The Marmot Trail in Vercorin: a nature-and-games descent for families
Fancy a mountain walk that thrills children? In Vercorin, the Marmot Trail descends from Crêt-du-Midi through alpine pastures and arolla pine forest, dotted with seven playful stations about the world of marmots. A perfect nature outing for families, in summer and autumn.
A descent to meet the marmots
Above Vercorin, on the sunny heights overlooking the Rhône valley plain, the Marmot Trail starts at Crêt-du-Midi (reached by cable car) and goes down to the intermediate station of Sigeroulaz. Entirely downhill, it takes about an hour — a little more if you linger at the games. Seven playful and educational stations line the path to introduce children to the world of marmots and test their skill. A lovely way to walk in the mountains without the little ones noticing the time go by.
What your children will discover
Along the trail, children get to know the marmot — its burrow, its habits, its warning calls — through panels and skill games spread over seven stations. The scenery changes at every stretch: rocky sections with panoramic views over the Valais Alps, then arolla pine forest and wooded pastures. With a little luck and a little quiet, you can spot real marmots in the pastures.
What you do and the atmosphere on site
You take the cable car up to Crêt-du-Midi (where you can stop at the mountain restaurant), then make your way gently downhill, station after station. The atmosphere is that of a real mountain outing, in the fresh air and with no uphill effort since it's all downhill. At the end, in Sigeroulaz, the Forêt Aventures treetop adventure park lets you extend the day.
Before you go
- Recommended age: as a family, ideal for children from age 4-5
- Duration: about 1 hour downhill (more with the games)
- Route: downhill only, from Crêt-du-Midi to Sigeroulaz; mountain trail, rocky in places
- Getting there: Chalais–Vercorin cable car, then Vercorin–Crêt-du-Midi cable car
- What to bring: good walking shoes, water, sun protection
- Price: free-access trail; budget for the cable-car ticket (check the fares)
- Best season: summer and autumn
Parents' tips
- Wear good shoes: the trail is rocky in places.
- As the route is all downhill, it's ideal for little legs — but still plan some breaks.
- Stay quiet in the pastures for a chance to spot the marmots.
- Combine it with the Forêt Aventures park at Sigeroulaz for a full day.
- Check the cable-car times and fares on the official website before heading up.
Useful information
- Start: Crêt-du-Midi (cable car), 3967 Vercorin — finish at Sigeroulaz
- Official website: vercorin.ch
- Getting there: from Chalais (near Sierre), cable car to Vercorin then Crêt-du-Midi
- Cable-car times / fares: see the official website
- Nearby: Forêt Aventures treetop park (Sigeroulaz), Crêt-du-Midi restaurant
Why we recommend it
Because it's the ideal mountain walk with children: an effortless descent, paced by seven marmot games, in a setting of alpine pastures and arolla pine forest above the Rhône valley plain. Real Valais nature, on a child's scale.
In a nutshell
A nature-and-games descent from Crêt-du-Midi to Sigeroulaz, in Vercorin, with seven marmot game stations — perfect for families in summer and autumn.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Marmot Trail suitable for young children?
How long does the walk take?
Do you have to walk up?
Will we really see marmots?
Is the trail free?
What else is there to do on site?
When is the trail open?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Nearby activities
Discover more activities near you
Fancy climbing through the trees as a family, above Vercorin? At Sigeroulaz, reached by cable car, Forêt Aventure rolls out its treetop adventure courses and ziplines in the high-altitude forest. Thrills, height and fresh air guaranteed, from the moment children are 110 cm tall.
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Fancy some thrills on two wheels in Vercorin? In summer, you take the cable car up then ride an all-terrain scooter down the mountain, over around 500 metres of descent to the village. A fun, exhilarating ride, to share once children are comfortable on a bike.
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Fancy whizzing down the snow as a family in Vercorin? In winter, a sledging run of around 2 kilometres comes down from the intermediate station to the village, on a gentle slope ideal for children. A simple, joyful sliding outing, in the heart of the Valais.
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A year-round family space in Vercorin? It's the Lavioz. In summer, a playground, pump track, tennis and free equipment hire; in winter, a snow garden, ice rink and beginners' sledging. An open-air playground in the heart of the resort, where children let off steam all year round.
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