7 Days Hiking the UTMB 170 Km Race Route - Day 6

April 25, 2024

Exploring Alpine Majesty and Unexpected Detours in the Heart of the Swiss Alps

The day's challenge was a 26.8km trek from Champex-Lac to Vallorcine, traversing the diverse terrains of Plan de Láu, La Giéte, Trient, and Catogne. With an ascent totaling 1,744m at an average incline of 6.5%, and a descent of 1,939m averaging 7.2%, it promised to test the limits of our endurance.

Exploring Champex-Lac: A Glimpse of Alpine Paradise
Nestled in the Valais canton of Switzerland, Champex-Lac offers a picturesque start to our day. Known affectionately as 'little Canada', this village sits at an elevation of 1,470 meters, surrounded by the stunning Mont Blanc Massif. Its tranquil lake, reflecting the azure sky, sets the stage for our adventure.

Setting Out: A Scenic Start and Crispy Croissants
With the morning sun casting a golden glow over Champex-Lac, we begin our journey with anticipation. The crisp mountain air invigorates us as we savor crispy croissants, a perfect prelude to the day's trek.

Ascending Along Alpine Pass Path: Beauty Amidst the Swiss Alps
The initial 5km stretch along the Alpenpasse Weg was a gentle introduction to the day, showcasing the majestic Swiss Alps with Le Catogne as our backdrop. The path offered a symphony of nature, with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps that captivated our senses.

Challenges Amidst Beauty: Alpage de Bovine and Portalo Summit
The climb from Plan de l’Au marked a shift in intensity, with a steep 700m elevation gain over 5km. The sun cast its warmth upon us, adding to the challenge, yet the beauty of the landscape provided a welcome distraction.

A bustling scene greeted us at Alpage de Bovine, a high alpine meadow where fellow hikers gathered. The area was a hidden gem, offering a respite with its expansive outdoor seating and breathtaking valley vistas. The clang of cowbells from head-butting bovines echoed through the mountains, a unique soundtrack to our adventure.

Here, we were treated to a surprising spectacle as we witnessed cows engaging in playful head-to-head bouts, their bellows echoing through the valley.

Reaching the summit of Portalo at an altitude of 2049m was a moment of triumph, we descended into the tranquil forests, eventually arriving at Trient for a well-deserved lunch at the Restaurant Col de la Forclaz.

Trient: A Picturesque Village and Pink Church Charm
After a hearty lunch that fueled our spirits as much as our bodies, our group divided. The intrepid among us continued the hike, while others chose to return to the comfort of our base camp. The path ahead was uncertain, but the allure of the mountains called to us.

Our first landmark was the Eglise Rose, a charming pink chapel in Trient, which serves as a checkpoint for the 170km UTMB race. This Baroque chapel, nestled in a quaint garden, is a sight to behold with its rose-colored facade set against the lush greenery. The interior houses a stunning fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a testament to the chapel's historical significance as a pilgrimage site since 1725. The Eglise Rose is more than just a checkpoint; it's a spiritual haven that has welcomed travelers for centuries.

Unexpected Turns: Detours and Jungle Adventures
The journey from the chapel took us past a picturesque village, where we were to begin our ascent to Catogne and the border with France. However, life's unpredictability made itself known as we found the path to Catogne closed, necessitating a detour. It was a moment of disappointment, yet it served as a reminder that the trail, much like life, is full of surprises.

Undeterred, we consulted our maps and set off on an alternative route through a dense forest, aiming for Les Jeurs. The forest, with its towering trees and remnants of logging activity, felt like a step into the unknown. The path grew steeper, and the sense of isolation deepened. Concerns of losing our way crept in as the trail seemed less and less promising.

A Day of Contrasts: From Breathtaking Vistas to Jungle Exploration
As the sun began its descent, a collective sigh of relief was breathed when signs of civilization finally came into view. We concluded our day's hike at Les Jeurs, a mere 7km from our intended destination of Vallorcine. It was a day that began with the promise of breathtaking vistas and ended with a heart-pounding adventure through the woods. Despite the detours, every step was a testament to resilience and the spirit of adventure.

Conclusion: A Day of Adventure and Resilience
This day of the UTMB hiking experience was a vivid reminder of the dual nature of such an expedition: the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alps and the thrilling unpredictability of the trail. It's a journey that tests the body, challenges the mind, and ultimately, enriches the soul.

For those following our journey or planning their own UTMB adventure, remember to embrace the unexpected. It's these moments that often lead to the most memorable experiences and the stories that last a lifetime.

Stay Tuned for More Adventures
Stay tuned for the final day of our trek, where we'll share the culmination of our Alpine adventure and the lessons learned along the way. With every step, we inch closer to our goal, fueled by the spirit of adventure and the unparalleled beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Until then, keep exploring, and let the mountains move you.

Take a look into the stunning pictures >>> UTMB Hike : Day 6