Lac du Vieux Émosson, a region situated in the Swiss canton of Valais at an elevation of 2205 meters, offers a dramatic alpine landscape characterized by high-mountain terrain and significant engineering marvels. The area is defined by its reservoir, the Lac du Vieux Émosson, and the surrounding peaks, providing a diverse setting for outdoor pursuits. This environment supports several sports like jogging, mountain biking, hiking, touring cycling, and more, making it a destination for various activity levels.
The Lac du Vieux Émosson region provides numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 160,000 visitors having shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars. Hikers can explore a diverse network of trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging high-alpine treks, including a unique geological hike that leads to 250-million-year-old fossilized reptile footprints. For those seeking to explore the Hiking around Lac du Vieux Émosson, options cater to various skill levels. Joggers and trail runners can find demanding loops, such as the Vieux Émosson Dinosaur Footprints Trail, which combines alpine views with the ancient geological features. Cyclists have access to both paved roads with steep ascents and rugged mountain bike trails offering downhill experiences. Discover more about the Running Trails around Lac du Vieux Émosson or explore the MTB Trails around Lac du Vieux Émosson to plan your next adventure.
107
Routes
4.5
(574)
Average rating
10628
People visited

4.8
(41)
714
hikers
19.8km
08:07
1,730m
1,730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(41)
590
hikers
12.4km
05:35
860m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(4)
86
hikers
23.5km
11:59
1,970m
1,970m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

3.0
(1)
22
hikers
17.0km
08:09
1,340m
1,340m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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86
runners
24.2km
05:26
2,070m
2,070m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

78
runners
12.2km
02:22
860m
860m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

17
runners
17.0km
03:38
1,340m
1,330m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.0
(1)
310
runners
18.7km
03:32
1,070m
1,070m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(27)
1,133
riders
68.8km
04:20
1,820m
1,820m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.8
(13)
450
riders
41.3km
02:03
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

30
riders
27.2km
01:36
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

56
riders
19.5km
00:57
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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1.0
(1)
33
riders
13.5km
02:07
730m
730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

2
riders
6.20km
00:44
260m
270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.5
(38)
305
riders
26.5km
02:03
380m
380m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.5
(2)
74
riders
54.7km
05:36
1,720m
1,710m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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33
riders
25.1km
02:39
1,300m
1,300m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(25)
820
riders
40.0km
02:45
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
136
riders
49.9km
03:56
1,330m
1,330m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.3
(3)
87
riders
18.8km
01:12
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
75
hikers
10.4km
05:18
820m
820m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.6
(5)
36
hikers
11.6km
04:44
630m
630m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(2)
32
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(9)
40
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Lac du Vieux Émosson offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Jogging, Mountain biking, Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, and Mountaineering. The region is known for its dramatic alpine landscapes and unique natural features. More than 160,000 visitors have explored the area, with routes averaging a 4.63-star rating.
The region features diverse hiking trails for various skill levels. Notable routes include the 'Loop of Lac de Vieux d'Emosson,' a 7.7-mile (12.4 km) difficult trail, and the 'Loop of the Cols of Barberine and Fenestral,' a 10.6-mile (17.0 km) path with panoramic views. A unique 'Geological hike' leads to 250-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Find more options in the Hiking around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide.
Yes, the area provides several options for jogging and trail running. The 'Vieux Émosson Dinosaur Footprints Trail' is a difficult 7.6-mile (12.2 km) loop combining alpine views, dams, and ancient footprints. Other running trails are available around Finhaut, offering diverse terrain. Explore more in the Running Trails around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide.
Mountain biking is a popular activity in Lac du Vieux Émosson. Routes include steep asphalt roads leading up to the lake and rugged trails offering downhill experiences. The climb to Emosson has even been featured in the Tour de France. Consult the MTB Trails around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide for more details.
The region offers family-friendly options, such as the geological hike to 250-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, which provides a unique historical experience. The VerticAlp Emosson railway system is also a spectacular way to access the area. For specific routes, refer to the Family-friendly hikes around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide.
Lac du Vieux Émosson is known for its dramatic alpine terrain and panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. A truly unique feature is the presence of 250-million-year-old fossilized reptile footprints, offering a glimpse into Earth's ancient past. The vibrant blue waters of the reservoir also contribute to the scenic landscape.
The region is home to the impressive Emosson and Vieux Emosson dams, which are significant engineering marvels forming the reservoirs. The VerticAlp Emosson railway system provides accessible transport, featuring a funicular with an 87 percent gradient, a panoramic train, and a mini-funicular. This blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty makes the area distinctive.
The VerticAlp Emosson railway system provides a spectacular way to reach the Emosson site. This system includes a funicular, a panoramic train, and a mini-funicular. For information on hikes accessible via public transport, see the Hikes from bus stations around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide.
Information regarding the VerticAlp Emosson railway system, which provides access to the Emosson site, can be found on its official website. The system includes a funicular, panoramic train, and mini-funicular. For direct inquiries, the phone number is +41 27 769 11 10.
Komoot offers several guides for Lac du Vieux Émosson, covering various sports and interests. These include guides for Running Trails, MTB Trails, Hiking, and Cycling. There are also specialized guides for family-friendly hikes, waterfall hikes, and mountain hikes.
Routes in the Lac du Vieux Émosson region have an average rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on more than 11,000 reviews from over 160,000 visitors. The high average rating reflects the quality and enjoyment of the outdoor experiences available.
Yes, road cyclists can find routes in the Lac du Vieux Émosson area. These often involve steep asphalt roads leading up to the reservoir. The climb to Emosson is well-known and has been part of major cycling events. For specific routes, consult the Road Cycling Routes around Lac du Vieux Émosson guide.

