Tronc mountain pasture
In the heart of the Mont Chemin larches, overlooking the Bagnes Valley. 200 years of cheese-making tradition.
Why is this address included in our selection
The History of Alpage du Tronc
Perched at an altitude of 1,600 meters on the Col du Tronc, amidst the larch trees of Mont Chemin and overlooking the Entremont valley, the Alpage du Tronc is one of the oldest alpine pastures in Val de Bagnes. Founded in 1811, it celebrated 200 years of history in 2011—few Valaisan alpine pastures can boast such continuity.
Today, the Sauthier family continues the tradition. Sébastien, Virginie, and Fabien welcome visitors to their mountain hut every year, from the last Saturday of May to mid-September. It's a genuine hut open to the public, not just a sales point: 40 seats inside, 74 on the terrace, open 7 days a week from 8 am to 11 pm.
The herd consists of 88 Hérens cows—this emblematic Valaisan breed, rustic, with proud horns, famous for its queen fights. The Inalpe (the ascent to the alpine pasture) takes place every year at the end of May and leads to spectacular fights that attract lovers of Valaisan tradition from across the canton.
Cheese is made on-site from raw milk, with meticulous ripening that results in a wide variety of flavors. This quality earned Alpage du Tronc the bronze medal in the official sensory evaluation of the Interprofession Raclette du Valais AOP in 2020, with a score of 18.91/20.
Beyond the cheese, the alpine pasture is a privileged stopping point for hikers: several trails meet at the Col du Tronc, making it a natural gourmet stop in the middle of a day's walk.
🍴 Sur la carte
At the refreshment stall (on site)
- Raclette by the half-wheel — by reservation
- Valaisan fondue — by reservation
- Cheese slices and cheese on toast — by reservation
- Valaisan platter — available at all times, no reservation required
- Homemade tarts, cold and hot drinks
Direct sales at the alpine pasture
- Raw milk Raclette du Valais AOP (whole wheel, half-wheel, portions)
- Alpine tomme cheese
- Fresh sérac cheese
- Raw milk subject to availability
Cheese reservation: 079 381 57 18 (Sébastien) or 079 399 87 42 (Virginie).
ℹ️ Bon à savoir
The alpine pasture in numbers
- 1811 — year of foundation (200 years in 2011)
- 1,600 m altitude at Col du Tronc
- 86 hectares of pastures
- 88 Hérens cows in the herd (2025)
- 40 + 74 seats: indoor + panoramic terrace
Preparing for your visit
- Reservation required for raclette, fondue, croûte, cheese slices
- Valais plate available without reservation, at any time
- Payment mainly in cash
- Disabled access not available — mountain terrain
The unmissable event
The Inalpe takes place at the end of May (generally the last Saturday of May) — the ascent of the Hérens cows to the alpine pasture gives rise to the famous combats de reines (cow fights), a free spectacle that attracts lovers of Valaisan tradition.
Comment y aller
🚗 En voiture
From the A9 motorway, take the Martigny exit. Follow directions for Grand Saint-Bernard, then Sembrancher, then Vollèges. In Vollèges, the Tronc alpine pasture is indicated by a sign. The road to the pasture is drivable – accessible without a 4x4 in dry weather.
🥾 À pied
From Vollèges (1 or 2 hours' walk depending on the trail), or from Col des Planches (1 hour). Several hiking trails meet at Col du Tronc—it's a classic stopping point for Val de Bagnes loops.
🚌 Transports publics
No direct public transport. Train to Martigny or Sembrancher, then taxi or car to Vollèges and the mountain pasture.
Taste this local flavour at home
Did you love your raclette at Le Tronc? Pre-order your wheel for the 2026 season — delivered to your home in early October, as soon as the official new alpine season begins.
OrderFAQ Question
You can order your wheel on Misterraclette.ch. For the 2026 season, this is a pre-order: shipping at the beginning of October, as soon as the new alpine season officially opens. Limited production, first come, first served.
The not-to-be-missed event is the Inalpe, at the end of May (usually the last Saturday of the month) — the ascent of the Hérens cows to the alpine pasture with the famous cow fights. A free spectacle with an authentic Valais atmosphere, not to be missed under any circumstances if you are in the Val de Bagnes.
Yes, several hiking trails meet at Col du Tronc. Allow for about 1 to 2 hours from Vollèges, or 1 hour from Col des Planches. It's a popular gourmet stop for hikers doing loops in the Val de Bagnes.
From the A9, take the Martigny exit. Follow directions for Grand Saint-Bernard → Sembrancher → Vollèges. In Vollèges, the mountain pasture is indicated by a sign. The road is passable up to the mountain pasture — no need for a 4x4 in dry weather.
Yes, half-wheel raclette, fondue, croûte and cheese slices are by reservation. The Valais plate, however, is available at any time without reservation. To book: 079 381 57 18 (Sébastien) or 079 399 87 42 (Virginie).
The refreshment bar is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., from the last Saturday in May (Inalpe) to approximately mid-September, depending on the summer pasture season and the weather.
