Cycling routes

Moiry - Trophy of the Dams

Sierre

3/14°

Closed

Tackle the climb to Moiry dam via Vercorin and Pinsec while enjoying the view of the Matterhorn and the Dent Blanche.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

32.7 km

Duration

3:30 h

Description

Your climb begins in Chippis, a small village situated on the plains at the edge the Rhône river. A narrow road takes you to Brie, passing close to the Bisse de Ricard, then climbs for several kilometres above Sierre and rejoins the main road that leads to Vercorin ski resort. The route runs along cliff sides and through galleries cut into the rock, allowing you to admire the Val d’Anniviers below. From Vercorin, the trail heads towards Pinsec and descends for a few kilometres, passing through the traditional hamlets of Mayoux and Saint-Jean along the way. The Matterhorn and the Dent Blanche form the backdrop to your next climb, which benefits from a broad and flowing initial section. The route becomes more demanding once it reaches the picturesque village of Grimentz, climbing steeply for five or six kilometres and briefly levelling out before two tough final kilometres to Moiry dam. The finishing point at 2,250m in altitude is situated near the top of the dam, overlooking the lake.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the bridge over the Rhône in Chippis, head to the centre of Chippis via the cantonal road. Follow the long bend in the road onto the Route de Chalais, where you’ll find the signpost for the start of the route. 200 metres down the road, turn left onto the road leading to Briey and follow it for 5.7km before rejoining the cantonal road in the direction of Vercorin. Once you reach the centre of Vercorin, turn left and continue towards Niouc, where a downhill section takes you through the villages of Niouc and Mayoux. Once you arrive in Mayoux, the Route de Vissoie-Grimentz begins to climb again. The slope becomes more demanding from the village of Grimentz, levelling out briefly before the final two kilometres of challenging cycling to Moiry dam. The finishing point is situated near the top of the dam, overlooking the lake. The route marked out by the Valais cycle signs allows you to make the climb to the Moiry dam without passing by the busy road from Sierre, Niouc and Vissoie.

Start

Chippis, Edge of the Rhône (526m) (531m)

Destination

Moiry dam (2,249m) (2249m)

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Author's recommendation

The interior of the dam can be visited on request.

Technical information

Altitude

2250m

531m

Ascent

+2042m

Descent

-325m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

You can reach Sierre via the SBB Lausanne-Brig line or via regional trains on the Simplon Railway.

Approach

Take the A9 motorway from Lausanne or Sierre, then take the Sierre Ouest (from Lausanne) or Sierre Est (from Brig) exit. Access the park and ride at Sierre train station via Rue de la Plaine.