Tour du Val d’Hérens: Thyon – Grande Dixence (Stage 1)

From Thyon the path leads southwards and crosses the mountain flank before it becomes steeper towards the Gouilles d'Essertze. You walk between the ponds through the raised bog before descending to the Cabane d'Essertze. This is an ideal spot for a panoramic break. From here the path leads southwards up into the Val d'Hérémence, nestled between the valley floor and the 3000m high peaks on the right-hand side. The hike ends at the dam of the Grande Dixence.

The hike can also start in Les Collons. The hamlet is about 330 metres below Thyon – allow an additional half hour for this ascent.

At the Grande Dixence, there is a hotel with a restaurant at the foot of the dam, a visitor centre, and a bus stop. From here you can take a cable car to the top of the dam. Walking up takes an additional 45 minutes. 

As an alternative overnight option, hikers on the multi-day Tour du Val d'Hérens can stay at the Cabane de Prafleuri. This is about 1 hour 30 minutes' walk from the dam crown.

We recommend:

Good footwear Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest Headwear Sunscreen Water bottle Picnic Camera Binoculars (optional) Trekking poles (optional) Printout of the hiking route (click "Print" to download) 

For certain hikes:

Swimsuit

Using the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may cause changes to the route. Valais/Wallis Promotion assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website. Assess your own skills and fitness level carefully. Following various routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

Carry a map. Download the complete route description with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page. Use only marked hiking paths and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, the protection of grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife. Close gates after passing through them. Be considerate towards other trail users, plants and animals.  

For mountain hikes: 

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays can be very strong at high altitudes, even in cloudy weather. Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts and seasonal conditions. Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and sufficient supplies (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

Inform your family about your hiking route. If possible, avoid going alone. Do not venture on glaciers without a mountain guide. Observe warning signs indicating danger at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise rapidly and without warning.

More information about the destination can be found here: Val d'Hérens