Autour du Mont Gond
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 4 h 40 min
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Ascent 640 m
Intro
The largest and oldest larches in Europe, followed by the spirit of Japan - the hike around Mont Gond explores the most beautiful landscapes of Nendaz. It leads through the ancient larch forest of Balavaux. On the descent, the next scenic highlight follows: the Japanese garden.
Description
The hike starts at the top station of the Tracouet cable car. From there you continue for a short distance in the direction of the Tracouet lake, and then the path descends in hairpin bends to the Balavaux hut. Here you are surrounded by gigantic larches, some of which seem to come straight out of a fairytale. They are among the oldest in Europe. There are more than 250 of them around the alp, some are 1000 years old. One of the oldest larches has a circumference of 14.6 metres and is possibly the largest in Europe.
After passing under the Prarion-Plan du Fou cable car, the path is now narrower and you step over roots and pebbles in increasingly alpine surroundings. As you reach the meadow, the mountain peak Pointe des Champs Ferret (2742 m) is visible. A scree field and a torrent are crossed. The ascent continues to the left of the Pointe des Champs Ferret. This section is short and steep. About halfway up, between stones and rocks, you can admire the view of Balavaux, the alps, and Tracouet. At a good 2575 metres, the ascent is completed and a magnificent panorama of the Mont-Fort and Mont-Gelé mountains opens up, as well as down to the Cleuson dam and the Japanese garden.
The descent begins on a steep and uneven path along a small stream. Crossing an alp, you reach a wide dirt track and an old moraine. To the right: the Japanese garden situated on the "roof" of a glacial moraine. Small trees and streams, moss-covered stones, lush green meadows: unlike in Japan, where the gardens with precisely these elements were usually created artificially, here on the plateau they are found in a natural setting. The descent can be shortened by cable car a little bit below the garden. Continuing on foot, the wide gravel path leads steadily downhill to the finish in Siviez.
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
| Start location |
Nendaz, Tracouet
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Siviez
|
| Ascent |
640 m
|
| Descent |
1100 m
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| Distance |
14 km
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| Duration |
4 h 40 min
|
| Duration back |
5 h 10 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.
Nendaz Tourisme
Route de la Télécabine 1
1997
Haute-Nendaz
Quick Facts
Route number
No. 223