recommended route
Nendaz-Barrage de Cleuson Bike
Mountain Bike
· Nendaz
-
Mountainbiker at the Cleuson damPhoto: Etienne Bornet, Nendaz Tourisme
Pedal to the turquoise waters of Cleuson while discovering stunning panoramas.
moderate
Distance 31 km
5:00 h
1,081 m
1,081 m
2,188 m
1,210 m
Leave from Haute-Nendaz to first reach Siviez before joining the Cleuson dam. Built between 1946 and 1951, Cleuson can hold 20 million cubic metres of water. It is a reinforced foot-hills dam standing 87 meters high and 420 meters wide at its widest point. But its reputation stems above all from its bluey-green toned waters.
Author’s recommendation
The circuit can be shortened. By parking directly at Siviez, you can reach the Cleuson dam while avoiding the Nendaz-Siviez trip. Or you can enjoy just the Nendaz-Siviez trip. This leg is especially suited to families and electric bikes.
Difficulty
S0
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Barrage de Cleuson, 2,188 m
Lowest point
Saclentse, 1,210 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Forested/wild trail
15 km
Road
16 km
Safety information
Use marked bike trails and routes only, making sure you observe all signposting. Kindly close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers, as well as to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.Tips and hints
More information
View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility:
Start
Haute-Nendaz (sports centre) (1,339 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'588'583E 1'114'548N
DD
46.182302, 7.290788
DMS
46°10'56.3"N 7°17'26.8"E
UTM
32T 368087 5115722
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Destination
Haute-Nendaz (sports centre)
Turn-by-turn directions
Leave from the "Centre Sportif de Haute-Nendaz" to join Siviez, following the Mountainbike 129 signposts. First of all go through Tsamandon before arriving at the forestry centre. Then, leave the asphalt road to cross the forest and reach the mayens (alpine huts) of Sofleu by the route de l'Aplanie. This is the ideal opportunity to enjoy the splendid view of the Bernese Alps and the the Rhône plain. On arrival at the Siviez car park, follow the Mountainbike 134 signs. Follow the right bank of the La Printse stream in the direction of the end of the valley. At first the road is asphalt then it gradually becomes a track. Some sharp bends and a short tunnel will lead you directly to the dam, from where you can contemplate a vast panorama. Finally, cross the dam in order to admire the little chapel of Saint-Barthélémy from closer up, before going back to Haute-Nendaz.
Public transport
Regular bus service operates to Nendaz from Sion train station. The bus journey takes about 30 minutes. Regular connections from Geneva or Berne/Visp to Sion.By road
Take the A9 motorway to Sion and then the exit to Sion-Ouest towards Nendaz. You will then have a 20 minute drive (15 kilometers) following the road signs to "Nendaz" to reach the centre of the resort.Parking
Four different car parkings are available in Haute-Nendaz. Follow the parking instructions.Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'588'583E 1'114'548N
DD
46.182302, 7.290788
DMS
46°10'56.3"N 7°17'26.8"E
UTM
32T 368087 5115722
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Nendaz has a range of brochures and other informative material about mountain biking in the region.
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1306 Sion / 1326 Rosablanche
Equipment
We recommend: a bike in excellent working order, a helmet, gloves and a bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Difficulty
S0
moderate
Distance
31 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
1,081 m
Descent
1,081 m
Highest point
2,188 m
Lowest point
1,210 m
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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