This easy-to-climb 3,000-metre peak in the Val d’Anniviers valley is often described as the best mountain in the Valais for views. You can see into the high mountains, the Weisshorn and Dent Blanche close by and the Matterhorn in the distance.

The first 500 metres of the climb is via a very special funicular railway from the village of St-Luc to Alp Tignousa at the tree line. Here you’ll find an observatory and the planet trail to the Hotel Weisshorn (80 minutes), along with a magnificent viewpoint.

As well as the Bella Tola, it is also worth climbing the Illhorn near Chandolin, taking a high-altitude hike through the rear part of the Val d’Annivers valley to Zinal, or crossing the Meiden Pass into the neighbouring Turmanntal valley and even further over the Augstbord Pass to the Mattertal valley.

Information

Altitude: 3,025 metres
How to get there:
Train to Sierre and PostBus to St-Luc (sometimes necessary to change in Vissoie), “Hôtel Bella Tola” stop), walk through the village (12 minutes), funicular to Tignousa
Views: Valais High Alps and the Matterhorn beyond in the Val d’Anniviers valley, across the Rhone Valley to the Vaud and Western Bernese Alps
Attractions: Planet trail, François Xavier Bagnoud Observatory, high-altitude hike to Zinal
Food and drink: Tignousa: grilled specialities, homemade patisseries
Bella Tola mountain hut: speciality tartiflette with Anniviers cheese
Accommodation: Tignousa: Group accommodation for 28 in rooms with 2, 4 and 6 beds
Bella-Tola mountain hut: 10 dormitories with a total of 92 sleeping spaces
Groups: Tignousa: Self-service (seating for 120) and “Spaghetteria” (seating for 60), terrace with seating for 200; 3 recreation rooms for groups
Bella Tola mountain hut: Two restaurants (seating for 60 and 40), terrace (seating for 200)
Winter: St-Luc – Bella Tola – Chandolin – Illhorn winter sports area
Special comments: The Tignousa funicular is built on stilts for easier snow clearance