Pierre Avoi

Pierre Avoi is a 2,473 m summit above Verbier in the Swiss canton of Valais. It stands in the Pennine Alps on the ridge dividing the Rhône valley from the Val de Bagnes, and it looks down on Saxon to the north-east. From the top you see Verbier, the Val de Bagnes, the Rhône valley, Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin. It is a favourite day hike in the area, mostly because of its protected final section.

What makes Pierre Avoi special?

The last stretch climbs steep rock. The final 50 metres or so go up steps and ladders secured with chains. Verbier's tourist office advises against the climb for anyone who suffers from vertigo. The name comes from a regional dialect word, "avouè", meaning sharp or pointed, rather than from the French verb for "to see".

How do you get to Pierre Avoi?

The easiest start is the upper lift station, reached by cable car from Verbier (Les Creux) or from La Tzoumaz. Both lines meet at a shared upper station, and the walk continues on foot from there. You can also begin at the Croix-de-Cœur car park or at Savoleyres.

• Loop from Croix-de-Cœur via Savoleyres: roughly 6–7 km and around 2.5 hours, rated hard.
• From Savoleyres: usually 1.5–2 hours to the summit.
• On foot from La Tzoumaz: about 3 hours one way.

For the return, head south over the Chute du Bisse to Verbier, or east toward Les Ruinettes and take the lift down.

When should you go?

The route is normally walked from June to September, and access is free. Choose a dry, settled day: wet rock and cold chains make the final section noticeably harder. Bring sturdy hiking boots, light gloves for the chains and enough water, as there are no mountain huts along the way.

What else is nearby?

The Savoleyres viewing ridge offers wide Alpine panoramas without any scrambling. You can also pair the hike with the Bisse du Levron irrigation channel path toward the Col des Mines.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pierre Avoi difficult? The approach is moderate, but the final section with steps, ladders and chains needs a steady head and a sure step. Komoot rates the loop as hard.

How high is the summit? Most sources give 2,473 m, though some list 2,472 m.

Can you climb it with children? It is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights. Children should have mountain experience and be supervised on the ladders.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access is free. You only pay if you use the cable car.