The Pétoli Tour in Anzère: an easy loop along the bisse, for families

An easy loop along the bisse

Starting from Anzère, a sunny resort perched above Sion, the Pétoli Tour is a lovely 4.5-kilometre loop that takes about 1h15. The trail first follows part of the route of the bisse de Sion — these irrigation channels typical of the Valais — before heading into the forest, some corners of which are lined with little chalets and mayens. With only 134 metres of elevation gain and an easy rating, it's an accessible walk that is perfectly suited to families.

What your children will discover

Children follow the flow of water along the bisse, a fun discovery of Valais heritage, then walk in the shade of the forest, passing chalets and mayens. Along the way, the trail offers a fabulous view over the Rhône valley plain and the Crans-Montana hillside opposite. A varied walk that combines water, forest and sweeping panoramas, on a child's scale.

What you do and the atmosphere on site

You set off from Place de la Télécabine or Place du Village, and follow the waymarked loop at a gentle pace. The atmosphere is that of an easy, peaceful mountain walk, ideal for an unpretentious outing. The route is listed on SuisseMobile and a GPX file is available to download, handy for following the itinerary. You return to your starting point, in the heart of the resort.

Before you go

• Recommended age: as a family, from age 4-5 (easy loop)
• Distance: 4.5 km, a loop
• Duration: about 1h15
• Elevation: +134 m / −134 m
• Difficulty: easy
• Price: free, open access
• Best season: can be walked all year round

Parents' tips

• Set off from Place de la Télécabine or Place du Village, in the heart of Anzère.
• The trail runs alongside the bisse de Sion: keep an eye on little ones near the water.
• Download the GPX file (SuisseMobile) to follow the loop easily.
• Bring good shoes and water; the picnic is best enjoyed facing the view over Crans-Montana.
• Walkable in any season: adapt your gear (snow possible in winter).

Useful information

• Start / finish: Place de la Télécabine or Place du Village, 1972 Anzère
• Official website: anzere.ch
• Distance / duration: 4.5 km, about 1h15, +134 m, easy difficulty
• Route: waymarked, listed on SuisseMobile (GPX file available)
• Getting there: Anzère, above Sion (municipality of Ayent)

Why we recommend it

Because it's an easy, free and refreshing loop: you walk alongside a real Valais bisse, cross the forest and enjoy a superb view over the plain and Crans-Montana, all without difficulty. The ideal walk to introduce children to mountain hiking.

In a nutshell

An easy 4.5 km loop from Anzère, along the bisse de Sion and through the forest, free and walkable all year round — perfect for families.