Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Orsières to Bourg Saint Pierre

Another relentless day of climbing! I left the fresh air of Orsières around 7:30 a.m., the temperature perfect, the sky painted in soft morning light. The way the sun lit the mountains felt like nature brushing its own masterpiece—surreal and unforgettable.

As I moved steadily toward the Great Saint Bernard Pass, more and more peaks began to reveal themselves. The scale of the landscape grew with every step. These were no longer gentle hills—they were jagged giants, towering above with both menace and majesty, promising challenge and awe in equal measure.

Fast-flowing rivers roared beside the trail, their energy unmistakable. The sunlight danced off the water in dazzling flashes, throwing brilliant contrast against the deep greens of the alpine valleys.

I ran into Oscar again—the guy with the ridiculously heavy pack! Over tea, we chatted about careers and the importance of staying focused on becoming the best version of yourself. A surprisingly inspiring and honest exchange. Later, I also met a group of Swiss hikers headed the same way. Good people. Good energy.

After that much-needed rest, I continued toward today’s destination: Bourg Saint Pierre. The scenery didn’t let up; in fact, it kept getting more spectacular as the climb grew steeper. The altitude was grueling, the ascent unrelenting. I stopped again for another short break— coffee, more conversation with fellow hikers—and then pushed on for the final stretch.

Words fall short of capturing the views. You just have to be here to understand. I reached Bourg Saint Pierre by late afternoon. A well-earned beer marked my arrival. I checked into the hotel and later wandered into the heart of the village around 6 p.m.

A Bit of History: Bourg Saint Pierre

Bourg Saint Pierre is one of the oldest villages in Switzerland, long serving as a key stop for travelers crossing the Great Saint Bernard Pass. Over the centuries, it has welcomed pilgrims, merchants, and even Napoleon’s army. Though small in size, its cobbled streets carry the weight of centuries of alpine history.

On this particular Saturday, the village came alive. A water slide ran through the entire town—yes, the entire town—from end to end. Live music filled the air, beer flowed freely, the food was hearty, and laughter echoed off the surrounding mountain walls. A memorable evening in a place full of charm.

Onward to the Pass

A great day of hiking with serious altitude gains—and a little bit of fun at the finish line.

Tomorrow, I head for the pass. There aren’t many things that intimidate me… but the Great Saint Bernard Pass is one of them. Its history is epic, its beauty undeniable—but make no mistake: it’s a serious climb. The terrain becomes rugged, the air thinner, and the weather unpredictable. It’s the kind of place that humbles you—not just physically, but mentally too. And that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it.