Hiking to the Haute Cime (3,254m) – The Highest Peak of the Dents du Midi

 

Overview:

• Starting point: Champéry (1,000m)
• Arrival: Haute Cime (3,254m)
• Altitude gain: 2,300m
• Duration: 2 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Technical difficulty: Easy

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For years, I had dreamed of reaching the Haute Cime, the highest peak of the Dents du Midi in Valais, Switzerland. I had attempted it once before, but we started too late and faced early snow in late September. That time, we had to turn back. But this time, it was midsummer, and I was determined to make it!

Choosing the Route

There are two main routes to the summit: one from Lac de Salanfe and one from Champéry. The first time, I tried the Salanfe side, but in hindsight, I’d recommend the Champéry route. The final ascent from Salanfe is longer and includes a section with falling rocks, making it trickier.

So this time, I started from Champéry. No lifts, no shortcuts—just a pure mountain trail. I left my car in the large parking lot near the winter cable car, 500m past the village, and set off.

Day 1: From Champéry to Cabane de Susanfe

Right from the start, you can already see the Haute Cime, towering almost vertically above you. But don’t worry—you don’t need to climb it directly! Unlike the other peaks in the Dents du Midi range, Haute Cime is the only one you can reach without technical climbing.

The first part of the hike winds through forest trails, a gentle and pleasant section that’s actually a great family hike up to Refuge de Bonavau (1,550m). It’s a good spot to take a break, enjoy some food, and let kids play in the surrounding green fields.

From here, the real mountain terrain begins. The trail reaches a bifurcation: one path leads toward Lac d’Anterne (part of the full Dents du Midi circuit), while the other climbs towards Cabane de Susanfe. I took the latter.

The ascent continues along a ridge, with a few sections equipped with ropes. It’s not particularly dangerous, but you do need a steady step and a bit of confidence with heights. After crossing the ridge, the trail enters the valley on the other side and crosses a small bridge before climbing again towards the Cabane de Susanfe (2,102m).

Night at Cabane de Susanfe

The hut is small and quite basic, but like all good Swiss mountain huts, it offers soup and cake—a welcome treat after a long hike! Dinner was served at 18:30, and I had the chance to sit next to a guy who worked as a sports trainer for disabled people. What an inspiring job! Apparently people in wheelchair are very strong in cross-country skiing because they have very strong arms because of pushing the wheels.

As with many Swiss huts, the food was... functional rather than memorable. But let’s be honest—you don’t come to the mountains for the cuisine.

I got a solid nine hours of sleep (20:30 to 05:30), which was exactly what I needed for the big day ahead.

Day 2: The Final Ascent to Haute Cime

I had breakfast at 06:00, and by 06:45, I was already on the trail.

Shortly after leaving the hut, the path becomes rockier and steeper. The trail climbs up the valley to Col de Susanfe (2,493m), where it meets the path from the Salanfe side. At the col, the landscape is barren and lunar—nothing but endless rock and scree and some amazing views! The clouds were mezmerizing here.

From there, the ascent becomes progressively steeper. The trail zigzags up the mountainside but remains fairly straightforward as long as there’s no snow. If there is, it can quickly become dangerous—one slip, and you could slide down quite a distance. Luckily, it was mid-July, and the path was clear.

At around 3,000m, I started to feel the effects of the altitude. The wind picked up, and it was getting colder. Just as I was adjusting my pace, a trail runner overtook me—wearing only a T-shirt and moving effortlessly up the slope. These ultra-runners... I’ll never understand what fuels them.

I kept going at my slow but steady pace, and at 10:30, after years of dreaming about it, I finally stood on the summit of Haute Cime!

At the Summit

The summit itself is simple—just a cross, a pile of rocks, and stunning views. The atmosphere was surreal, with low clouds drifting just above me. Within half an hour, they would roll down and engulf the peak. I had been lucky with my timing.

I sat down, ate a sandwich, and took in the moment. Then, it was time for the long descent—2,300m down.

The Long Way Down

Descending was tough: 2300m down. But the day was nice, the scenary was beauctiful and by 14:30, I was back at the starting point, my feet aching but a smile on my face.

This hike had been on my bucket list for years, and finally, I had done it. Haute Cime, the highest peak of the Dents du Midi, conquered at last!