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Experience the adventure of a night under the stars
Ideal for an introduction to bivouac, this 2-day hike takes place above Grimentz in the Val d’Anniviers.
Duration: 2 days
Difficult (T3 on the Swiss Alpine Club scale)
From CHF 150.- / person
Max. 6 participants
Presentation
Bivouac at 2500 meters altitude
This introduction to bivouacs begins in the mid-afternoon with a 5-hour walk from Grimentz to the bivouac site. This is at an altitude of 2500 m, below the Roc d’Orzival, on the edge of a small mountain lake. Once we’ve set up camp, it’s time to enjoy a meal and watch the sunset over the most beautiful 4000 m peaks in the Valais. The next morning, we set off for a 5-hour hike to Roc d’Orzival and its edelweiss, then down to Brinta overlooking the Vallon de Réchy and on to Grimentz, ending the hike in the family chalet’s jacuzzi!
Programme
Starting point
Departure is from Grimentz, at 3:00 pm, either from the family chalet, if this accommodation option has been chosen, or from the “Grimentz télécabine” bus stop. A thorough check of equipment and food will have been carried out beforehand, in accordance with instructions received a few days beforehand. Please plan to be on site by early afternoon.
Stage 1
Grimentz – Roc d’Orzival area
The first stage takes us from Grimentz to the Bivouac site. It’s just over 12 km long, with a vertical drop of around 1000 m. We’ll climb up to Bendolla via the Vallon de Moiry, in the heart of nature, on marked trails, to reach our objective for the day in the early evening. This will give us plenty of time to prepare our camp.
Stage 2
Roc d’Orzival area – Grimentz
The following day, we’ll set off in the early morning for a 12 km stage of around 5 hours’ walking, including a 500 m ascent and a 1400 m descent. On the menu: the ascent to Roc d’Orzival amid exceptional alpine flora and unique geological history, followed by a long, panoramic descent to Grimentz.
Arrival
Arrival in Grimentz
I suggest we finish the hike with a picnic at the family chalet. A jacuzzi is at your disposal. If you wish, you can extend your stay in a newly restored apartment.
Equipment
What’s the right equipment?
Bivouacs are only possible in summer and in optimal weather conditions.
Required equipment
Even for a single night, this bivouac requires a warm sleeping bag, an inflatable mattress and protection from the morning dew (tent, tarp or over-sack). You’ll also need a minimum 40 l backpack for clothes and food.
The nights are cold: down jackets and sweaters are a must.
Sufficient for 2 meals and 1 breakfast
A one-liter container is all you need. Stoves and charcoal filters will be available, as will natural water.
Sun protection
Price
Price of the tour
Price includes 1.5 days’ guiding. Meals and bivouac equipment are not included. I have some equipment available (no sleeping bag).
Price per person
Max. 6 participants
CHF 150.- / person
Testimonials
They share their adventures with us
Hikers in groups, families, couples or solo: everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
Eating a fondue in front of a breathtaking panorama, then spending the night in a tent at 2000 meters, is a pure dream. Thanks again to Jean Rémy for organizing this event and sharing his knowledge of mountains, flowers and geology in a timeless setting.
Jean Rémy led us on a wonderful hike into the heart of the Entlebuch Biosphere : from Restaurant Stäldeli high above beautiful alpine meadows, through high moors and sparse forests to the almost alpine looking summit of Schafmatt. Jean Rémy knows trees, flowers and birds as well as geology and geography. A true and interesting hike. Merci !
Jean Rémy took us on a week-long dream trek in the Grisons. He organized a route of varying difficulty, adapted to our level. The images and thrills of the magnificent landscapes are still fresh in our minds.
Introduction to snowshoeing between Tignousa and the Hotel Weisshorn in a grandiose setting. We discovered the flora and some of the birds of the Swiss Alps. My warmest thanks to Jean Rémy for his guidance, kindness and professional advice.
Jean Rémy organized a wonderful snowshoe walk in the Risoud forest. We really enjoyed the fondue stop in a woodcutter’s hut, followed by a visit to the Astroval astronomical observatory. Very original and much appreciated.
Thank you so much!
I’ve hiked the Salève countless times. But I rediscovered this mountain thanks to Jean Rémy’s skilful narration, mixing rock history, ammonite fossils and anecdotes about 19th-century Geneva geologists. Thank you JR for a thrilling hike!
Jean Rémy organized a wonderful snowshoe walk in the Risoud forest. We really enjoyed the fondue stop in a woodcutter’s hut, followed by a visit to the Astroval astronomical observatory. Very original and much appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Jean Rémy takes us on snowshoes to the heights of Grimentz in the direction of La Brinta. At the edge of the forest, we were shuffling through deep snow and admiring the nearby peaks. It was a wonderful discovery, away from the ski slopes.
Thanks to his meticulous preparation, Jean Rémy led us with ease on snowshoes through the Risoud forest above Le Brassus for over 6 hours. The atmosphere was magical. A memorable day that we wouldn’t have experienced on our own.
Gallery
Images from the Val d’Anniviers
This bivouac offers a unique twilight view of the entire Val d’Anniviers. It’s an ideal introduction to a first night under the stars.
FAQ
Answers to your frequently asked questions
This bivouac is located in a remote, unspoilt and beautiful area, but not far from the ski lifts if necessary.
Yes, as long as the children enjoy walking in the mountains and are used to it. One family has already tested it successfully. The 2nd day’s itinerary includes a secured passage with safety chains. An easier route back to Grimentz is possible.
Clearly, we leave no trace of our passage. Each of us takes a 35-liter garbage bag to bring back with us. The bivouac site is not part of a protected nature zone. So bivouacking is allowed with all due respect.
Yes and no! Yes, between 4.30pm and 8.30am the following day, because the Bendolla lifts are closed. No, because the area is covered by the telephone network and it’s a 45-minute walk downhill from the top station of the Bendolla gondola.
Hikes