Lac de Moiry to Pigne de la Lé

Trail running in the Swiss Alps near Lac de Moiry

Lac de Moiry to Pigne de la Lé: From Edelweiss to Glacial Ice

Fast running at 2500 meters topped off with a glacier crossing and a serious scramble

This Run is featured in Run the Alps Switzerland:  30 Must-Do Trail Runs

→ 21km     

↑ 1457m

Δ 3396M 

♦ Difficult

Θ CCW

I didn't have high expectations for a run starting near a dam, assuming the human imprint would make the run seem less adventurous, too close to civilization. I suppose all of Switzerland is fairly civilized - even in remote valleys, you can access public transport, restaurants, huts, and a cell signal. But I'm continually amazed by the wild and rugged energy of peaks you can reach by running, and then drop down from in almost no time. I prefer a run that feels far away and lands you alone on a mountain. This one, to my surprise, did exactly that. The run and scramble up to Pigne de la Lé is one of my unexpected favorites. If you happen to catch a dramatic sunset from the summit, the run goes from awesome to indescribable.

This is a run so good you might just stay and do it again the next day. We did.


Detailed GPX Track

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GPX Track

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LOCATION
Start: 46.138379, 7.574178
Town:  Barrage de Moiry
Canton:  Valais
Country:  Switzerland

TIPS

  • Don't miss this run, see previous tip 😉


Run the Alps
Guided and self-guided trips. Come run with us.


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Following the moraine near the Moiry Glacier.

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The glacier crossing is runnable, although unmarked and cut with crevasses.

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Evening running high above the valley.

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Alpine terrain near the summit of Pigne de la Lé.

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Staying at Pigne de la Lé for sunset means busting down the rocky trail after dark.

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Runner's high.

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The trail along the Val de Moiry leading back above the dam may be some of the smoothest, fastest kilometers you can find in the Alps. Savor these!

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