Essertse Bike

With views to spare, tranquil Les Masses is situated above Val d’Hérens, just a few minutes from Hérémence. It is in the eastern part of the well-known ski resort 4 Vallées, the biggest in Switzerland. In summer, this area is ripe for glorious mountain bike rides. This tour starts at the chairlift’s mountain station, where a surfaced road will lead you up to Thyon around multiple bends. Joining directly onto the ski resort, this area is home to large apartment blocks as well as a few chalets. The view stretches from the Matterhorn to the Dent Blanche.

A gravel road leads gently downhill to the “Tsa” ski lift. From there, you will make a start on the climb towards the ridges of Thyon. The gravel on the road takes a certain amount of skill, otherwise your bike might just skid. Cycling along the ridge, you will reach the highest point of the tour shortly after L’Etherolla mountain station. Now comes the exhilarating, technically demanding descent: beneath Mont Carré, the route turns towards Gouilles (meaning puddles) d’Essertse. At 2,300 metres, the seven mini-lakes are considered the highest moor in Europe. The views over countless Alpine peaks, the Val d'Hérens and the Grande Dixence dam are magnificent.

This spot among the little lakes is a good place to stop for a picnic. If you would like to sample some local delicacies, keep cycling a little further until you reach Cabane d'Essertse. There follows a winding single track through woodland and the final surfaced stretch leads to Prapperot, where the route turns. The way back on the forest road to Les Masses is then practically level.