Dixence - Trophy of the Dams
Cycling
· Valais
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.
difficult
Distance 38.2 km
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.
Author’s recommendation
The interior of the dam can be visited on request.
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Grande Dixence dam (2137m), 2,139 m
Lowest point
Bramois (511 m), 509 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Forested/wild trail
0.2 km
Road
38 km
Safety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).Tips and hints
More information:Start
Chemin du Creux-de-Nax 9, 1967 Bramois (alt. 511m) (508 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'597'159E 1'120'001N
DD
46.231443, 7.401822
DMS
46°13'53.2"N 7°24'06.6"E
UTM
32T 376766 5121004
w3w
///paves.musically.fillers
Destination
Grande Dixence dam (2137m)
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.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
You can reach Sion via the SBB Lausanne-Brig line or via regional trains.By road
From the A9 motorway, take exit 27 (Sion) to make your way to Bramois village centre.Parking
Parking-Relais Sédunois, Rue des Maraîches, 1950 SionCoordinates
SwissGrid
2'597'159E 1'120'001N
DD
46.231443, 7.401822
DMS
46°13'53.2"N 7°24'06.6"E
UTM
32T 376766 5121004
w3w
///paves.musically.fillers
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures: Road Cycling Map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1306 Sion / 1326 Rosablanche
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Difficulty
difficult
Distance
38.2 km
Duration
2:45 h
Ascent
2,077 m
Descent
447 m
Highest point
2,139 m
Lowest point
509 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 1 Waypoints
- 1 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others