VerticAlp Emosson comprises 3 historic mountain railways that take you to Switzerland’s second-largest reservoir. Around the lake, hiking trails await you with views of Mont Blanc and 250-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
VerticAlp Emosson connects 3 historic railways dating from the 1920s: a funicular, panoramic train and mini funicular take visitors from Le Châtelard up to the 180-metre-high arch dam. The reservoir at an altitude of 1930 metres is Switzerland’s second-largest. From the top of the dam, you have a clear view of the Mont Blanc massif.
At Le Châtelard, you board the funicular, which has a gradient of up to 87 per cent. The panoramic train then winds its way along the mountainside, offering views of Mont Blanc. The final stage takes you up to the top of the dam by mini funicular. The historic railways date from the construction of the first dam in the 1920s.
Venture inside the massive concrete structure. On a guided tour, you walk across the top of the dam and through the inspection galleries. You will learn fascinating background information about the construction and history of the facility. Along the way, you can sense the power of the masses of water held back by the 180-metre-high wall.
Follow the trail from the reservoir to the Vieux-Emosson hut and continue up to Lac du Vieux-Emosson. A geological sensation awaits you there: 250-million-year-old footprints of archosaurs preserved in the rock. Information panels explain how the dinosaur tracks formed and tell the story of the Alps.
