Plan Maison and Goillet dam lake – Loop tour

Embark on the Plan Maison and Goillet dam lake – Loop tour, a moderate hike that takes about 4 hours and 7 minutes to complete. This route covers 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with an elevation gain of 2021 feet (616 metres), offering diverse terrain from accessible paths to rocky slopes. You will experience breathtaking alpine scenery, with granite peaks and vibrant mountain flowers in summer, and the iconic Matterhorn often reflected in the clear waters of Lake Goillet.

To plan your visit, note that the recommended period for hiking is from July to September. The trail starts from Plan Maison, which you can reach by cable car from Breuil-Cervinia. While the full loop is moderate, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness, there are also shorter, easier options available, such as a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) walk to Lake Goillet, suitable for families. Be aware that direct passage over the dam crest is not possible, so you might need to descend a rocky slope and climb the opposite side.

This loop is notable for its exceptional close-up views of the Matterhorn, especially its reflection in the man-made Lake Goillet. This artificial reservoir, created between 1939 and 1948 for hydroelectric power, holds 12 million cubic meters of water. You can also see the impressive dam structure, 48.60 meters high and 368 meters long, with old railway tracks from its construction still visible. The trail traverses a beautiful alpine environment, including lush larch woods, providing a quintessential mountain hiking experience in the Aosta Valley.