Lac Des Vaux

Lac des Vaux lies high above Verbier, at around 2,500 metres, in the middle of the terrain that the resort's skiers know well. The lake belongs to the Val de Bagnes, not to the Val d'Anniviers as is sometimes stated, and it sits among rocky slopes and open pastures at the edge of the 4 Vallées ski area. In winter the lake is hidden under snow, and the slopes around it are crossed by the piste named after it, with runs starting here that lead down toward the valley. In summer the snow melts, the water returns and the area becomes a quiet place for walkers.

Reaching it is easy for a mountain lake of this height. The cable car from Le Châble carries visitors up to Verbier, and from there lifts continue toward Les Ruinettes and the higher terrain, so that much of the climb is done by machine. From the upper stations, paths lead across the pastures toward the lake, and the walk takes little time. Because the route lies above the tree line, the scenery is open and bare, with grass, stone and patches of late snow. The water is cold and clear, and the surface reflects the sky and the surrounding slopes on still days.

The view from the surroundings is a large part of the attraction. To the south-east rises the Mont Fort, the highest summit of the Verbier area at over 3,300 metres, while the glaciated mass of the Grand Combin stands to the south. On clear days the horizon opens to reveal the Mont Blanc massif in the distance. The scene is typical of the Valais Alps in summer, with marmots whistling in the rocks and cows grazing on the lower pastures.

The lake fits into a network of trails. Walkers can link it with the Croix de Coeur, a gentle ridge walk with a view over the valley, or with other paths along the slopes above Verbier. In winter the same area forms the starting point for the Vallon d'Arby itinerary, a demanding off-piste descent for experienced skiers, which has its own entry in this guide.

Bring warm clothes, sun protection and sturdy shoes, even in summer, because conditions at this altitude change quickly. Lifts operate on seasonal schedules, so check the times, especially for the last descent.