Hikes

Cleuson Dam

Nendaz

0/8°

Set off on a wonderful hike along a former irrigation channel with a unique view of the turquoise waters of the Cleuson Dam.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

11.6 km

Duration

3:10 h

Wanderung mit Weitblick auf die Bergipfel von Mont Fort, Bec des Étagnes und Mont Gelé

Blick bei der Brücke des Flusses La Printse de Tortin auf die Berggipfel von Mont Gelé

Description

The route along the former Chervé irrigation channel with its unique dry stone walls promises a wonderful high-altitude hike. Along the way, the view of the blue waters of the Cleuson lake and the impressive dam open up increasingly. Once on the summit, you’re in for a treat with the beauty and colours of the landscape. Before returning to Siviez, visit the charming mountain chapel of St Barthélémy awaiting visits from hikers in its enchanting alpine setting.

Turn-by-turn directions

Follow the marked path along the former Chervé irrigation channel from the top station of the Combatseline chairlift in Siviez to above the Cleuson Dam. Take the path going down to the dam and continue next to its turquoise waters. When you reach the St. Barthélémy chapel, take a leisurely walk from the back of the dam along a pleasantly shady path. After crossing part of the forest, follow a small stream near Tortin mountain farm to return to where you started in Siviez.

Start

Combatseline (top of chairlift Siviez-Combasteline) (2241m)

Destination

Siviez (1729m)

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Author's recommendation

In summer, don't miss a visit to the inner sanctum of the impressive Cleuson Dam. The tour lasts about an hour and takes place on Friday afternoons.

Technical information

Altitude

2355m

1728m

Ascent

+195m

Descent

-710m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

From Geneva or Brig, take the train to Sion. Change for the post bus to Haute-Nendaz, then to Siviez. Once in Siviez, take the chairlift to Combatseline.

Approach

Follow the A9 motorway and take exit 26 (Sion-Ouest) from Martigny, or 27 (Sion-Est) from Brig and drive in the direction of Haute-Nendaz / Siviez.

Parking

Large car park available at the bottom of the Siviez ski lifts.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.