Corbassiere Glacier Hike from Mauvoisin

The Corbassiere Glacier - a Spectacular Hike from Mauvoisin to Fionnay VS

Conquering the steep, rugged trails from Hotel Mauvoisin near the famous dam & reservoir in Valais (as described in another Blog), up to the massive Corbassière Glacier, past the heights of Cabane FXB à Panossière (refuge), and across a breath-taking suspension bridge, then down to Fionnay VS is an unforgettable Swiss alpine adventure. 

As you transition from massive stone walls to raw glacial ice, you will step into the thriving wilderness of the Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve. Surrounding you at every step is a cathedral of towering, snow-capped peaks that dominate the horizon.

Overview

Before you go, here is what to expect on this high-alpine route:

• Distance: Approx. 16 km (10 miles) from start to finish.

• Elevation Gained: Around 1,000 m (3,400 feet) of grinding ascent, mostly concentrated on the climb out of Mauvoisin to the Col des Otanes (2,870m).

• Duration: Expect 5-7 hours of active hiking time, excluding stops for food & photos.

• Difficulty: Rated T3 (Challenging Mountain Hike) on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale. The paths are well-marked but entail steep, exposed terrain, loose moraine scree, and rugged high-altitude regions requiring good footing and sturdy boots. Do not attempt in rain, snow or icy conditions.

The Ascent from Mauvoisin

• The Start: Begin your journey near the towering Mauvoisin Dam and Hotel Mauvoisin (see below).

• The Ascent: Head up toward the high-altitude pass, tackling a steep zigzag trail that elevates your heart rate as the tree line fades into raw stone and sky.

• The Glacier: Reach the high vantage beyond the pass to catch your first jaw-dropping look at the 10-Km-long Corbassière Glacier cradled by the Grand Combin massif. 

Guarded by Giants: Spectacular Peaks Along the Trail

• The Sovereign Grand Combin: Standing at a colossal 4,314 m, the Grand Combin is the undisputed king of this region. Unlike the sharp needle of the Matterhorn, it rises as a massive, Himalayan-scale fortress of eternal ice, heavily glaciated balconies, and sheer rock walls.

• The Shorter Siblings: Flanking the giant plateau are Combin de Corbassière (3,663m) and Petit Combin (3,668m). These rugged, heavily-armored peaks frame the western edge of the glacier like frozen sentinels.

• The Eastern Spires: To your east, the sharp silhouettes of Grand Tavé (3,158m) and the white dome of Tournelon Blanc (3,702m) rise sharply against the Valais sky.

Along the Moraine to Panossière

• The Ridge: Follow the rugged lateral moraine of the glacier, where every step puts the immense power of moving ice on stark display.
• The Refuge: Arrive at the iconic Cabane FXB à Panossière, perched at 2,641 m.

• The Atmosphere: Take a well-deserved break on the sunny terrace, surrounded by silent peaks and echoing groans of the glacier below. Have a tea or coffee and some excellent home-made food.

Encounters in the Haut Val de Bagnes Nature Reserve

• Keep your eyes trained on the steep crags above the trail/pass to spot the majestic Alpine ibex. These massive, gravity-defying mountain goats are instantly recognizable by their giant, swept-back curved horns.

• Look closely at the loose scree slopes for chamois. Smaller and faster than the ibex, these timid animals skip across the rocks with unbelievable speed.

• Listen carefully for a sharp, high-pitched whistle echoing across the meadows. That is the warning call of the marmots, whom you can often spot sunning themselves on boulders near their burrows.

• Cast your eyes upward to scan the thermals; you might just spot the immense 2.5m wingspan of a rare bearded vulture or a hunting golden eagle.

Across the Iconic Corbassière Footbridge

• The Origins: Built by the municipality of Bagnes, the legendary Corbassière suspension bridge (Passerelle de Corbassière) officially opened to hikers in 2014.

• Born from Climate Change: For decades, hikers walked directly across the lower tongue of the glacier. Rapid global warming caused the glacier to recede and thin dramatically, making the traditional route dangerous due to unstable, crumbling moraines.

• Engineering a Solution: To save a vital segment of the multi-day Tour des Combins trek, engineers anchored this massive steel footbridge directly into the bedrock.

• The Specs: Stretching 190 m long and hanging 70 m directly above the roaring glacial outflow, the bridge provides a totally secure and thrilling vantage point.

The Suspension Bridge and Descent to Fionnay

• The Crossing: Step onto the spectacular 190-meter-long Corbassière suspension bridge, suspended 70m above the glacial drop.

• The Descent: Follow the winding mountain path downward, tracing the rushing streams and alpine vegetation.

• The Finish: Drop steadily through the fragrant pine forests until you reach the charming village of Fionnay to complete the hike. 

Fueling Up: Food Options at the Start and End

You will not go hungry on this trek; both your starting line and your finish line boast exceptional local dining to keep your energy high.

• At the Start (Mauvoisin): Before hitting the steep switchbacks, grab a hearty meal or espresso at the historic Hôtel de Mauvoisin. Their restaurant features authentic Valais seasonal cuisine utilizing local mountain products, fresh home-baked bread, and protein-packed mountain plates to power your thousand-meter ascent. You can also get a great packed lunch to take with you on your trek…

• At the End (Fionnay): Celebrate a successful hike in the quiet hamlet of Fionnay. You can dive into authentic Swiss comfort food at the cozy Hotel Grand-Combin, which is famous for its rich Valais cheese fondues, traditional croûte au fromage, and loaded Assiette Valaisanne charcuterie boards. 

• Alternatively, slide into Restaurant Le Mazot for its renowned homemade Ticinese polenta, grilled meats, and refined alpine plates that make the perfect reward for a grueling 1,350m descent.

This route was hiked by the Author on the 21st of August 2025.