Cycling routes

Mauvoisin - Dam Trophy

Auf dem Weg zur Staumauer von Mauvoisin

Le Châble

The route offers an ascent from Le Châble to the Mauvoisin dam and a view of Mont Rogneux, Rosablanche, and the Grand Combin.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

18.27 km

Duration

1:45 h

Description

Your starting point is the bridge over the Dranse and the railway tracks in the Le Châble region. Up to Fregnoley, there are no major climbs on the road to Mauvoisin. From here, the route becomes more varied. Several flat or even slightly descending sections accompany the ascent through the hamlet of Bonatchiesse and up to the height of the Fionnay reservoir. Along the entire route, you will encounter short galleries and several wooden bridges. With each kilometer traveled, the valley becomes narrower and more pristine, while the untouched nature and magnificent panorama unfold before you. Mont Rogneux, Rosablanche, and the Grand Combin with its 4314 meters are just some of the peaks accompanying you throughout the ascent. Upon arrival at the dam, be sure to also take a look at the reservoir located at 1961 meters. The route ends officially near the restaurant at an altitude of 1841 meters.

Turn-by-turn directions

The starting point is located at the bridge on the right bank of the Dranse. Afterwards, the signs of the Valais cycle route marking will guide your ascent. On this route, you will ride through the villages of Versegères, Champsec, Lourtier, Fionnay, and Bonatchiesse. During your ride, you will encounter some short galleries and several wooden bridges over waterways. At the exit of Lourtier, it is better to take the summer road on the right bank of the Dranse to avoid two tunnels (including a very long one). The route officially ends after 18.3 kilometers of ascent at an altitude of 1841 meters near the restaurant.

Start

Le Châble, bridge (821m)

Destination

Restaurant de Mauvoisin (1841m)

Author's recommendation

Admire the complexity of the various storage stations of the dam as you pass by the numerous facilities during your ascent.

Technical information

Altitude

1841m

822m

Ascent

+1020m

Descent

-0m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Take the Brig-Simplon line to Martigny, then the St-Bernard Express to Le Châble.

Approach

Motorway A9 from Lausanne or Siders to the Martigny/Grand St-Bernard exit, then via the E27 towards Sembrancher and the Route de la Vallée to Le Châble.

Parking

Parking at the Le Châble train station.

Equipment

Our recommendation: technically flawless bicycle, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing appropriate to the weather (always carry rain protection), drinks and provisions.

Safety information

Respect the rules of Swiss road traffic. Riding on this route is at your own risk; all liability is excluded. Respect the flora and fauna in your surroundings. For your safety, we recommend wearing a bicycle helmet. Emergency numbers: 144 ambulance / 117 police / 1414 Rega. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Riding the various routes is always at your own responsibility.

Additional information

Literature

Maps

Topographic maps 1:25,000 SwissTopo: 1325 Sembrancher / 1326 Rosablanche / 1346 Chanrion

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

Your accommodation in Valais