Built between 1947 and 1950 and first commissioned in 1950 for hydroelectric purposes, the Cleuson dam was decided and built in an economic context of war. It is a dam with reinforced buttresses, the federal authorities having then required that the building be massive and resistant to bombardments.

Located at al altitude of 2’187m, it holds about 20 million m3 of water coming from the entire valley. Its imposing wall, 420m long and 87m high, stands in the middle of a breathtaking alpine landscape . This site bears witness to a perfect harmony between nature and human activity. What a sight to behold !

Have your camera or Smartphone ready to capture the turquoise blue water. In fact, the water of the lake is tinted with this exceptional colour, known as « bleu de Cleuson » which is due to the refraction of light on the sit. A ‘must’ for photo enthusiasts !

We do not recommend driving up to the Cleuson dam.

THE HIKE TRAIL

Source: https://www.nendaz.ch/en/V2586/hike-cleuson-dam

This walk departs from Siviez from the ski-lift station, direction Tortin. First of all, you take the path which runs alongside the base of the ski slope next to the restaurant «Chez Caroline».

Follow this path along the chemin des Ecureuils. When you arrive at the first large bend in the road, take the path on your left, cross the bridge, and continue climbing by following the forest path.

Arriving underneath the Tortin reservoir, continue your walk by following the pastoral road towards “Ouché”. When you get there, take the trail which to the left which leads upwards. Follow the signposts towards Cleuson.

Once you are at the base of the dam, you can either follow the road leading to the top of the dam or take another footpath which climbs up the right-hand side of the dam wall.

You can also follow the road all the way back down on the return trip.

Source +++: https://hikes.gander.family/lac-cleuson

We picnicked at the side of the path, on a rock overlooking the dam. We saw marmots just below us, a beautiful sight.

From there, it is possible to go down to the dam from the path, but we preferred to continue to go around the lake.

Sources:

https://www.nendaz.ch/en/P72780/cleuson-dam#map

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g658753-d18219211-Reviews-

Lac_de_Cleuson-Nendaz_Canton_of_Valais_Swiss_Alps.html

https://hikes.gander.family/lac-cleuson

Andere wandelroutes:

https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/guide/175740/wandelen-rond-lac-de-cleuson