The best walks and hikes around Lac de Mauvoisin

Hiking around Lac de Mauvoisin is primarily characterized by challenging alpine terrain. Most of the 39 available routes are rated as difficult, with 28 falling into this category. There are also 11 moderate trails, but no easy routes are listed, indicating that a good level of fitness is generally required for hiking in this region.

The region offers dramatic alpine landscapes. You'll encounter the stunning, glacial-fed turquoise waters of Lac de Mauvoisin itself, surrounded by towering peaks like the Grand Combin massif. The area is part of the vast Val de Bagnes nature reserve, featuring numerous cascading waterfalls, beautiful mountain lakes such as the Lacs de Tsofeiret, and expansive alpine pastures. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including chamois, marmots, and ibex.

Yes, beyond the natural beauty, the area features impressive man-made structures. The colossal Mauvoisin Dam, the second-highest in Switzerland, is a prominent landmark integrated into many routes. You can explore a trail along the dam detailing its history, and some routes even incorporate old construction tunnels and galleries. Other points of interest include the remote Cabane de Chanrion, a mountain hut offering refreshment, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. You can also find highlights like the Trail along Lake Mauvoisin and the Barrage de Mauvoisin.

Yes, several circular routes offer diverse experiences. A notable option is the challenging Mauvoisin Dam – View of Mauvoisin Dam loop from Barrage de Mauvoisin, which is 19.4 km long and takes about 7 hours and 21 minutes to complete. This route leads through tunnels and provides spectacular views of the dam and surrounding peaks.

The trails around Lac de Mauvoisin are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic alpine scenery, the unique experience of traversing tunnels and galleries, and the impressive views of the Mauvoisin Dam and the glacial-fed lake.

The best time for hiking in Lac de Mauvoisin is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (roughly June to September). During this period, the trails are generally free of snow, and the weather is more stable, allowing for safe and enjoyable exploration of the high alpine environment. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Yes, the region is suitable for multi-day treks. The challenging Tour du Lac de Mauvoisin, for example, is a 24.9 km hike that often takes two days to complete. This route typically includes a stop at the Cabane de Chanrion, a mountain hut located at 2,462 meters above sea level, which provides a welcome opportunity for refreshment and overnight stays.

Yes, several routes ingeniously incorporate old construction tunnels and galleries, adding an adventurous element to the trek. For instance, the Mauvoisin Dam – View of Mauvoisin Dam loop from Barrage de Mauvoisin is known for leading through such features, offering a unique perspective on the dam's engineering and the surrounding landscape.

There are 39 hiking trails available around Lac de Mauvoisin. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day alpine treks, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Val de Bagnes.

Many trails in the area offer spectacular views of the Mauvoisin Dam, given its prominence. The Les Temonés – View of Mauvoisin Dam loop from Barrage de Mauvoisin is a challenging 21.2 km route specifically designed to showcase the dam and the surrounding peaks. Another option is the Mauvoisin to Cabane Chanrion trek, which passes directly by Europe's highest arch dam.

On some of the more challenging hikes, you can reach significant alpine passes. For example, the challenging hike around the Mauvoisin reservoir, which leads through tunnels and past mountain lakes like Lacs de Tsofeiret, reaches the Col de Tsofeiret at 2,635 meters as its highest point before descending towards Cabane de Chanrion.