit, ask in advance about the current setup.

Ponds and regional products

The ponds of Arbaz have a recreation area with picnic tables and grills. Étang Long d’Arbaz and Étang de la Tourbière make up an area for recreation and a range of activities. As uses and facilities may change, it is advisable to check current information before making specific plans.

Arbaz has preserved old, typical houses. Another way to discover regional products is at the Alpage de Tsalan d’Arbaz, where locally made Valais cheese, Sérac and homemade products are available for tasting. Alongside the trails and climbing destinations, the preserved village character and regional tastings offer a range of options for different travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Grimisuat, Veysonnaz, Savièse, Saint-Léonard Vs, Sion.

Go to the main travel overview: Sion.