87 \ ALTITUDE FIRST POINT TO CLARIFY: WHAT SHOULD THIS PLACE BE CALLED? Upon closer examination, opinions vary as much as the names and spellings of this location. The most common spelling is Zeuzier, yet it coexists with the more exotic version “Tseuzier.” Among locals, the place is more commonly referred to as “the Rawyl Dam” or more briefly “the Rawil” (without the “y” this time). This gives a good sense of the components of this elegant alpine landscape, starting with its arch dam located at the bottomof the Lienne Valley at the foot of the Rawyl Pass. This structure is 157 meters high, with a catchment area of 18.7 square kilometers and situated at an altitude of 1,777 meters. Operated by Électricité de la Lienne SA, it has been in service since 1957. Three plants produce electricity from its waters. AROUND THE LAKE The Rawyl Dam is inseparable from the bucolic Lac de Zeuzier. This artificial lake has a 20-meter-high and 43-meter-long earth dyke. It can hold 51 million cubic meters of water over an area of 0.85 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 140 meters. Hikers can follow a footpath around the lake that runs along the Sion Bisse. It takes between one and two hours to complete this loop on foot. Safe and mostly flat, this walk is worth it for the truly breathtaking panorama. Specifically, you cross the earth dyke before reaching the rocky outcrop where, near the building, you’ll find explanations about the Tseuzier-Lienne hydroelectric complex. Next, you pass over the crown of the concrete dam, with a 156-meter drop below. Then you follow the path along the mountain’s flank to reach the back of the lake, where water gushes from the rock through large springs. Here, you can see the water intake for the Sion Bisse. Follow it to where it continues covered by the path, which leads back to the starting point. BE IMPRESSED Numerous walks start from Zeuzier. At the corner of the lake, right where it meets the road, you’ll see an information board with details about these hikes. When the weather is uncertain, it’s best to reach Zeuzier in the morning by car or bus. If the sun is shining brightly, you can walk there from Crans-Montana by following the Bisse du Ro. This route is truly spectacular, crossing rocky diagonals, smooth corridors, forest on scree, and significant avalanche paths. Although fully secured, this trail is not recommended for those with vertigo. However, the effort is well worth it, as the views are exceptional. Built in 2020, a bridgemidway between the lake and the centre of Crans-Montana gives the sensation of flying over the landscape. Built in the Middle Ages, the Bisse du Ro is 5.5 kilometers long. It can be explored in both directions, so you can follow it partway and then return, seeing new sights on the way back. VARY THE PLEASURES Another route, with several variations, connects Crans-Montana to Zeuzier via the Dedans Alpages. It’s essential to plan your hike in advance, considering the weather, distances, and elevations, and following the official trails on the hiking map. This excursion takes five to six hours, starting from the lake, passing through Vatseret, and reaching the Mondralèche pasture. Then, you climb towards Bellalui before descending to the Er de Chermignon and Er de Lens pastures. From this point, you can continue towards the Pochet and Bellalui passes. You can also branch off to Cry d’Er (where the cable cars take you back to the resort). Another option is to return via the Bisse du Ro or take the alpine pastures path. As you can see, Zeuzier offers a thousand spectacular excursion possibilities in the heart of this beautiful area of nature.
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