Les Haudères – Village History, Trails and Winter Activities

When choosing a hotel in Les Haudères, it helps to consider the village’s character and activities in light of your travel plans. The historic settlement lies at the confluence of the Borgne de Ferpècle and the Borgne d’Arolla, between pastures on the valley floor of the upper Val d’Hérens. Les Haudères offers views of the Dent-Blanche. The village is one of Switzerland’s protected historic sites; its dense development and hierarchical layout along the transport routes shape its settlement pattern.

Village History and Geology

The historic village group that includes Les Haudères is surrounded by alpine pastures and fragrant forests. In the surrounding area are Les Foches, where the earliest known settlement houses in the village are located. One chalet there dates back to 1565. A visit can therefore offer a glimpse of different evidence of the village’s history, from its traditional layout to a historic building with a documented date.

The former school houses a permanent geological exhibition about the region. Panels and videos cover topics including the use of soapstone, the development of glaciers and their influence on the landscape. Check the opening arrangements before your visit. The geology programme includes several walking excursions, and some routes are signposted. Route descriptions are available from the Evolène tourist office or the House of Geology in Les Haudères. Check access arrangements in advance.

Culture in the Village

The Chapelle des Haudères houses paintings by François de Ribaupierre. The Festival Classique des Haudères holds a summer concert season there. If you are planning to attend a concert, check the programme dates for your travel year. The Hérens Aréna was built for the municipality’s cow fights. In summer, traders, craftspeople and farmers dressed in traditional Valais costumes take part in the arts and crafts market; check the market dates against your travel dates.

Hikes and Route Options

The Chemin des villages d’Evolène passes through the historic villages of the upper Val d’Hérens, including Les Haudères. From the valley floor, the hiking trail climbs to the sunny terraces of La Sage and Villaz, which lie about 300 metres higher. For a hike with a clearly named destination, the trail from Les Haudères to La Gouille follows a small mountain road for 3.5 kilometres at a steady gradient. Along the way is the Chapelle St-Barthélémy, at an altitude of 1,823 metres. The stated duration is 1 hour and 20 minutes; the return follows the same route.

The hike “Discovering the Vallon de Ferpècle from Les Haudères” leads from the village into the Vallon de Ferpècle. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Excursion E can also be taken from Les Haudères, by postbus, bicycle or car, with some sections covered on foot. Check timetables and seasonal road access in advance when planning your transport. Those travelling by mountain bike or e-mountain bike can take the Les Haudères–Ferpècle route, which starts in Les Haudères; it is possible to return by bus from Ferpècle. Check the timetable and bicycle policy before setting out.

Winter Activities and Regional Products

The cross-country skiing options described for winter vary considerably in length: the Evolène–Les Haudères Nordic sector offers a 20.5-kilometre trail; the night trail in Les Haudères is an approximately 2-kilometre loop between the Molignon campsite and the Hérens Aréna. Solar-powered lamps illuminate the loop. Check seasonal operating conditions and opening dates in advance. The natural ice rink in Les Haudères is also set up at the Nordic Aréna for the winter season, where visitors can go skating or play ice hockey. Check the dates and access arrangements for your travel period as well.

For regional products, the Centrale dairy is another specific local reference: products available there include Raclette des Haudères, Tomme d’Evolène and Tomme des Haudères. As retail availability can change, check before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Arolla

For the main travel overview: Evolène.