The thrilling and historic journey on the VerticAlp to the “Lac d’Emosson” reservoir starts in Châtelard at 1,930 metres above sea level. The reservoir was built by the Swiss Federal Railways at the beginning of the 1920s to meet the company’s electricity needs.

The first stage of the journey is via the former works railway, which dates back to 1919. Clinging tightly to the slope, with a maximum gradient of 87%, it is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world. On arrival in Les Montuires, passengers change to the Emosson panorama train, pulled by a battery-driven locomotive that meanders along the side of the mountain to the base of the dam. Visitors enjoy fantastic views of the mountains of the Mont Blanc massif and the Bouqui Gorge. With a gauge of just 60cm, the small train resembles a toy. Finally, the Minifunicular that takes people up to a height of 30 metres above the top of the dam is a mixture of funicular and lift.

How to get there: Take the Mont-Blanc Express from Martinach (30 minutes) or Chamonix (1 hour) to Le Châtelard.

 

1,965 metres above sea level

From Le Châtelard (VS) via three trains: 1. Funicular railway from Le Châtelard to Les Montuires, 2. Panorama train from Les Montuires to the foot of the Emosson Dam, 3. Minifunicular to Emosson Square, overlooking the reservoir

Only runs in summe.

Around 45 minutes from Le Châtelard

Emosson Nature Park in the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc, mountain reservoirs, views of the Mont Blanc massif, 250-million-year-old dinosaur tracks

Restaurant du Barrage d’Emosson, Restaurant Stausee, Restaurant Les Montuires, Cabane du Vieux Emosson

The Emosson reservoir is the second-largest man-made lake in Switzerland.
The mountain ascent is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard. Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.