Col de Bréona and Col du Tsaté Loop from La Forclaz

This running loop is rated as difficult and is best suited for experienced trail runners with excellent fitness and alpine experience. The terrain is predominantly unpaved, consisting of natural, alpine, hiking, and mountain hiking paths with very little asphalt. Expect sections of technical, difficult, or even hazardous terrain, requiring sure-footedness and sturdy shoes. Continuous jogging will be difficult, if not impossible, in many sections due to steep ascents, descents, and uneven, rocky paths.

The trail offers magnificent panoramic views typical of the high Alps. You can anticipate spectacular vistas of surrounding peaks, including the Couronne de Bréona, the Glacier de Moiry, the Dent Blanche, and the Ferpècle glacier. The Tsaté Pass itself provides a beautiful view of its namesake lake, and the Bréona Pass also offers expansive views.

Given its alpine nature and high elevation, the best time of year to run this loop is typically during the summer months, from late June to early October, when snow has melted and conditions are generally more stable. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out, as alpine weather can change rapidly.

The loop starts and ends in La Forclaz. You should be able to find parking available in or near the village of La Forclaz, which serves as the primary trailhead for this route. Specific parking areas may be signposted.

While many alpine trails in the region are dog-friendly, the highly technical and challenging nature of this specific loop, with sections that may require scrambling or navigating indistinct rocky paths, means it might not be suitable for all dogs, especially those not accustomed to such demanding terrain. If you bring a dog, ensure it is fit for alpine conditions and keep it on a leash, especially near livestock or wildlife.

No, typically you do not need a special permit or have to pay an entrance fee to access this running loop. It is a public alpine trail.

For this difficult alpine run, you should bring sturdy trail running shoes with good grip, appropriate layers of clothing for varying mountain weather, sufficient water and snacks, a map or GPS device (like the komoot app) for navigation, and potentially trekking poles for stability on steep or technical sections. Due to the challenging terrain, prior alpine experience is highly recommended.

No, continuous jogging will be difficult, if not impossible, in many sections of this loop. The steep ascents and descents, combined with uneven and potentially indistinct rocky paths, mean you will likely need to walk or even scramble in certain areas. It's more of a challenging trail run with significant hiking sections.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. You will find sections that overlap with trails such as the 03-Tour pédestre du Val d'Hérens, Route de Motô, Chemin de Motô, Route de la Terra, and Route de l'Aurel, among others.

Be aware that some sections, particularly on rocky paths, can become a little indistinct. You might encounter areas where a decision between 'climbing or scrambling' is necessary. Always pay close attention to trail markers and use a reliable navigation tool like the komoot app to stay on track, especially in less clear sections.

Yes, as the name suggests, the Col de Bréona and Col du Tsaté from La Forclaz is a running loop, meaning it starts and ends in the same location without requiring an out-and-back return on the same path.