Hike among the Larch trees of BalavauxDepuis le sommet de la télécabine de Tracouet, dirigez-vous vers le Lac Noir. De là, continuez sur le chemin en direction de la cabane de Balavaux. Votre balade se poursuit au travers des mélèzes gigantesques et centenaires. Une passerelle a été aménagée afin que vous puissiez vous approcher du «Roi de Balavaux», plus gros mélèze d’Europe.
Après cette rencontre pleine d’intensité, poursuivez votre chemin jusqu’au restaurant «Le Chalet des Alpes». A côté de celui-ci se trouve un petit sentier qui vous conduit jusqu’au Bisse de Saxon.
Parcourez ce bisse légendaire serpentant à travers la forêt. Celui-ci vous conduit jusqu’à la prairie de Pra da Dzeu, lieu idyllique très apprécié des promeneurs pour son calme et son panorama grandiose. De ce point, retournez à la station en passant par la gouille d'Ouché et les Rairettes où une jolie petite chapelle vous attend.Mélèzes Balavaux Montagne Neige Automne 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Pra Da Dzeu Balade Bisse Saxon Automne 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Balade Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac_de_Tracouet_Restaurant_Ete_2019 (Etienne Bornet)Lac_de_Tracouet_automne_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes de Balavaux alpage randonnée automne 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2173.4167480469Tracouet LakePerched at 2'200 metres above sea level, the Tracouet Lake also known as the « Lac Noir (Black Lake) » due to the dark colour of the water. It serves as a mirror to the beautiful Dent de Nendaz throughout the summer and, in winter, it freezes and offers a wonderful flat area to host the snow garden.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
The Tracouet Lake has a unique ecosystem. Home to a large population of amphibians and exceptional flora, it has been listed on the Federal Inventory of Amphibian Breeding Sites of National Importance since 2001. In 2020, it was classified as a « protected natural site » by the Canton of Valais. You can easily observe red frogs or alpine newts !
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
The particular ecosystem and the beauty of the lake are not the only assets of this place. Indeed, you can discover other interesting sights in the surrounding area, such as the Dent de Nendaz, whose summit offers an exceptional viewpoint without forgetting the legendary larch trees of Balavaux of which some are the largest in Europe.Vue aérienne Tracouet été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac de Tracouet panorama été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac de tracouet été 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac_de_Tracouet_automne_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Lac_de_Tracouet_Famille_Ete_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2195.4763183594Restaurant at TracouetSituated at 2'200 metres above sea level, at the arrival of the gondola and at the departure point of a number of hiking routes, the Tracouet restaurant offers visitors a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley and the Alps. Upstairs, you can enjoy a fine dining experience, such as the legendary entrecôte Café de Paris.
Other local dishes from Valais also await you here. For a quick but tasty stopover, take advantage of its self-service area which offers a choice of quick lunches and snacks, including a daily menu.
On sunny days, its vast terrace promises you a relaxing break in the sunshine. Children can also burn off energy in the play area.Restaurant de Tracouet hiver Restaurant de Tracouet hiver Télécabine de Tracouet gare arrivée hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Terrasse restaurant Tracouet hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_hiver_2016 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_hiver_2016 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline hiver vue 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant Combatseline hiver vue 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Tracouet_terrasse_été_2016 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Tracouet_place_jeu_été_2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2047.9300537109Balavaux Cabin RestaurantAt barely 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes on skis from Tracouet, reach the Balavaux cabin. Surrounded by some of the oldest larch trees in Europe, the restaurant offers dishes from the region, all concocted with local produce. Cheese bakes, fondues and many other traditional local dishes await you.
Feel free to enjoy your meal on the large sun-drenched terrace! Relaxation guaranteed!Cabane de Balavaux intérieur 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane Balavaux été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane de Balavaux terrasse été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane_de_Balavaux_été_2019 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant_Cabane_Balavaux_hiver_extérieur_2017 (Etienne Bornet)Restaurant Cabane Balavaux hiver vue 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2109.748046875The Balavaux larch treesBalavaux is a wooded pasture which is home to about a hundred cows throughout summer. This mountain pasture has about 250 larches, some of which have reached the venerable age of 1000 years.
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
These multi-century-old trees convey strength and serenity. Among them is even the most imposing in Europe, nicknamed "the King of Balavaux", which has a circumference of 11.8 m. It is surrounded by a footbridge to protect its roots from the trampling of hikers and cattle.
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
The best season to recharge one's batteries amidst the Balavaux larch trees is undoubtedly autumn. Indeed, this conifer, before losing all its needles in winter, glows with a thousand shades of gold and orange in October.Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Balade Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes Balavaux Télésiège Automne 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes Balavaux Automne Jeunes 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Mélèzes de Balavaux automne chemin 2018 (Jean Cingria)Mélèzes de Balavaux automne randonnee 2018 (Jean Cingria)1821.6676025391Restaurant Chalet des AlpesThe Chalet des Alpes, an alpine style restaurant, is located in Prarion, not far from the legendary hundred-year-old larch trees. The sunny terrace charms visitors with its breathtaking panoramic view over the Alps in both summer and winter.
From a culinary point of view, there is nothing better than savouring local dishes after a morning of skiing or hiking in the Balavaux region.Chalet des Alpes été Restaurant Chalet des Alpes Assiette Valaisanne 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)E-bike_festival_Nendaz_2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Chalet des Alpes carte des mets été 2026 Restaurant Chalet Des Alpes extérieur hiver 2017 (Chalet des Alpes)Restaurant Chalet des Alpes Assiette Valaisanne 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)1785.6444091797Bisse de SaxonThe Bisse de Saxon takes its source at 1,850 metres above sea level, in the Printse river upstream from Siviez. The bisse begins its journey of no less than 32 kilometres and ends its journey above Saxon. The inhabitants of this village located in the Rhone Valley had to be extremely short of water for their crops to undertake such a daring project.
Work began in 1865, but was interrupted initially for technical reasons and then because of a trial that lasted about ten years. Finally, work was resumed in 1874. Two years later, the Bisse de Saxon was filled with water and it was used for irrigation until 1964.
No less than three guards were needed to keep watch over this long irrigation channel. These men lived in cabins along the bisse. In 1999, an association called "Garde du Bisse" was created with the aim of restoring life to this bisse which holds an important place in the history of the Valais.
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 Saxon famille 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon panorama 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon totem 2014 (Laetitia Scarascia)Bisse de Saxon 2014 (Arolle)Bisse de Saxon ponton 2019 (Elodie Moos)1763.3087158203Pra Da DzeuPra da Dzeu is a dialect name which means "the meadow in the forest". This idyllic and magical place, located in the region of Isérables, brings calm and serenity in an unspoiled natural setting. Throughout the year, this surprisingly large expanse of land on the edge of the forest is the perfect place for a picnic or a well deserved break in the sun !
The Pra Da Dzeu pasture is located in a large clearing and has been used for centuries as summer grazing for the cattle from Nendaz and Isérables. The Bisse de Saxon, situated a few metres above this meadow, provided water for the cattle.
Every year, on the main plateau, a shallow natural pond is formed when the snow melts.Ski de randonnée Pause Pra Da Dzeu 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Pra da Dzeu hiver Elodie Moos 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra da Dzeu hiver barrières Elodie Moos 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra Da Dzeu Raquettes Hiver 2020 (Elodie Moos)Pra Da Dzeu VTT Été 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Pra Da Dzeu Pause Automne Pause Jeunes_2020 (Etienne Bornet)Pra Da Dzeu Balade Bisse Saxon Automne 2020 (Etienne Bornet)Pra Da Dzeu Balade Bisse Saxon Automne 2020 (Etienne Bornet)1521.5815429688Rairettes ChapelThe Rairettes Chapel is one of the three mayen (mid mountain pastures) chapels along with those of Le Bleusy and Planchouet.
From the 1920s onwards, some inhabitants of Sion seeking tranquillity and wishing to escape the summer heat of the valley built the first chalets in the Rairettes region. Together with a few people from Nendaz who owned mid-mountain grazing, they decided to build a chapel in order to avoid travelling to Basse-Nendaz for Sunday mass.
There is an anecdote about the chapel bell. It should be known that at the time of the construction of the chapel of Les Rairettes, the Saint-Michel chapel in Haute-Nendaz had not been restored and had been left in a state of neglect. The parish priest in place at the time donated the bell "la Metzotte" dating from 1642 to the construction committee of Les Rairettes. After the renovation of the village chapel, the Metzotte returned to its original location. On the new bell in the Rairettes chapel is the following inscription:
"After the Metzotte which now chimes on the restored chapel, I sing the glory of Notre-Dame and the faith of her children - Assumption 1964".Chapelle des Rairettes hiver promeneurs 2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle_des_Rairettes_hiver_2021 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chapelle des Rairettes clocher 2016 (Yvette Martignoni)Chapelle Rairettes 2014 (Etienne Bornet)1391.3663330078Tracouet gondolaLocated in the heart of the resort of Nendaz, this lift allows skiers and non-skiers to reach the top of Tracouet in a few minutes, from where they can enjoy an amazing view over the Rhone Valley and the surrounding mountains.
In winter, the Tracouet area offers great skiing for all levels. The snow garden, located by the frozen lake, is the ideal place to enjoy the first experiences on skis.
In summer, the enchanting site of Tracouet with its mysterious Lac Noir is the starting point for a number of walks. Whether it's the panoramic path, the Balavaux Larch trees or the Dent de Nendaz, there's something for everybody and every level !
The restaurant at the top, which is open at the same time as the gondola, has two spacious and sunny terraces where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
* Capacity : 2'400 passengers/hour
* Built in 1992
* Latest upgrade 2011Gare d'arrivée télécabine Tracouet hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Télécabine de Tracouet hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Télécabine de Tracouet panorama hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Télécabine de Tracouet hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Télécabine de Tracouet été station avale 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Télécabine de Tracouet été station avale 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Télécabine de Tracouet gare arrivée hiver 2023 (Etienne Bornet)Télécabine de Tracouet automne sommet 2017 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Télécabine Tracouet été 2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Télécabine de Tracouet été panorama 2016 (Jean Cingria)télécabine_Tracouet_été_2020 (Raphaël Surmont)Télécabine de Tracouet été Sentier panoramique 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Télécabine de Tracouet été station avale 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2194.2636718752176.45556640622171.74926757812168.38745117192162.97680664062164.94653320312161.8535156252157.00439453122144.30126953122141.76708984382132.30419921882129.08056640622116.57128906252107.78906252106.35302734382106.675781252102.86157226562096.57666015622090.5332031252088.30834960942086.50146484382071.5761718752058.56201171882046.02258300782029.65856933592024.51928710942022.07897949222013.25988769531998.73864746091992.35180664061976.65014648441949.27722167971943.81359863281942.72375488281936.14001464841931.31079101561918.83544921881896.37792968751888.11389160161887.67016601561878.01196289061852.33300781251834.5644531251831.21752929691827.46032714841792.56115722661768.5136718751775.61999511721770.03454589841770.95825195311783.01696777341776.72143554691777.56494140621774.60473632811780.86279296881777.94641113281779.01721191411779.40161132811780.80017089841774.63122558591773.98522949221784.20007324221780.63159179691775.73217773441778.10327148441790.30834960941782.30432128911787.81042480471789.3222656251773.83618164061786.75354003911773.71606445311772.79052734381777.05029296881784.589843751777.71606445311774.33520507811786.32739257811780.71166992191774.39245605471778.66564941411769.35095214841776.71240234381771.14843751757.4003906251754.00366210941750.96801757811746.87438964841749.9707031251753.191406251732.29187011721717.42907714841700.7128906251679.98608398441666.16101074221658.61169433591656.40856933591626.68066406251598.17321777341597.89721679691581.63269042971578.46582031251571.93420410161565.09997558591539.449218751511.10083007811505.05480957031475.95593261721471.24951171881447.75476074221365.19738769531354.32995605471350.20043945311349.08190917971345.55517578121341.71960449221333.81066894531330.84851074221328.3031005859