The Walker's Haute Route: Hotel Weisshorn - Gruben

The trail over Meidpass is straight forward, ascending and descending through pastures with good views of the surrounding landscape snd feature terrific scenery.

Hikers crossing Meidpass are treated to expansive, albeit more distant views from the pass. Views along the Forcletta trail, especially of the high peak of the Turtmanntal, are closer with the best views revealed as you descend from the pass to Chalte Berg area.

The scenic hike to Meidpass, starting from the beautiful and iconic Hotel Weisshorn, ascends through meadows and then scree covered slopes with fine views of the high peaks rimming the west side of the Val Anniviers and Val de Moiry. As the path nears the pass views expand to include a sea of peaks towering above the Rhone Valley and the high summits, including Grand Combin and Mont Blanc, to the southwest.

As you crest the pass impressive views open to Brunegghorn, Bishorn and the Weisshorn soaring above craggy peaks in the Turtmanntal Valley. The summit of the Dom and Taschhorn, located in the Mattertal valley, rise above the ridge rimming the east side of the Turtmann Valley.

The views become partially blocked by intervening low ridges as you descend to the Meidsee, a scenic tarn, and then drop down through meadows to Gruben. Toward the end of the hike beautiful vistas reopen to the Turtmann Glacier spilling down the slopes between Les Diablons, Tete de Milon and the Bishorn at the head of the valley.

Note: Meidpass marks the boundary between the French-speaking Valais and the German-speaking Wallis. Try to remember to switch your greetings to German when you arrive in Gruben.

The Hotel Schwarzhorn in Gruben is a busy little place with a nice restaurant and large backyard for relaxing with a cold beer after a long hike. If is best to have advanced reservations if you plan to spend the night here.