オーバーエムスの天然記念物・トップ20

I did this hike in early May 2024, just a few days after the ski season was over and the slopes had closed. The valley was completely deserted and it felt magical! The peaks were still covered in snow, but the first signs of spring were beckoning. On the final stretch to Lac d'Arpitetta, I was wading through snow up to my knees. Without proper gear I couldn’t get any farther than the small lake. The view on that crystal-clear spring day was absolutely fantastic! Check the picture I uploaded with all the peak names added.

Long way to the top but rewarded with a breathtaking view.

Lake Arpitettaz is a small mountain lake on the road to Cabane d’Arpitettaz. If you don't want to go to the Cabin, you can also make a loop to return to Zinal via the Roc de la Vache from the Lake. However, there is a trick to getting to Lac d’Arpitettaz from Zinal. If you stay on the right bank of the river, you will have to take a difficult and steep passage called “Pas du Chasseur” where you will have to hang on to chains for part of the way. This is not ideal, especially if you have young children. Instead, stay on the left bank of the river towards the Cabane du Petit Mountet and from there follow the direction of Lac d'Arpitettaz. You will cross the river on a pretty modern bridge. This will add an extra 10 minutes to your hike but above all you will have peace of mind and be able to see the Zinal Waterfall. It's really worth the detour.

The reservoir was completed in 1958. It has an arched wall with a length of 610 m and a height of 148 m. The volume of the barrier is 815,000 m3, the storage volume is 78 million m3 and the surface of the lake is 140 hectares. and a length of 2.4 km. In conjunction with the other reservoirs in the region, the lake is used exclusively to generate electricity. (Source: Viking Voyage)

Very nice, rarely full of people and fairly easy hike. Just before the cabin you'll need to do a bit of climbing and use chains. About 4-5 hours to the Tracuit hut, then breakfast at 5:00 and 2-3 hours to reach the summit. You can be back in time for an epic rösti at the hut. Lastly, all the way down to Zinal on the West side, walk past the water, it's a change of scenery and you'll reach a lovely meadow for a quick nap.

Great bridge with a beautiful view over the mostly dry Illgraben

Beautiful place ❤️. Easy access. Superb panorama, takes in the sights

Stunning views across the Zinal valley and the surrounding glaciers, among which the Turtmann glacier.