Via Ferrata/Cabane de Moiry: Val d'Anniviers 2-Day Strategy Guide
After having been to Moiry several times, for the via ferrata (VF) playground, the alpine hiking, and the glacier/moraine views, I realized that not only is it impossible to do it all in a single day (if coming by public transport from a distance), but that even 2 days is going to be tight. So here are my experience-based suggestions:
Location: Barrage de Moiry, Val d'Anniviers, Valais.
Difficulty: VF SAC Grades K3 to K5 (C to E-) | Hiking Grade T3-T4.
Target Audience: Route Strategy for Experienced VF Climbers & Alpine Hikers.
Overview
Tucked away at the head of the Val d'Anniviers, the Moiry Reservoir (Barrage de Moiry) and its surrounding glacier basin offer one of the most complete alpine weekend itineraries in Valais.
This 2-day guide pairs the Via Ferrata de Moiry on Day 1 featuring a steep vertical face, a 60m suspension bridge, a K5 overhang, a wire spider net, and an iconic wooden picnic table bolted directly into the rock with a panoramic high-altitude glacier circuit on Day 2 traversing the 2,500m Hohenweg, Cabane de Moiry SAC (2,825m), and the lateral moraine ridge.
For those staying longer or seeking a greater physical test, a dedicated menu of advanced T4/T5 alpine extensions opens up the surrounding 3,000m peaks and high passes.
ENGINEERING & HERITAGE: THE STORY BEHIND MOIRY
Before clipping into the cables, taking a moment to understand the scale of the dam adds a rich historical layer to the experience:
1950s Alpine Engineering Marvel: Built between 1954 and 1958 as part of the Forces Motrices de la Gougra hydroelectric scheme, the Moiry Dam is a double-curvature concrete arch dam standing 148m high with a width of 610m at an altitude of 2,250m.
Submerged Alpine Pastures: Prior to the dam's construction, the basin was home to the ancient Alp de Moiry, high-altitude summer pastures where local herders grazed famous Valaisan Herens cattle for centuries. Today, those pastures lie beneath 78M cubic meters of glacier-fed water.
Cold War Defenses: The top exit of the Via Ferrata brings climbers out directly beside concrete military bunkers. Built as part of Switzerland's mid-20th-century national defense strategy (the Reduit system), these fortified bunkers and observation posts were carved into the rock face around the dam to secure the vital infrastructure against potential invasion.
Hydroelectric Powerhouse: Meltwater from the Moiry Glacier is saved here before being funneled through underground mountain galleries to power stations downstream in Vissoie and Chippis in the Rhone Valley.
GLACIAL GEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY & ICE CAVES
The sheer scale of the landscape surrounding the dam and the SAC hut is staggering, shaped by thousands of years of ice and water dynamics:
Glacier de Moiry:
Length & Surface Area: ~5.0 Km long, covering approximately 5.75 square Km.
Elevation Range: Originates on the high snowfields of the Grand Cornier (3,962m) and Pointes de Mourti, flowing down to its snout at ~2,400m.
400m Icefall: Right beside Cabane de Moiry, the glacier cascades down a steep cliff face, forming an icefall of 30-m-high ice towers (seracs) and deep blue crevasses.
Natural Ice Cave (Grotte de Glace): At the glacier tongue where meltwater exits, seasonal ice caves periodically carve out beneath the ice sheet. Depending on summer melt stability and safety conditions (Please Check in Advance), hikers can approach the snout to view the translucent blue glacial ice up close.
Lac de Moiry (Reservoir):
Surface Elevation: 2,249 MASL.
Max Depth: 120 meters (~390 feet).
Volume and Area: Holds 78M cubic meters of water across a surface area of 1.40 square kilometers.
Science of the Turquoise Water:
The lake's electric milk-glass blue color is caused by "glacial flour" - a fine rock powder ground down by the glacier scraping against the bedrock with massive pressure. Suspended in the water, these microscopic particles reflect the blue & green wavelengths of sunlight.
Lateral Moraines:
Height and Scale: The razor-sharp lateral moraines flanking the glacier outwash basin rise between 80 and 100 meters above the valley floor.
Little Ice Age Legacy: These massive gravel walls mark the glacier's ‘high-water mark’ during the Little Ice Age (circa 1850), when the ice was hundreds of meters thicker and extended much farther down the valley.
BASE CAMP, ACCOMMODATION & SCENIC Arrival
Scenic Postbus Journey: While driving up the Val d'Anniviers is convenient, taking public transit is a highlight in itself. The yellow Swiss Postbus ride from Sierre train station up to Grimentz, Moiry Dam & even the glacier itself is one of the most picturesque bus routes in Valais:
Visual Highlights: The bus weaves through steep pine forests, negotiates dramatic hairpin turns hanging over deep river canyons, and passes centuries-old sun-baked wooden villages.
Final Approach: Between Grimentz & the dam, the bus climbs a narrow alpine road carved directly into the rock, sounding its classic three-tone horn on blind corners before emerging suddenly at the massive concrete wall of the dam.
Accommodation Choices:
Basing yourself down the valley in Grimentz provides the ideal balance of comfort, alpine dining, and convenience, while keeping you close to both summer trails and the winter ski terrain - see my other articles.
1. Grimentz Village (Suggested):
Location: Valley floor (~1,570m) near the main cable car station.
Logistics: Historic Valaisan timber chalets, hotels, bakeries, supermarkets, and local restaurants. A quiet summer hub that transforms into a bustling ski resort in winter.
Transit: 15-20 min drive or direct, regular Postbus up to the dam.
Best For: Climbers or Hikers wanting a hot shower, superb dining options, and classic Alpine village charm.
2. Gite du Lac de Moiry:
Location: At the dam crest (~2,250m).
Logistics: Located right below the top exit of the Via Ferrata. Very quiet once the day-trippers depart - likely sunset/sunrise photo location.
Best For: Early risers who want to jump on the VF Playground before any crowds arrive (& it can get busy at weekends)
3. Cabane de Moiry SAC:
Location: High lateral moraine (2,825m).
Logistics: Dormitories and private rooms directly facing the icefall. Requires packing overnight gear up the mountain.
Transit: Requires hiking up on Day 1 (after the VF).
Best For: Hikers seeking an authentic mountain hut experience, or doing multi-day alpine tours.
GUIDING, GEAR RENTALS & MOUNTAIN GASTRONOMY
Gear Rental: Full VF sets (helmet, harness, and shock-absorbing lanyard) can be rented locally at sports shops in Grimentz (e.g., Doerig Sport) or directly at the restaurant near the dam during peak summer season (my first time there I forgot my climbing belt & had to hike up from the car park & over the dam to do this).
Guided Tours and Zipline Access: While the via ferrata is free and open for self-guided, experienced climbers (see car park route map), certified local mountain guides (Bureau des Guides Val d'Anniviers) can be hired for beginners or private groups. Note: Hiring a local guide is also the only official way to unlock access to the main tyrolienne (zipline) section.
Culinary Highlights of the Trip:
Grimentz Village and The Vin du Glacier Tradition: Traditional Valaisan mountain gastronomy at its finest - enjoy bubbling raclette melted over wood fires, rich cheese fondue, and air-dried Valais beef (Viande sechee). In the village cellar (Maison de la Bourgeoisie), locals maintain the century-old Vin du Glacier tradition: white wine aged in ancient larch wood barrels that are never fully emptied, topping up old vintages with new ones year after year.
Barrage de Moiry (Gite du Lac): Perched directly at the dam wall, the restaurant terrace serves cold Valaisan platters, hot rosti, draft beer, and espresso right at the via ferrata exit (but can get very busy).
Cabane de Moiry SAC: High-altitude hut cooking at 2,825m. Famous for its homemade fresh fruit pies (tartes de la cabane), hearty vegetable soups, and warm regional dishes served right in front of floor-to-ceiling glacier views - or you can sit out on the terrace…
DAY 1: VF DE MOIRY: STRATEGIC ROUTE PLAN
The Via Ferrata de Moiry features a steep vertical lower face on the open rock wall, a 60-meter suspension bridge spanning the wide gully near the dam, an intense 20-meter K5 (E-) overhang, a wire spider net, and sweeping views across the turquoise reservoir.
Its quirkiest claim to fame? It is arguably the only via ferrata in the world equipped with its own full size, wooden picnic table anchored high up on an exposed cliff ledge mid-route - don’t worry you can clip in. When I first got there, there were two Swiss Army guys making fondue!
While the zipline (tyrolienne) remains officially locked for unguided self-use, the marked 10-15 min walking descent trail connecting the dam crest back to the mid-wall cable connections makes transitions fast and straightforward. NB: There’s also an ‘Emergency Exit’ footpath, that can be used as a quick entry point if need be, it’s a bit overgrown.
Pass 1: Warm-Up, Main Route & Media Capture
Objectives: Establish climbing rhythm, capture photos & video, and complete the intermediate line. Route:
Start: Base parking lot & bus stop near the foot of the dam wall.
Lower Wall: Walk to the start & gear up. Ascend the vertical face (KS3 / Grade C) to the main junction split.
Keep Left: Follow the intermediate route straight up the face to the upper exit.
Finish: Exit at the military bunker near the dam & restaurant.
Rest Stop: Rehydrate and snack at Gite du Lac de Moiry.
Pacing: 45-60 min (Experienced) | 60-90 min (Standard)
Pass 2: The Main Event (Bridge, Overhang, Picnic Table & Spider Net)
Objectives: Complete the primary physical K5 (E-) overhang, cross the wide suspension bridge, take a breather at the picnic table, and ascend the spider net to exit. Route:
Descent: Walk the 10-15 minute marked trail from the dam parking lot down to the bridge.
Bridge: Cross the 60-meter suspension bridge to the open wall section.
Traverse: Follow the lower cable traverse under overhangs to the "Extreme" sector entry point.
Overhang and Ridge: Pull through the 20m athletic overhang (said to be grade E, but so short it feels more like a D/E) and exposed ridge to reach the Picnic Table - a wooden table bolted directly into the rock face hundreds of feet in the air.
Spider Net Exit: Ascend the vertical wire net to the exit bunker (Note: the rotation forces an inward-facing posture & the overhanging exit is a little tricky).
Rest Stop: Lunch break at the dam (or atop the cliffside picnic table if empty).
Pacing: 60-75 min (Experienced) | 75-100 min (Standard - but then I would make this pass one if you are not certain of your fitness level…).
Pass 3 (Optional for Completists Only): Net Bypass
Note: Passes 1 and 2 cover over 95% of the unique features on the wall. Pass 3 is purely optional for completists who want to log every meter of wire (like me). Objectives: Complete the left-hand wall above the Picnic Table. Route:
Retrace the descent path to the mid-wall cable connection either by reversal of the Emergency Exit, or Suspension Bridge again, or Zipline (if available).
Traverse across to the Picnic Table & take the solid face wire climb to the left of the net (a good photo spot).
Top out at the upper bunker exit.
Pacing: 30-45 min (Experienced) | 45-60 min (Standard)
Alternative Afternoon Options (Recommended Over Pass 3):
1. Side Hike Toward Col de Zinal:
Take a high-altitude stroll east from the dam or Sorebois ridge toward Col de Zinal - just go straight up from the VF exit. This area opens up panoramic views into the neighboring Zinal valley (if you get high enough) and the iconic 4,000m peaks of the Imperial Crown (Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, & Dent Blanche). See my other articles on Zinal. Note that there’s a postbus that runs to/from here.
2. Explore Historic Grimentz Village:
Head back down to Grimentz (or better yet hike it). Walk through the historic village with its centuries-old sun-baked wooden granaries (mazots) decorated with red geraniums. Sample local Valaisan wine (Vin du Glacier) or take one of the Grimentz cable cars up to a viewpoint.
Day #1 Tactical/Gear Notes:
Resting Lanyard (Resting Sling): Essential for Pass 2. The cable placement on the overhang requires frequent clip transfers; if caught behind traffic, clipping into a static sling saves forearm energy.
Leather Gloves: Protects hands on wire net climbs and cable transfers.
Sun Exposure: The wall faces east/northeast. Morning shade is best for Pass 1, with the wall catching full sun by midday or so.
Official Zipline Note: The zipline (tyrolienne) is locked for unguided self-use. The suspension bridge is the standard transition route - note that it’s bidirectional so you may need to wait your turn.
DAY 2: ALPINE GLACIER CIRCUIT: WILDLIFE, FLORA & VIEWS
Day two shifts from iron wires to a pure scenic showcase (SAC Grade T3). This loop offers constantly changing perspectives of the glacial turquoise waters, ancient icefall, alpine wildlife, moraine debris, and vibrant high-mountain flora.
Section 1: 2,500m Hohenweg (High Trail)
Route: From Barrage de Moiry (2,250m), contour along the eastern high trail between 2,400m and 2,500m MASL - great views and better than just following the road around the reservoir.
Visual Highlights & Wildlife: Milk-Glass Turquoise Water: Looking straight down onto Lac de Moiry, the water exhibits a startling intense turquoise color caused by fine glacial flour.
Alpine Flora: In mid-to-late summer, the high trail cuts through pastures blooming with bright blue gentians, deep pink alpine roses (Rhododendron ferrugineum), yellow mountain avens, and occasional edelweiss nestled in rock crevices (if you’re lucky).
Marmots and Herens Cattle: High-pitched whistles echo across the boulder fields as alpine marmots take sentry duty on rocks or dart into burrows along the path. Near the lower meadows by the dam road, keep an eye out for stocky, dark-coated Herens cattle, the native Valaisan breed famous for their strong build and natural herd hierarchy battles - there’s an event based around this…
The Looming Ice Wall: With every kilometer hiked south towards Italy, the massive wall of Glacier de Moiry and the towering pyramid of Grand Cornier (3,962m) grow larger on the horizon & field of view.
Section 2: Ascent to Cabane de Moiry SAC (2,825m)
Route: Zigzag up the eastern lateral moraine to the high mountain hut perched on a rocky spur. Note: you can bypass the glacial lake for now. NB: At some times of year (even in summer) there can be snow & even ice on the route up to the hut, it’s a very good idea to bring Micro-Spikes just in case! Be careful on the steep switchbacks, I have seen people slip or trip here & get minor injuries…
The Glacier Window: The modern dining extension of Cabane de Moiry features floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows looking directly into the icefall.
Seracs and Crevasses: From your dining table, or the terrace, enjoy fresh homemade fruit pie while taking in an up-close look at deep blue glacial crevasses, tumbling ice blocks (seracs), and roaring meltwater torrents.
Surrounding Peaks: Views sweep across the Pointes de Mourti (3,564m), L'Aiguille de la Tsa, and the jagged ridge of the Pigne de la Le - see below.
Section 3: Glacier Tongue, Ice Cave and Western Moraine Loop
Route: Descend to the glacial outwash plain (Pointe du Glacier), cross the meltwater streams, and hike up onto the knife-edge crest of the western lateral moraine ridge before returning along the west bank to the dam. NB: If it’s not too windy, you can get great reflections off the lake - bring your camera…
Glacier Tongue and Ice Cave View: Cross the outwash plain near the snout where, depending on seasonal stability, the entrance to a natural ice cave (grotte de glace) glints in the sunlight. NB: The paths around the edge of the lake are also interesting.
Braided River Outwash Plain: A raw, dynamic landscape of milky meltwater streams carving shifting paths through the grey gravel to the reservoir.
The Moraine Crest: Walking along the narrow crest of the western moraine gives a dramatic 360-degree geological lesson: sheer gravel drops into the former glacier bed on one side, and wild alpine tundra on the other. Note: There’s a large rock cairn part way along, as well as a few small lakes & always great views of the reservoir and dam. NB: If getting the postbus from there, make sure to check the schedule & arrive on time. It’s not fun to run over the dam & still miss the bus like I did.
Day 2 Route Stats:
Distance: ~14.5 km (full round-trip loop)
Elevation Gain / Loss: +/-850 m
Time: 4 to 5 hours (hiking time)
Grade: SAC T3 (Mountain Hiking), T3+ in places
Key Rest Point: Cabane de Moiry SAC (2,825m)
ADVANCED EXTENSIONS: T4/T5 ALPINE ROUTES
For experienced mountain hikers looking to push beyond standard T3 trails, the Moiry basin and neighboring Zinal valley host several world-class alpine scrambles and high 3,000+ m summits.
1. Pigne de la Le (3,396m) - a Classic 3,000m Scramble
Continuing directly upward from Cabane de Moiry, this route is one of the most accessible 3,300m+ summits in the Valais Alps:
Grade: SAC T4 / Alpine F (Alpine hike with some easy scrambling)
Route: Cabane de Moiry (2,825m) -> Col de la Le (3,055m) -> North-East Ridge -> Pigne de la Le Summit (3,396m).
Highlights: Requires no technical rock climbing, offering a high-altitude peak directly above the Moiry icefall. Early in the season, the upper ridge requires crampons & ice axe on snow slopes; by late summer, it thaws into an exposed, blocky scree and boulder scramble.
Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours round-trip from Cabane de Moiry.
2. Sasseneire (3,254m) via Col de Torrent
Towering west of the Moiry Reservoir, Sasseneire is a dark, sharp pyramid that acts as the grand lookout tower over the Val d'Anniviers & Val d'Herens:
Grade: SAC T4 (Exposed ridge scramble)
Route: Barrage de Moiry (2,250m) -> Col de Torrent (2,916m) -> South Ridge -> Sasseneire Summit (3,254m).
Highlights: The trail to Col de Torrent is a pleasant T3 hike past alpine tarns (Lac de Louche). The final 330m vertical push from the col to the summit follows a narrow, loose ridge with high exposure. Views span across Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.
Duration: 5 to 6+ hours round-trip from Moiry Dam.
3. Cabane du Grand Mountet (2,886m) & the Imperial Crown
Located in the neighboring Zinal valley, this route leads directly into the heart of the Couronne Imperiale (Imperial Crown) - the circle of 4,000m giants surrounding the Zinal Glacier:
Grade: SAC T4 (Exposed alpine path with chain-assisted sections)
Route: Zinal Village (1,670m) -> Le Bas de la Le -> Pas du Chasseur balcony trail -> Cabane du Grand Mountet (2,886m).
Highlights: Features the Pas du Chasseur, a steep, highly exposed cliffband fitted with heavy steel chains (a bit like a VF route). Traverses high above the glacier outwash before emerging into a colossal amphitheater surrounded by five 4,000-meter peaks: Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Ober Gabelhorn, Matterhorn & Dent Blanche.
Duration: 6.5 to 8.0 hours round-trip from Zinal.
I hope this information helps you plan your own trip, sorry about the length & number of photos, but I wanted to be thorough. The VF routes were mostly done on the 6th of October 2919 and the glacier visited on the 31st of August 2025. See my articles for other hikes and climbs in the area. Contact me by email for photos or to ask questions…
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