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Dixence - Trophy of the Dams

Cycling · Valais
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Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Velo Hérémence, Barrage de la Grande Dixence
    Velo Hérémence, Barrage de la Grande Dixence
    Photo: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion
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
2:45 h
2,077 m
447 m
2,139 m
509 m
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
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Dec

Track types

Forested/wild trail 0.48%Road 99.51%
Forested/wild trail
0.2 km
Road
38 km
Show elevation profile

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 Sion

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
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.

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Photos from others


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
Public-transport-friendly Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Insider tip Linear route

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