Lac des Dix and Cabane des Dix: the hike behind the dam
Behind the Grande Dixence dam lies the Lac des Dix. A path follows it to the Cheilon glacier. It then climbs to the Cabane des Dix at 2,928 m.
Lac des Dix: 400 million m³ behind the wall
The Grande Dixence dam holds back 400 million m³ of water. That is the Lac des Dix, at the head of the Val des Dix.
The dam is 285 m high and stands in our own municipality of Hérémence. The lake is the way in to the Cabane des Dix.
From Le Chargeur to the end of the lake
You start at Le Chargeur, at the foot of the dam. Go up to the crest by cable car or on foot in about 45 minutes.
In 2026 the cable car ran from 4 June to 25 October. According to the SAC, it saves about an hour.
The path then follows the western shore of the lake to its far end. The SAC recommends a head torch for the tunnel.
Cabane des Dix: 2,928 m, about 4 h 30 from Le Chargeur
After the lake, the path joins the moraine of the Cheilon glacier. It then passes behind the Tête Noire to the hut.
- SAC: normal route from Le Chargeur, grade T2, about 4 h 30 and 910 m of ascent
- Hérémence Tourism: from the dam crest, 11 km, about 4 hours and 700 m of ascent, rated difficult
- Pas du Chat variant: one steep rocky step secured with cables, grade T4
- The path is narrow in places: take care
Staying at the Cabane des Dix
The hut belongs to the Monte Rosa section of the SAC. It has 115 places and an emergency room with 16 places.
According to the SAC, it is staffed in April, July and August, and partly in March, May, June and September. It is closed from October to February.
Book online via cabanedesdix.com, not by email. The 2027 staffed dates are not published yet (status 17.10.2026).
Down to Arolla: the Col de Riedmatten
From the hut, you can descend to Arolla over the Col de Riedmatten. Going from Arolla up to the hut, the SAC gives T3+, about 4 h 30 and 1,250 m of ascent.
The hut website lists the Pas de Chèvres as closed until further notice. It advises against it because of rockfall.
To get back to the chalet from Arolla, you need a second car or PostBus 381 towards Sion.
From the chalet: 34 minutes to the dam
From the chalet to the dam is 18.1 km, about 34 min by car (calculated 15.10.2026). The road is closed in winter.
In summer 2026, bus 372 also ran from Sion to the dam, from 27 June to 25 October.
Without a hut night, the Sentier des Bouquetins also starts at the dam. Allow 12 km and about 4 hours, from July to mid-September.
Our chalet is 18.1 km from the dam, about 34 min by car (calculated 15.10.2026). up to 12 guests, hot tub open all year, infrared sauna. 1.8 km by road from the Les Masses chairlift.
Asked before booking, answered straight
How long is the hike from the Grande Dixence to the Cabane des Dix?
The SAC gives about 4 h 30 and 910 m of ascent from Le Chargeur, grade T2. The cable car saves about an hour.
Is the Cabane des Dix hike difficult?
The SAC grades the normal route T2. Hérémence Tourism rates it difficult and warns that the path is narrow. The Pas du Chat variant is T4.
When can you hike at the Lac des Dix?
The road to the dam is closed in winter. In 2026 the cable car ran from 4 June to 25 October. The hut is mainly staffed in July and August.
Do you need to book the Cabane des Dix?
Yes, online via cabanedesdix.com, not by email. Cancelling less than 48 hours ahead costs CHF 40 (status 17.10.2026).
Is the Pas de Chèvres open?
Not at the moment. The hut website lists it as closed until further notice because of rockfall. In summer the Col de Riedmatten remains an option.
How long is the drive from the chalet to the dam?
About 34 minutes by car for 18.1 km (calculated 15.10.2026). The road is closed in winter.