Unexpected: The Mauvoisin Dam
Overview
Intro
The ascent from Le Châble to the Mauvoisin Dam is rough, twisty and steep – and with no distant views for quite a way. You don’t catch sight of Switzerland’s second-highest dam until right towards the end.
Description
Starting in Le Châble, the dam may well be at alt. 1100 metres, but the 19 kilometres to get there are a struggle. After passing though the occasional hamlet, you encounter lush forested areas where the gradient is a tough eight or nine percent. The views broaden at the first dam: the halfway mark and a good place to draw breath. The ride then continues along sharp flanks and up brutal hairpin bends.
Despite the increasing breadth, there is still no sign of the goal. The 250 metre-tall dam is first seen when it suddenly rises up unannounced after a bend.
Only a few more metres to the Dranse de Bagnes where, following a steep tunnel, the sparkling turquoise blue reservoir awaits, surrounded by mountains dusted with snow.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Type |
Performance
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Le Châble
|
| Distance |
15 km
|
