Hike around Mont-GondDepuis le sommet de la télécabine de Tracouet, suivez la route d’alpage qui descend en direction de Prarion. Arrivé à la cabane de Balavaux, prenez la petite route sur votre gauche et longez l’étable. Cette petite route plate traverse l’alpage de Balavaux où trônent des mélèzes millénaires. Après être passé en dessous de la télécabine Prarion - Plan du Fou, le chemin se rétrécit et devient plus raide. Continuez votre ascension en direction des Dents Rousses, point culminant de votre randonnée.
De là, amorcez votre descente sur le vallon de Tortin. En chemin, faites une pause au site naturel enchanteur du Jardin Japonais. De Tortin, descendez à Siviez, point final de votre marche en suivant le chemin pédestre qui longe la Printse.Randonnée automne Dents Rousses (Elodie Moos)Randonnée automne Dents Rousses (Elodie Moos)Autour du Mont-Gond vue 2016 (Florian Guntern)Autour_du_Mont-Gond_approche Fou_2016 (Florian Guntern)Autour du Mont-Gond Dents Rousses 2016 (Florian Guntern)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)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)2048.2766113281Balavaux CabinEasily accessible in both summer and winter, on foot from Tracouet, by car from Haute-Nendaz or on skis, the Balavaux Cabin can accommodate up to 20 people in four dormitories.
Enjoy a range of different dishes in a warm atmosphere and enjoy the stunning terrace with its panoramic view.Cabane de Balavaux intérieur 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane Balavaux été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane de Balavaux terrasse été 2022 (Sarah Moussaknaoui)Cabane Balavaux Intérieur Été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane Balavaux Intérieur Été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane Balavaux Extérieur Été 2021 (Etienne Bornet)Cabane Balavaux Extérieur Hiver 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Piste de Prarion Balavaux 2017 (Etienne Bornet)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)2239.5876464844Japanese GardenThe creations of gardens is an extremely popular art form in Japan. Indeed, Japanese gardens respect a precise design and include a number of elements (rocks, paths, water, plants, …) which are very carefully selected. Their layout within the garden is also meticulously elaborated. It is from this tradition that the magnificent natural site of the Japanese Garden in Nendaz got its name : in fact, a stream meanders down between rocks and mountain flowers. A true masterpiece designed by Mother Nature!
WHY IS IT WORTH THE DETOUR ?
This place emanates a feeling of well-being and serenity. The Japanese Garden is also particularly suitable for families, where a delicious picnic in the fresh air can be enjoyed by all. In addition to this, this beautiful place is accessible to everybody : for the more sporty among you, departing from Siviez offers you a longer hike, while, for those too impatient to discover this site, a quicker way via the Tortin chairlift is also available.
ADVICE FROM THE LOCALS
Keep this hike for a hot day. You will be happy to take advantage of the coolness of the water for a well-deserved break and why not even kick off those walking boots and enjoy a little paddle in your bare feet.Jardin Japonais Famille Ete 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Jardin Japonais Rivière Été 2019 (Etienne Bornet)Jardin japonais site naturel (Muriel Bornet)Jardin japonais site naturel (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)1739.8831787109Restaurant Chez CarolineThe restaurant Chez Caroline, in Siviez, offers a splendid setting all year round. In winter, enjoy its sunny terrace at the foot of the ski slopes and relax to the sound of the cowbells in summer.
As for the menu, adapted to the seasons, it offers all sorts of dishes to delight all guests. From burgers and salads to a choice of soups and grilled meats, there is something for everyone. Breakfast is also available as well as a range of sandwiches for those on the go.Menu de la Saint-Valentin (Chez Caroline)Chez Caroline restaurant hiver 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chez Caroline restaurant hiver 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Chez Caroline restaurant hiver 2022 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Chez_Caroline_intérieur_2019 (Jean-Pierre Guillermin)Restaurant_Chez_Caroline_plat_2020 (Chez Caroline)1733.8332519531Restaurant Les BergersLocated at the entrance to Siviez, the restaurant Les Bergers, with its alpine atmosphere, promises a journey into the authenticity of the Valais. On the menu: open hearth grills, cheese dishes and other local specialities. In this establishment, local products and hospitality are essential.
In both summer and winter, you can also enjoy your meal on the beautiful sun drenched terrace.Assiette_valaisanne_2015 (Saifuddin Ismailji)Restaurant Les Bergers plat hiver 2023 (Elodie Moos)Restaurant_Les_Bergers_repas_terrasse_hiver_2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Restaurant_Les_Bergers_terrasse_été (Les Bergers)1732.3540039062SiviezSiviez provides access to the areas of Veysonnaz and Thyon on the one hand, and to Verbier and the Bagnes valley as well as to Nendaz and Isérables on the other. It is also the starting point to reach Mont-Fort, a summit that is easily accessible throughout the summer and the winter thanks to the ski lifts
At the far end of the valley stands the Cleuson dam wall, built between 1947 and 1950. 410 metres long at the top and 87 metres high, it can hold up to 20 million m3 of water.
In winter, more than 400 kilometres of slopes await you, as well as several ski touring and snowshoeing routes and a sledge run. The Siviez snow garden allows the very young to discover their first joys of skiing.
In summer, the ski slopes give way to the mountain pastures, which are the preferred holiday destination for the Hérens breed of cows. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails are also accessible from Siviez.Ebike Siviez été 2020 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Randonnée Siviez hiver 2018 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)Siviez Hiver 2016 (Jean Cingria)Siviez Eté Vaches 2016 (Florian Guntern)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 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 de Tracouet été station avale 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)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)Télécabine de Tracouet été station avale 2019 (Florian Bouvet-Fournier)2192.5996093752176.10327148442169.27319335942162.30737304692155.21093752146.32519531252133.68847656252130.92211914062128.65527343752116.63403320312112.58276367192107.29541015622104.79223632812103.37182617192088.6464843752088.12353515622086.30957031252071.52905273442057.7988281252045.39636230472046.121093752053.621093752058.28857421882066.70019531252072.17944335942085.85327148442088.03076171882100.78662109382107.83837890622114.25683593752111.92846679692114.11303710942111.52441406252116.52978515622117.167968752112.41528320312117.14868164062129.75292968752126.69531252135.51147460942151.50488281252145.22314453122147.65673828122180.23803710942191.2441406252202.22241210942241.87524414062248.35107421882280.50512695312302.96459960942320.96240234382329.27856445312332.21411132812347.51293945312359.99267578122386.67089843752411.25488281252423.00341796882423.74145507812405.79785156252419.91455078122433.76708984382463.72021484382478.06420898442492.20043945312494.67358398442508.77319335942529.847656252539.41870117192553.41455078122562.55468752565.77416992192576.031252575.03955078122559.28271484382551.79663085942524.26831054692490.11010742192475.28344726562443.61499023442432.722656252412.44311523442395.55957031252362.43188476562352.90869140622346.35498046882329.54785156252324.82836914062296.12841796882289.03027343752286.7871093752289.02026367192221.65649414062216.57910156252211.97729492192203.55566406252196.94067382812186.39843752171.08422851562156.8964843752134.74829101562122.50488281252105.32568359382096.33666992192079.28198242192062.22363281252057.16186523442050.57568359382049.28686523442049.11791992192046.06213378912036.49951171882032.71130371092021.97814941412029.57495117192013.42846679691987.25439453121982.06262207031976.13439941411975.80908203121974.91748046881952.90673828121946.23254394531943.30383300781940.52343751931.43737792971928.58898925781923.43469238281879.70471191411871.1308593751855.17053222661844.44421386721838.65222167971821.886718751809.84973144531791.84301757811776.21826171881766.08776855471749.02465820311734.88195800781733.87646484381731.73425292971729.87048339841730.54394531251731.1612548828