Visit the hundred-year-old larches of Balavaux and enjoy beautiful viewpoints along the circular route from Haute-Nendaz to Tracouet.
moderate
Distance 24.3 km
Duration4:00 h
Ascent927 m
Descent884 m
Highest point2,177 m
Lowest point1,339 m
The route starts at the sports center of Haute-Nendaz and leads through lovely hamlets, forests, and alpine pastures before you reach the Balavaux forest with its 250 hundred-year-old larches and the wild place Maretse. Treat yourself to a break at Lac de Tracouet before tackling the last elevation gain to the mountain station. At the top, enjoy a breathtaking view over the Rhone valley and the Bernese Alps. At the Tracouet restaurant, you can refuel before the descent back to Haute-Nendaz.
Author’s recommendation
It is possible to take the gondola to Tracouet. The route is also ideal for e-bikers.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Tracouet, 2,177 m
Lowest point
Haute-Nendaz, 1,339 m
Best time of year
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Track types
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Safety information
The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. For all users to benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Learn about recommendations and rules.
Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Riding the various routes is always at your own risk.
The route to Tracouet starts at the sports center of Haute-Nendaz, from where you follow sign 132. On the Route des Crettaux, you head towards Tsamandon. After 500 meters, leave this road and turn left onto a forest path. Follow this path to Prarion. From here, the ascent continues to Alp Balavaud with its famous larches. Then continue to Tracouet and Lac Noir. Once at the top, you have truly earned the wonderful view and a break at the restaurant. After resting, take on the sporty descent and follow sign 133. You now ride to the right of the chairlift and follow the main path. At the crossroads, go straight towards Sofleu. The route continues on the main path, and after a short counter-ascent, you enjoy one last well-deserved descent back to the village.
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Nendaz can be reached by bus from Sion train station in about 30 minutes. Regular train connections from Geneva or Bern/Visp to Sion. Remember to reserve a place for your mountain bike via the SBB Mobile app or at sbb.ch.
Directions
From the Sion-Ouest motorway exit, you reach Nendaz after 15 kilometers.
Parking
Four parking garages are available in Haute-Nendaz.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'588'583E 1'114'548N
DD
46.182303, 7.290790
DMS
46°10'56.3"N 7°17'26.8"E
UTM
32T 368087 5115722
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Nendaz provides you with information material and brochures on mountain biking in the destination.
Author’s map recommendations
Topographic maps 1:25,000 SwissTopo: 1306 Sion
Equipment
Our recommendation: Technically perfect bike, helmet, gloves, and bell, appropriate clothing depending on the weather (always with you: rain protection), drink and snacks.
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