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About this place
Lac des Vaux is a high-alpine lake in the municipality of Riddes (Riddes-La Tzoumaz) in the Swiss canton of Valais. It lies above La Tzoumaz and Verbier at roughly 2,540 metres, and you can only reach it on foot, ideally in summer.
Where is Lac des Vaux?
The lake sits in south-western Switzerland, in the mountains above the Rhône valley, at about 46.108° N, 7.273° E. The slopes of two well-known ski resorts, La Tzoumaz and Verbier, rise below it. For a visitor it is a full-day hiking goal in a genuine high-mountain setting: no buildings, with ridgelines all around.
How do you hike to Lac des Vaux?
The most popular option is a loop starting at the top station of the Savoleyres gondola (about 2,350 m). It covers roughly 14 km, takes around 4 hours 25 minutes and is rated intermediate. The path follows the ridge to Croix de Cœur, continues via Col des Mines to the lake, then descends to La Tzoumaz.
A shorter variant of about 9 km (around 3 hours) heads from Savoleyres towards Les Ruinettes, finishing with a gondola ride down to Verbier. From the Croix de Cœur pass, the lake is about an hour and a half on foot.
According to Valais tourism, the Savoleyres gondola runs in summer, in July and August, so check current timetables before setting out. You can also start from La Tzoumaz on foot, which makes the climb longer.
What can you do at the lake?
Lac des Vaux is a good place to rest after the ascent and take in the mountains. Fishing is allowed: a day permit costs CHF 30 and is sold at the La Tzoumaz tourist office.
When is the best time to visit?
The lake is typically frozen from about October to May. Its water is warmest in July and August, which is also when the Savoleyres gondola operates, making it the most convenient period for a visit. Weather above 2,500 m changes quickly, so pack warm layers, rain protection and sun cover.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Lac des Vaux? Sources give an elevation of about 2,543 to 2,545 m above sea level.
Can you drive to the lake? No. The final stretch is on foot, usually from Savoleyres or La Tzoumaz.
How long does the hike take? The Savoleyres loop is about 4.5 hours over roughly 14 km. From Croix de Cœur to the lake it takes about 1.5 hours.
Can you fish there? Yes, with a CHF 30 day permit from the La Tzoumaz tourist office.
When is the lake frozen? Roughly from October to May, so plan a summer hike.
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