Quille du Diable / Tour Saint Martin

Quille du Diable (Tour Saint-Martin) is a limestone tower and summit at 2,908 m in the Diablerets massif, on the Savièse side of the Swiss canton of Valais. It stands at the rim of the high Tsanfleuron glacier plateau, and on its far side the ground falls away roughly 1,500 m toward the Derborence valley.

Where is the Quille du Diable?

The peak sits on the boundary between the municipalities of Savièse and Conthey, at about 46.31° N, 7.22° E. Modern maps label it Tour Saint-Martin, while the older name, Quille du Diable ("the Devil's skittle"), survives in guidebooks and local stories. Do not confuse it with Scex Rouge, a separate summit in the same massif.

Why is it called the Devil's Skittle?

Local legend says demons lived in these mountains and played skittles, using the slender rock as a pin or a target in contests of strength and skill. That tale gives the lone spire a story of its own.

How do you reach it on foot?

The best-known option is a full-day hike starting near Scex Rouge. The route crosses the Tsanfleuron glacier plateau to the foot of the tower, where the Refuge l'Espace hut offers a place to stop. From there the path drops to the Prarochet hut and on to the Sanetsch Pass. The full route to Gsteig is nearly 19 km and about five and a half hours, rated moderate. Part of it crosses glacial, high-alpine terrain, so check conditions and the forecast before you set out.

Can you climb here?

Yes. The rock is limestone, and the area is described as a crag with a dozen or more routes up to about 70 m high. The approach takes around 45 minutes of easy uphill walking from the top lift station above Les Diablerets; you can also come in from the Sanetsch Pass or the Prarochet hut. Published grades vary between sources, so use a current climbing topo for route details.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn are best, when the lifts and huts operate. Outside the season the plateau is under snow and route-finding can be tricky.

Frequently asked questions

Are Quille du Diable and Tour Saint-Martin the same place?

Yes. Tour Saint-Martin is the name on modern maps, and Quille du Diable is the older name for the same formation.

How high is it?

2,908 m above sea level.

Is the hike easy?

The route from Scex Rouge across the Tsanfleuron glacier to the Sanetsch Pass is rated moderate, but it needs good fitness and settled weather.

Where can you rest along the way?

At the Refuge l'Espace hut at the base of the tower and at the Prarochet hut further along the trail.