Sendero de los puertos alpinos

The remote Cabane des Dix SAC hut, at an altitude of 2,928 metres, is situated in the midst of a breathtaking mountain and glacier landscape a few metres below the summit of the Tête Noire. Surrounded by snow, ice and rocks, the short stage to the next SAC hut starts from here.

The hike leads down to the Lac des Dix reservoir. During the Little Ice Age in the middle of the 19th century, the Cheilong Glacier extended down as far as the reservoir. Today its terminus is about 300 metres higher. The Grande Dixence gravity dam is absolutely incredible, and at 285 metres the highest in the world. It supports the largest reservoir in Switzerland, and melt water from 35 Valais glaciers is collected here. Weighing 15 million tons, the wall is over 200 metres thick at the base and heavier than the Great Pyramid of Cheops.

This stage continues along the lake and branches off to Col des Roux. If you are lucky, you can see bearded vultures in the air searching for food. With an impressive wingspan of up to 2.6 metres, they are the largest birds in the Alps. After being wiped out, they were reintroduced as part of an international programme that began in 1986.

Another ascent starts as you branch off, and this is about 400 metres uphill. The view of the lake and surrounding mountains becomes more impressive with every metre. It is wise to take a break after the climb. You can enjoy the breathtaking view before the final 20-minute hike down to the Cabane de Prafleuri. In terms of the view alone, the SAC hut is in a less favourable location than the pass crossing.