Plizio Visual Lab

Lac de Cleuson

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lac de Cleuson is an impressive reservoir above Nendaz in the Canton of Valais, famous for its intense turquoise water color. The dam was constructed between 1947 and 1951 and stands 87 meters high. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2186 meters above sea level and stores meltwater from surrounding glaciers for hydroelectric power generation. It is a key component of the Grande Dixence hydroelectric system, to which it is linked via an underground tunnel. The basin's capacity is approximately 20 million cubic meters. The hike to the lake passes through species-rich alpine landscapes and has views of the high Valais Alps. The Rosablanche massif is often reflected in the lake's surface. The milky-blue color is caused by fine rock flour transported by glaciers into the lake.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: Rosablanche · Petit Mont-Fort · Le Parrain
Nearby: Mont Fort (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-10	-10	-6	-1	4	8	10	10	6	2	-4	-9
Rain mm	63	50	63	70	109	97	96	99	68	72	91	68

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The lake is reachable from the village of Siviez (Nendaz) via a chairlift in summer or by a steady uphill hike. A gravel road also leads from the valley floor upwards towards the dam area.

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Best season

The best time to visit is from July to September when the water level is high and the turquoise color is most bustling. The area is often covered by snowfields until late June due to its altitude.

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Terrain & paths

Expect alpine terrain with a mix of wide service roads and rocky hiking trails. The path around the lake is relatively flat once you have reached the altitude of the dam crest.

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What to bring

Hiking boots are recommended for the ascent from Siviez. Bring a jacket even on sunny days, as the wind blowing off the glacial water can be quite chilly when you are by the lakeshore.

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Parking

Park your vehicle at the large public parking lot in Siviez. From there, follow the signs for the Cleuson dam to begin your hike or to reach the lift that takes you up to the starting point.

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Safety

Be cautious near the water's edge as the banks can be steep and slippery. Ensure you are aware of the chairlift's operating times if you plan to use it for your return trip down to the valley.

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Time needed

A round trip from Siviez including a walk around the lake takes about 3 to 4 hours. It makes for an excellent half-day excursion in the Valais Alps with spectacular photo opportunities.