VerticAlp Emosson – Funiculars and dam
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
VerticAlp Emosson, these are 3 historic mountain railways that take you to the second largest reservoir in Switzerland. Around the lake, hiking trails await you with views of Mont Blanc and 250-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
VerticAlp Emosson at a glance
VerticAlp Emosson connects 3 historic railways from the 1920s: Funicular, panoramic train and mini funicular take guests from Le Châtelard up to the 180-metre-high arch dam. The reservoir at 1930 metres is the second largest reservoir in Switzerland. From the top of the wall, the view opens up to the Mont Blanc massif.
What to experience
Panoramic ride with 3 cable cars (45 minutes)
At Le Châtelard, you board the funicular with a gradient of up to 87 percent. Afterwards, the panoramic train winds along the mountainside with a view of Mont Blanc. The last stage takes you up to the top of the wall with the mini funicular. The historic railways date back to the construction of the first dam in the 1920s.
- Good to know: The lifts are barrier-free.
- Tip: Leave the car at home and take the Mont Blanc Express from Martigny.
Guided tour of the dam wall (1.5 hours)
Go inside the massive concrete structure. On a guided tour, you will walk over the top of the wall and through the control galleries. You will learn interesting background information about the construction and history of the complex. You will feel the power of the masses of water that rest behind the 180-metre-high wall.
- Good to know: The guided tours are in French.
- Tip: Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes.
Circular hike to the dinosaur tracks (5 hours)
Follow the path from the reservoir to the Vieux-Emosson hut and further up to Lac du Vieux-Emosson. A geological sensation awaits you there: 250-million-year-old footprints of archosaurs in the rock. Information boards explain the origin of the dinosaur tracks and the history of the Alps.
- Good to know: Sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing are important for this hike.
- Tip: If you want to take a shortcut, turn back at the Vieux-Emosson hut.
General information
| Season |
June - October
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| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
VerticAlp Emosson
Route du Châtelard 6
Gare du Funiculaire
1925
Le Châtelard VS
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)27 769 11 10
info@verticalp-emosson.ch
verticalp-emosson.ch
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