Top 10 Gorges around Valtournenche
Canyons around Valtournenche are characterized by deep gorges and unique geological formations, shaped by the Marmore stream and glacial activity. This picturesque valley in the Aosta Valley region of Italy offers natural features that provide insight into the erosive power of water over time. Visitors can explore accessible paths that showcase the region's natural landscape and geological history. The area is known for its distinct rock formations and river-carved features.
Best canyons around Valtournenche
- The most popular canyons is Furi…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Furi Suspension Bridge Over Gorner Gorge
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Gorner Gorge
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Saint-Barthélemy Valley
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Glacier Gate
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Vallone di Verra
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Hiking around Valtournenche
MTB Trails around Valtournenche
Tips from the Community
A suspension bridge over a gorge is always something special. This one is 100 meters long and hangs at a height of 90 meters. I'm not afraid of heights myself, so I was glad to be alone on the rather wobbly bridge.
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It is one of the many highlights in Zermatt: the Furi suspension bridge over the Gorner Gorge. Built in 2011, the bridge is 100 meters long and 90 meters high in the middle of the fantastically beautiful mountains. You can use the bridge with your bike, but watch out for other people who might be coming towards you.
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With enough power in your legs, you can ride up to the glacier gate at 2,100 meters and get ready for the upcoming descent in the wild surroundings. Of course, you can also park your bike at the turning point further down, where the gravel path ends, and walk up the last few meters - it's worth it! The Gornera, which springs from the Gorner glacier further up, flows through the narrow opening in the rock called the glacier gate.
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Impressive natural spectacle at the Gornera glacier gate. We parked the bike and walked the last few meters.
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The Furi suspension bridge trail leads over the impressive Gorner Gorge suspension bridge and offers barbecue areas and a playground along the way.
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The Gornerschlucht is a unique natural beauty. Those who walk on the wooden walkways through the gorge immerse themselves deeply in the world of water power and rock faces. The water of the Gornervispe has been eroding the gorge ever further since the last ice age. Tourist development already took place in 1886 and 1887. The rock, the greenish serpentinite, is about 220 million years old. A natural spectacle, reachable on foot in 15 minutes from the end of the village of Zermatt.
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While you wait for a clear night sky in Saint-Barthélemy (we can't forget that this is the location of the Regional Astronomical Observatory), don't miss the chance for a ski "trial lesson" on the surrounding slopes. Sunscreen and sunglasses should not be forgotten, because the 30 km long resort has no less than 250 days of sunshine per year. The cross-country trails cross the snow-covered meadows of Lignan, reaching an altitude of 1,700 meters at their highest point and the village of Champcombre, where the tracks begin at 1800 meters. There is a huge panorama to see: the Val Clavalité, the great valley of Saint Marcel and Mont Emilius in the south; the gorge of the Saint Barthélemy valley in the north. The slope at Lignan, starting from the town square, directly above the church, extends over a circuit of 3.5 km and in two circuits of 2 km, with easy to medium difficulty. The slopes of Champcombre start in the small hamlet of Porliod and extend to the upper valley of Saint Barthélemy, following the extensive semicircular morphology, until Ollière, at an altitude of 2000 meters. The slopes in Champcombre follow a linear route, on the sides of which there are three circuits: each of the routes can still be followed, from one to the other via dedicated transfer tracks. The direct route is of easy to medium difficulty and is located far from roads and inhabited centers, in a beautiful natural environment. Source: https://www.lovevda.it/en/sport/cross-country-skiing/saint-barthelemy
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological features can I explore in the Valtournenche area?
The Valtournenche area offers fascinating geological formations. You can visit the Gouffre des Busserailles, a deep canyon carved by the Marmore stream, featuring striking waterfalls and impressive rock formations. Nearby, the Marmitte dei Giganti (Giant's Kettles) are unique circular depressions in the bedrock, showcasing the powerful erosive action of water over time.
Are there any historical aspects to the canyons in Valtournenche?
Yes, the Gouffre des Busserailles has historical significance. It was first explored and made accessible to visitors by local alpine guides in 1865, highlighting its long-standing appeal as a natural wonder in the region.
What are some popular gorges to visit around Valtournenche?
Beyond the local geological sites, visitors often appreciate the Gorner Gorge, known for its unique natural beauty and wooden walkways that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of water power and rock faces. Another popular spot is the Saint-Barthélemy Valley, an enchanting area with diverse natural environments and panoramic views.
Are there family-friendly canyon experiences in Valtournenche?
While the Gouffre des Busserailles offers a short, accessible path suitable for most visitors, including families, the Furi Suspension Bridge Over Gorner Gorge is particularly family-friendly. The trail leading to it includes barbecue areas and a playground, making it an enjoyable outing for various visitors.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see in the gorges around Valtournenche?
The gorges around Valtournenche showcase diverse natural landscapes. You'll find deep rock passages, impressive waterfalls, and unique geological formations like the Giant's Kettles. Areas like Vallone di Verra, once a glacier, now feature expansive meadows and pastures, offering a blend of rugged and serene natural beauty.
What outdoor activities can I do near the canyons in Valtournenche?
The Valtournenche area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the challenging ascent to Rifugio Oriondé or the scenic loop around Lago di Cignana. For those who enjoy cycling, there are road cycling routes like the climb to Antognod, and running trails like the Jean Antoine Carrel Trail Loop.
What is the best time to visit the canyons and gorges in Valtournenche?
The canyons and gorges in Valtournenche are generally best visited during the warmer months when paths are clear and accessible. However, the Gouffre des Busserailles is particularly enchanting in winter when ice crystals add to its charm, offering a different, unique experience.
Are there any challenging natural monuments or viewpoints to explore?
Yes, the Glacier Gate offers an impressive natural spectacle. It's a challenging spot where the Gornera river, originating from the Gorner glacier, flows through a narrow rock opening. It provides wild surroundings and stunning views, especially after a good hike or bike ride.
What makes the Marmitte dei Giganti worth visiting?
The Marmitte dei Giganti (Giant's Kettles) are a geological marvel. They offer a tangible illustration of how powerful natural forces shape the landscape, with distinct cylindrical holes carved into the bedrock by swirling waters. They are freely accessible, allowing for close observation of these unique rock formations and an understanding of the region's geological history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons and gorges in Valtournenche?
Visitors frequently highlight the immersive experience of walking through deep canyons carved by nature, the dramatic waterfalls, and the unique geological formations. The blend of scenic beauty, geological interest, and the opportunity for various outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are highly appreciated by the komoot community.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Gorner Gorge?
When visiting the Gorner Gorge, you can walk through on wooden walkways, immersing yourself in the power of water and rock. It's reachable on foot in about 15 minutes from the end of Zermatt village. While the paths are generally well-maintained, it's not wheelchair accessible due to stairs. The rock, greenish serpentinite, is around 220 million years old, making it a truly ancient natural spectacle.
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