Dixence - Trophy of the Dams

Sion
0/10°
This climb allows you to explore Hérémence as you make your way through spectacular landscapes and discover the world’s highest gravity dam, the Grande Dixence.
Difficulty
DifficultLength
38.19 kmDuration
2:45 hDescription
Starting from Bramois, leave the plains via a relatively gentle and steady climb on a broad road passing vineyards and pastures. As the kilometres roll by, the panoramic view expands to include the nearby Mandelon and the Dent d’Hérens in the distance. The route passes through the sunny, traditional villages of Mase and St-Martin before making a descent towards Euseigne that includes a few straight and speedy stretches. On arrival in Euseigne, the route begins to climb again in the direction of Mâche, then joins the main road that leads to Grande Dixence dam. As you make your way through the Val des Dix, the natural surroundings and environment become increasingly wild and unspoilt. The last few kilometres are steeper, and you’ll have to make your way through numerous hairpin bends to reach the foot of Grande Dixence dam. From there, the view of the surrounding summits and pine forests is spectacular.
Turn-by-turn directions
From Bramois village centre, head towards Mase/St-Martin on the cantonal road that winds along the right side of the Val d’Hérens. Once you arrive in St-Martin, head downhill to the junction for Evolène and turn right in the direction of Euseigne, where the road levels out. On arrival in Euseigne, the route turns left and allows you to gain some altitude as it climbs towards Mâche. After a few kilometres of climbing, the route leads onto the main road that takes you to Grande Dixence dam. At Le Pralong, the climb becomes more challenging and concludes with a series of hairpin bends. Once you have left the tunnel and are 500 metres from the foot of the dam, turn left to reach the Grande Dixence dam museum.
Start
Chemin du Creux-de-Nax 9, 1967 Bramois (alt. 511m) (508m)
Destination
Grande Dixence dam (2137m) (2139m)
Author's recommendation
The interior of the dam can be visited on request.
Technical information
Altitude
2139m
509m
Ascent
+2077m
Descent
-447m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion