Lac d'Émosson Lake
High-altitude reservoir behind a dramatic dam
Reservoir formed by the Émosson Dam on the Valais‑Haute‑Savoie border; accessed by mountain roads and lifts, it draws hikers, photographers and those interested in alpine engineering and views toward Mont Blanc.
Lac d'Émosson at a Glance#
Address: Lac d’Émosson reservoir, near Finhaut, Valais, Switzerland
Admission: Free (access to dam and facilities may have fees for parking or guided tours)
About Lac d'Émosson#
Lac d’Émosson is a high-altitude reservoir in the Swiss canton of Valais near the Franco-Swiss border. It is a purpose-built storage lake supplying water for downstream hydroelectric plants.
The lakeshore and surrounding ridges offer mountain walking and short hikes that are popular in summer, with panoramic views over steep valley walls and the dam structure. Boat access is limited and much of the activity focuses on trails and viewpoints rather than water sports.
The lake exists because of dam and reservoir works constructed to regulate alpine runoff for power generation and water storage; the valley and infrastructure have been adapted for that industrial purpose. Over time service roads and hiking routes have made the area more accessible to non-industrial visitors.
It lies above the Valais valleys, close to the Swiss-French border in the high Alps, within reach of valley towns in the region and surrounded by steep, glaciated slopes.
- Function: Sits at high alpine elevation and is a man-made storage reservoir used in regional hydroelectric schemes.
How to Get to Lac d'Émosson#
From Martigny or Chamonix: drive to Finhaut then take the Émosson train/funiculaire or follow the mountain road to the dam parking. Seasonal lifts and train services run from valley stations; check local timetables.
Tips for Visiting Lac d'Émosson#
- Take the mountain train or the inclined lift (Le Funiculaire) from the valley for dramatic approaches and great photo angles.
- Walk the engineered paths on the dam to appreciate the scale and the drop - mornings have the best light for the reservoir's turquoise water.
- Combine with hikes up to nearby peaks (e.g., Lac Bleu viewpoints) for glacier views and alpine meadows.
Best Time to Visit Lac d'Émosson#
Summer and early autumn are best for hiking and accessing the dam; winter access is limited and roads may close.
Weather & Climate near Lac d'Émosson#
Lac d'Émosson's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1666 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 157 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -2° | -10° | 159 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 140 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 129 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 11° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 8° | 1° | 143 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 168 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 173 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
