Le Luisin from Van d'en Haut

Departure from Van d'en Haut, a locality accessible by a narrow mountain road from the village of Salvan. Park near the campsite.

Directional signs at major intersections.

(S/E) At a bend in the road to the left, take a path on the right towards Salanfe. Follow this path west-northwest along the mountainside, ignoring the paths on the left.

(1) At the junction (elevation 1506), follow the path on the right. The slope becomes steeper and the path winds several times. The steepest sections are crossed via metal steps. Finally, join the access track to the Salanfe dam.

(2) Follow the track to the right and climb up the Salanfe valley. Directly above the dam, the track turns right to reach the northern end of the dam, near the Salanfe Refuge.

(3) Turn left and walk along the top of the dam. Then turn right and walk along the lake, staying at a slight height above the shore.

(4) Cross a ravine and turn left. Climb up and move away from the lake, heading west-southwest.

(5) At the next fork, take the left-hand path towards Col d'Émaney. The path soon turns south and climbs steadily to Lac des Ottens.

(6) Continue south and climb up a gully covered with scree. This will take you to Col d'Émaney.

(7) Turn left and climb up the ridge, keeping eastward. The ridge becomes increasingly rocky with altitude, so it is best to stay on the north side. This will take you to the summit of Luisin.

(8) The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey.

(1) Here, there are two options:
- Take the same path as on the way up, with the metal steps, as shown on the map.
- Continue straight ahead on the dam track, clearly visible on the Swiss-Topo map.
In both cases, head for the Van d'en Haut campsite (S/E).

Hiking boots are essential. Warm clothing and rainwear are recommended.

Water and food available at the Refuge de Salanfe, near (3). However, bring your own water supplies.

Detailed map required (at least the one accompanying this description).

Hike completed twice by the author, the first on 26 July 1987, the second on 8 August 1996.

From Lac de Salanfe (3), you will hike through beautiful alpine scenery, dominated to the north by the Dents du Midi mountain range and to the west by the Sallière-Ruan massif.

From the summit, there is a superb panorama of the Valais Alps and the Mont Blanc massif.