Hike Lac du Grand DésertPartez du panneau jaune se trouvant au sommet du télésiège de Combatseline et aventurez-vous le long de l'ancien Bisse de Chervé. Ce dernier est le plus haut et le plus alpin des bisses de la région avec un tracé entièrement au-dessus de 2'200 mètres d'altitude. Il n'est aujourd'hui plus en eau et comprend quelques passages vertigineux ou escarpés.
Admirez la vue sur les eaux turquoises du barrage de Cleuson et continuez le long de l'ancien bisse en direction de la cabane de St-Laurent où vous aurez la possibilité de vous restaurer.
Reprenez ensuite la route en direction du lac de Grand Désert. Ce tracé balisé en rouge et blanc demande technique et endurance pour arriver jusqu'au lac de montagne et son univers rocheux et minéral.
Redescendez jusqu'au barrage de Cleuson par le même itinéraire. Longez ensuite le lac de Cleuson. Traversez le mur, puis tournez à droite pour prendre le petit chemin escarpé qui descend en zigzag sous le barrage.
Une fois au pied du mur, suivez les panneaux indicateur direction Siviez.Randonnée Lac de Cleuson hauteur été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac Grand Désert été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac du Grand Désert rocaille été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac du Grand Désert pont été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Barrage de Cleuson été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac de Cleuson panorama été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Lac_du_Grand_Désert_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac du Grand Désert été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_extérieur_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_extérieur_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Bisse de Chervé 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Balade bisse de Chervé été 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2238.86328125Restaurant de CombatselineA 10-minute chairlift ride from Siviez takes you to the Combatseline restaurant, nestled in the heart of a stunning setting. In a beautiful, typically Valaisan setting, the restaurant with its panoramic terrace is renowned for its traditional dishes. Fondue, plateau of cold hearts and cheeses from the Valais or a toasted cheese bake, the choice is yours !
Every lunchtime, the chef also offers a reasonably priced dish of the day. Children are not left out either. With the Cheesy menu, a half portion of the dish of the day, they are sure to enjoy their lunch.Télésiège de Combatseline été restaurant 2015 (Yasmine Gaudin)Restaurant Combatseline été vue 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline terrasse hiver 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline extérieur hiver 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2242.1823730469Bisse de ChervéBuilt in 1862, the Bisse de Chervé is the highest and most alpine of the bisses in the region. It takes its source at 2,370 metres above sea level and runs at an altitude of more than 2,200 metres throughout its entire length, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests, the Rhone Valley and the turquoise waters of the Cleuson Dam lake.
Although the water no longer flows there, some evidence still bears witness to the titanic work carried out to dig this channel linking Cleuson to the mountain pastures of Thyon, the construction of which was intended to allow irrigation of these pastures. Some elders say that its use only lasted a few years, while others say that the water never flowed over the entire route... We'll never know the full story !
In any case, despite the fact that the Bisse de Chervé has been abandoned for many years, it is still possible to follow it thanks to its well-maintained hiking trail. What luck !
A BISSE, WHAT IS IT ?
The bisses were originally irrigation channels that diverted water from the rivers to water the farm land crops growing on the mountain slopes. They are true historical relics and bear witness to the Valaisans' relentless fight against drought. It is their construction that makes them so special. Indeed, these channels had to adapt to the different terrain and environments encountered along the way, giving rise to impressive workmanship, especially when we imagine what the means of construction were at the time. The bisses of our region take their source from the Printse, a river that flows along our valley. Of the eight bisses located in Nendaz, six still have water flowing within their banks and are still carrying out their original task of irrigation.Bisse de Chervé ruisseau été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé passerelle bois été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé barrage cleuson 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Bisse de Chervé foret 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2488.7055664062Saint-Laurent Mountain CabinDuring your walk, stop at the Saint-Laurent mountain cabin to have a drink and/or a tasty snack.
Open from the end of June to the beginning of September, the Saint-Laurent mountain cabin is an excellent stopping point as it is located near the Bisse de Chervé, the Cleuson dam and the Lac du Grand Désert.
The Saint-Laurent mountain cabin is also the ideal starting point for the Lac du Grand Désert, where you can continue on to the foot of the glacier. It is also possible to reach the Val de Bagnes via the Louvie Pass or the Grande Dixence Dam via the Prafleuri Pass.
During the month of September, the cabin is usually open. The gas cooker can be used, running water and wood are available.
From October, the cabin goes into "winter mode". Only the entrance area with the emergency telephone is accessible.Lac de Cleuson panorama été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_petit-déjeuner_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_intérieur_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane St-Laurent petit-déjeuner tartines été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_dortoirs_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_lits_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_extérieur_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane_St-Laurent_extérieur_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)2236.9970703125CombatselineIn both summer and winter, Combatseline can be reached by the chairlift from Siviez. Its restaurant, with delicious traditional dishes, is the perfect place to relax before hitting the slopes or setting off on a hike.
In the summer months, it is also possible to reach it on foot. From there, enjoy a hike towards the Cleuson dam on one side or Veysonnaz on the other by following the Bisse de Chervé, the highest of the bisses in Nendaz, winding along at an altitude of over 2,000 metres.
Once the snow has fallen, you can also reach Combatseline via a ski touring route. This is also a great way to reach the different slopes of the ski domain.Restaurant_Combatseline_2015 (Yasmine Gaudin)Restaurant de Combatseline terrasse 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Ski restaurant Combatseline 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant Combatseline été vue 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2640.4084472656Grand Désert LakeAt around 2,600 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Rosablanche, the plain of the Grand Désert stretches out. While following the Printse river from the turquoise lake of Cleuson, the colours of what surrounds you gently change from green to grey. Vegetation becomes scarcer and scarcer, giving way to the natural mineral and rocky setting that characterizes the site of the Grand Désert. In this unique environment extend here and there small mountain lakes of glacial origin which bring a touch of freshness. This is the case of the magnificent Grand Désert lake, accessible via a hiking trail in summer.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
It is difficult to imagine vegetation in this mineral environment. It is true that it is becoming rarer. However, if you pay attention, you will observe some spots of colour highlighting the landscape: it is indeed the intensity of their hues that allows the plants to grow at such an altitude. It is a beautiful and very interesting site!
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
If you are interested in this natural site, there is an educational trail called "Au fil du Glacier" running between the Saint-Laurent mountain cabin and the plain of the Grand Désert. The 18 panels placed along the way show the evolution of the glacier and how it has receded over time and teach you a little more about this special place, about the glacial metamorphosis and its effects on the fauna and flora.Randonnée Lac du Grand Désert pont été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Lac_du_Grand_Désert_été_2021 (Etienne Bornet)Randonnée Lac du Grand Désert été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Lac du Grand Désert Neige Ete 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Nendaz Trail Grand Désert 2019 (Etienne Bornet)2162.0810546875Cleuson DamBuilt between 1947 and 1950 and first commissioned in 1950 for hydroelectric purposes, the Cleuson dam was decided and built in an economic context of war. It is a dam with reinforced buttresses, the federal authorities having then required that the building be massive and resistant to bombardments.
Located at al altitude of 2’187m, it holds about 20 million m3 of water coming from the entire valley. Its imposing wall, 420m long and 87m high, stands in the middle of a breathtaking alpine landscape . This site bears witness to a perfect harmony between nature and human activity. What a sight to behold !
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
In addition to its impressive wall and the magnificent landscape that surrounds it, a walk along the Cleuson dam lake unveils loads of interesting information. Indeed, if you are interested in this subject, in addition to the information posts located in the surroundings, guided visits of the dam wall are also proposed, in order to discover it from the inside. Not to be missed !
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
Have your camera or Smartphone ready to capture the turquoise blue water. In fact, the water of the lake is tinted with this exceptional colour, known as « bleu de Cleuson » which is due to the refraction of light on the sit. A ‘must’ for photo enthusiasts !Bisse de Chervé Cleuson automne 2021 (Suisse Tourisme - Dominik Baur)Randonnée barrage de Cleuson automne 2021 (Suisse Tourisme - Dominik Baur)Barrage Cleuson VTT Route Été 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson VTT Été 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson (Maude Gaudin)Barrage Cleuson (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Barrage Cleuson (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1979.4389648438The Ouché picnic areaThe Ouché picnic place is equipped with a table and benches. Located at about forty minutes on foot from Siviez, it's the perfect place to stop for a break on the way up to the Cleuson dam or up to the Tortin mountain pastures.Gouille d'Ouché_Florian Bouvet-Fournier_2020 (Florian Bouvet Fournier)Place_pique-nique_Ouché_automne_2020 (Jean Cingria)Place_pique-nique_Ouché_été_2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1731.4434814453Combatseline chairliftFirst opened in 2005, this chairlift takes you from Siviez to Combatseline in just a few minutes.
In winter, this chairlift is an essential link between Siviez and Veysonnaz/Thyon and also serves the beautiful red Combatseline/Novelli ski slope.
In summer, it is a very practical way to reach the departure point of a number of walks such as the Mont-Rouge hike or the Bisse de Chervé and its spectacular route.
At the top, the pleasant mountain restaurant welcomes you both in summer and winter with local dishes to be enjoyed on its panoramic terrace.
* Duration : 4 minutes 50 seconds
* Capacity : 2'000 passengers/hour
* Built in : 2005Télésiège Combatseline hiver 2024 (Elodie Moos)Restaurant Combatseline panorama hiver 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Télésiège Combatseline famille été 2025 (Sophie Diaz)Restaurant Combatseline été vue 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2238.81860351562240.71997070312236.69433593752240.13818359382244.96093752244.64404296882241.93066406252235.24536132812245.27709960942246.33251953122250.74365234382244.34008789062246.37207031252246.33129882812253.00854492192248.63940429692254.75927734382249.13330078122259.36596679692252.6093752258.99658203122257.21533203122263.23193359382262.28466796882266.15600585942265.31567382812262.22875976562264.30883789062267.0449218752274.91186523442274.92700195312272.81494140622287.46630859382291.12548828122295.40942382812295.32031252305.41748046882311.87597656252318.80590820312316.21191406252319.59790039062321.43798828122318.60424804692323.68752324.96630859382326.183593752325.66625976562336.22338867192331.15307617192338.85009765622333.63525390622342.71655273442345.531252353.1621093752345.84545898442339.09301757812347.40991210942348.93896484382341.60009765622365.05908203122361.4121093752337.449218752325.91381835942324.45825195312321.50903320312320.08715820312330.72119140622336.06252353.6074218752370.33471679692386.72534179692398.99584960942416.49755859382410.89868164062435.81591796882429.30346679692431.18847656252447.71777343752473.44506835942464.12866210942486.144531252483.56323242192494.68090820312530.13964843752569.11718752567.45141601562586.8906252597.67822265622606.84814453122653.23095703122646.76538085942644.37817382812644.468752647.22314453122648.37792968752650.71533203122648.16430664062648.55566406252645.16821289062643.83178710942646.2988281252653.09887695312604.58569335942586.31665039062578.29614257812568.42138671882565.47924804692527.468752490.09985351562483.00854492192487.21582031252485.51318359382466.800781252465.0449218752474.97412109382432.26611328122436.72656252410.12646484382418.19702148442398.06005859382392.37963867192388.93872070312369.95458984382353.35375976562351.44824218752333.3027343752320.11376953122321.96606445312323.53588867192323.87231445312303.18212890622310.04150390622310.43969726562297.69580078122286.53076171882277.61425781252280.7343752268.01855468752248.67260742192231.33300781252226.34643554692215.44262695312202.51635742192191.97778320312200.11889648442194.73950195312200.00927734382199.31616210942201.21142578122191.91821289062200.11010742192201.52441406252201.46166992192202.15332031252194.01025390622189.38305664062186.27832031252191.45532226562173.36352539062137.68579101562129.30322265622121.59472656252113.031252081.95727539062070.71386718751980.90490722661959.59851074221949.02233886721941.28356933591932.37145996091883.18151855471841.72241210941850.84912109381839.77258300781828.67297363281821.27709960941807.33117675781790.49401855471778.58569335941764.15380859381746.02868652341734.0706787109