Emosson Dam - Auberge de Salanfe

From the village of Finhaut (VS, Switzerland), follow the road to the Emosson dam. Park in the car park just before the dam. You can also take the "La Poste" bus.

(S) From the car park, return to the Col de la Gueulaz and go to the first intersection on the left where you will see the entrance to a tunnel (signposted Col de Barberine).

(1) Take the tunnel, which is about 700 m long. Come out onto a road that runs alongside Lake Emosson. Go through a second, shorter tunnel and continue to the end of the road.

(2) Take the path that runs parallel to the lake for about 300 m until you reach a fork.

(3) Leave the path that runs alongside the lake and turn right towards the Col de Barberine. Climb up the Combe du Col through mountain pastures until you reach a torrent. After a steep section on rocky ground, you will reach the Col de Barberine.

(4) Descend the north slope, crossing the unstable scree with caution, as some passages can be tricky if there is still some snow. After this long descent, you will reach a crossroads.

(5) Ignore the path on the right that leads to the hamlet of Emaney. Take the path opposite, towards the Col d'Emaney. Continue along a good path to the pass.

(6) Begin the descent north towards Lac de Salanfe. At an altitude of around 1,900 metres, ignore the path on the right towards Lac des Ottans and La Golettaz. Keep heading towards Lac de Salanfe, then follow it until you reach a crossroads.

(7) Take the path on the right that joins the Via Alpina coming from Van d'en Haut.

(8) Follow the Via Alpina to the Salanfe hostel (E).

? The IBP statistics for the route give an index of 148 HKG.
? The IBP statistics for the route give a positive elevation gain of 1,309 m and a negative elevation gain of 1,331 m, which is closer to reality.

? Mountain equipment, including good shoes and warm clothing.

⚠ Please note that there may still be some snow on the descent from the Col de Barberine.

? No water available along the entire route.

? Stopover lodge: Auberge de Salanfe.

- Emosson Dam.
- Emosson Lake.
- Barberine Pass.
- Emaney Pass.
- Le Luisin.
- Salanfe Lake.
- Salanfe Inn.
- Susanfe Pass.
- Col de la Golettaz.