Lac de Châteaupré

Lac de Châteaupré is a small high-alpine lake in the municipality of Anniviers, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits at roughly 2,350 m in the Moiry valley, a side branch of the Val d'Anniviers, right below the tongue of the Moiry glacier. Few lakes at this altitude in the Grimentz area are as easy to reach.

Where is the lake and what feeds it?

The lake lies in the upper Moiry valley, above the dam and reservoir of Lac de Moiry. The Gougra river feeds it with meltwater from the Moiry glacier, and the same river leaves the lake and runs about 1.2 km down to the reservoir. Sources quote an elevation between 2,349 and 2,357 m, most often 2,352 m.

How do you get to Lac de Châteaupré?

The road climbs from Grimentz up the Moiry valley, and the lake is about 10 km from the village. It is normally open from the end of June until the first heavy autumn snowfall. A large car park stands on the north shore, and a post bus line (stop Moiry VS, glacier) ends at the same spot, so you can arrive without a car.

What will you see?

Glacial meltwater gives the lake a milky turquoise tint, with the Moiry glacier and the surrounding peaks as a backdrop. The Lac de Moiry dam is visible from the area. Nearby you will find the Cabane de Moiry, Lac de la Bayenna (about 2,546 m), Lac du Louché and the Roc de la Vache viewpoint. On Komoot the spot averages 4.8 stars from around 150 reviews.

Which hikes start nearby?

• Tour du Lac de Moiry (about 13-14 km, 4.5-5 hours): a loop from the Moiry dam (2,248 m) through Lac de Châteaupré and Lac de la Bayenna, with about 840 m of ascent and high sections near 2,500 m.
• Cabane de Moiry loop (about 6 km, 3 hours): a moderate route with roughly 450 m of climbing.
• Moiry-Châteaupré loop from Couronne de Bréona (13 km, about 4.3 hours): moderate, around 520 m of ascent.

Road cycling and trail running are also popular in the valley.

When should you go?

Late June to September is the best window, when the road is open and the trails are clear of snow. Weather changes quickly at 2,350 m, so bring warm layers and sun protection. In winter the valley road is closed to traffic and the area becomes winter terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the lake? Yes. A road leads from Grimentz to the north shore, where a large car park is located. It is usually open from the end of June until the first big snowfall.

Is there public transport? Yes. A post bus line to Moiry terminates by the north shore.

What is the altitude? About 2,350 m above sea level; the most quoted figure is 2,352 m.

Which trail passes the lake? The Tour du Lac de Moiry, a 13-14 km loop from the Moiry dam via Lac de Châteaupré and Lac de la Bayenna, with about 840 m of ascent.