Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is one of the finest hiking grounds in the Northern Alps. The village sits at the heart of the Sixt-Passy national nature reserve, a vast protected high-altitude territory, where you cross ibex, chamois and, with a little luck, the bearded vulture. From the valley-floor waterfalls to the 3,000 m summits, there’s something for every walker.
Where to walk
- The Rouget waterfall: nicknamed the “queen of the Alps”, a spectacular fall of nearly 90 m, reached on a short walk, ideal with the family.
- The back of the Fer-à-Cheval cirque: the flat path to the Bout du Monde (see the Fer-à-Cheval cirque page).
- Mont Buet (3,096 m): the “Ladies’ Mont Blanc”, one of the finest hiking ascents in the Alps, long and demanding, for seasoned walkers.
- The refuges and altitude lakes: many routes climb towards the reserve’s refuges, with grandiose panoramas.
Making the most of it
The reserve is a fragile, high-mountain environment: a guided outing with a leader or the Sixt guides’ office helps choose the route, read the weather and watch the wildlife without disturbing it. For the summits and long routes like Mont Buet, supervision is strongly advised.
Booking
The trails are free to access and waymarked. For guided hikes, wildlife watching and ascents, contact the guides’ office and the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval tourist office.
Good to know
Level. From the easy Rouget waterfall to Mont Buet (a full-day route), check the elevation gain and difficulty carefully before setting off.
Gear. Mountain shoes, water, a windbreaker. At altitude, the weather changes fast and snowfields can linger.
Nature reserve. Stay on the trails, keep dogs leashed (often forbidden), don’t approach the wildlife.
Season. From June to October depending on altitude; the high summits are best done from July to September.
See also in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Start with the Fer-à-Cheval cirque, or cool off with whitewater on the Giffre. Back to the destination: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.