Gibidumpass
This high trail leads along the treeline from Visperterminen to Gspon, past ancient pine forests and among a wealth of alpine flora. The 11-kilometre hike offers breathtaking views of the Vispertal valley.
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Difficulty
easy
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Length
11.6 km
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Duration
3:30 h
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The high trail from Giw to Gspon forms part of the Great Walser Trail from Zermatt to the Kleinwalsertal. One thousand years ago, descendants of a Germanic people settled in the upper Valais. The Walsers were used to life in the high mountains and keen to migrate further and create new settlements in previously uninhabited mountain regions. The Great Walser Trail does not follow the migration routes of people from Valais, but instead connects the various sites linked with traditional Walser culture. Starting point for the hike is the summit station of the chairlift from Visperterminen to Giw. A steep ascent through forest and then across open terrain leads to the Gibidum Pass. It is well worth making the detour via the Gibidumsee lake, fed by the Heido, one of the historical “Suonen” (irrigation channels) of Valais. The shallow lake (2 m) quickly warms up in summer: perfect for a refreshing dip! All along the trail, you enjoy glorious views of the Vispertal valley as well as dramatic peaks from the Bietschhorn and Balfrin to the Weisshorn (4,506 m). The path leads mostly along the treeline but also passes through sections of the Lochwald and Riedjiwald forests. Here, in autumn, hikers often hear the belling of stags in rut. However, to actually see one of these fine creatures in the thick forest requires rather more luck. At Sädolti, the trail starts its descent to Gspon, a car-free mountain village that has carefully preserved its original charm. Gspon is also known as home to Europe’s highest football pitch, the «Ottmar Hitzfeld Gspon Arena». Highlights: Village of Visperterminen, home to Europe’s highest vineyards, with many options for tasting local wines direct in the cellars Gibidumsee lake, suitable for a dip Easy high-altitude trail above the treeline, panoramic views