Lake Louvie

Lac de Louvie lies high in the upper Val de Bagnes in the Valais, at about 2,250 metres, in a hanging valley beneath rocky peaks. It is not a lake that visitors reach by car or lift. The walk takes several hours from Verbier, climbing through pastures and then over stony ground, or a shorter, steep ascent from Fionnay, one of the hamlets in the upper valley. That effort is part of the appeal, since the lake sits in a quiet corner of the mountains where the noise of the resorts is far away.

The lake's setting is classically alpine. A basin of grass, scree and rock surrounds the water, which is cold, clear and still on calm days, and the ridge above forms a dramatic skyline. The area belongs to a protected zone in which wildlife is left in peace, and visitors have a good chance of seeing marmots near their burrows, chamois on the slopes and, with patience, ibex on the high rocks. Birds of prey circle above the ridge, and in early summer alpine flowers colour the meadows around the shore.

A mountain hut, the Cabane de Louvie, stands near the lake and provides food, drink and beds for walkers. Huts of this kind are a central part of mountain culture in Switzerland. They are run by guardians who bring supplies up in the season, serve simple hot meals, and offer dormitory places for those who want to stay overnight. The Cabane de Louvie is a stopping point on the Tour du Val de Bagnes, a multi-day circuit of the valley, and many walkers on longer routes plan to sleep here. The hut is open only in summer, from about the end of May or June until early autumn, and bookings are advisable, so contact the hut before setting out to confirm dates and availability.

Preparation matters. Weather in the high mountains changes quickly, and snow can remain on paths well into early summer, so check forecasts and conditions, carry warm and waterproof clothing, and bring enough water and food for the walk. Paths are marked, but the terrain can be steep and rocky.

The lake pairs well with other sights in the Verbier area, such as the Croix de Coeur and the Lac des Vaux, but it offers a different, wilder character, a place for those who enjoy a longer day in the mountains.