Bisse de Vex: partly closed, and the open bisses near the chalet
The Bisse de Vex was badly damaged in 2025. The path is closed along much of its route. Here is the status on 17 October 2026 and the walks still open around us.
Bisse de Vex: closed between Le Chity and Planchouet
In April 2025, heavy snow damaged the bisse. On 30 June 2025, a mudflow followed.
In several places the channel was destroyed and the footbridges were swept away. The footpath had to be closed.
On 17 October 2026, the Thyon and Veysonnaz tourist offices still list the closure. No reopening has been announced.
Reopening: autumn 2026 or 2027, with no guarantee
The Association du Grand-Bisse de Vex issued a statement on 2 April 2026. It puts the repairs at over CHF 1.5 million.
Work started in autumn 2025 and should take two to three years. The section at the Doussin torrent comes first.
If all goes well, the path could reopen in autumn 2026 or during 2027. Water from the Printse would return in spring 2028.
On site, follow the safety notices and keep out of the works. Before you go, check the status on thyon.ch or veysonnaz.ch.
Still open: Le Chity, Veysonnaz and Les Mayens de Sion
The section between Le Chity (Verrey), Veysonnaz and Les Mayens de Sion stays open. It runs through the forests of the Cône de Thyon.
In winter, Veysonnaz Tourism lists the bisse as open between Veysonnaz and Les Mayens-de-Sion. Veysonnaz to Verrey is open too.
- Les Mayens de Sion: 5.1 km, about 9 min by car (calculated 15.10.2026)
- Veysonnaz: 7.4 km, about 12 min by car (calculated 15.10.2026)
- Verrey (Le Chity): 9.8 km, about 19 min by car (calculated 15.10.2026)
The Bisse de Vex in numbers, for after the reopening
The Grand Bisse de Vex takes its water from the Printse at Planchouet, at about 1,500 m. It runs 12 km to Les Mayens-de-Sion.
Valais Wallis Promotion lists 12.1 km, about 3 h 15 of walking and 260 m of climbing. It is rated medium.
The bisse is over 500 years old. It was abandoned in 1971 and carried water again from 30 September 2000.
Bisse d'Hérémence: it passes through Les Masses
The Bisse d'Hérémence dates from around 1670. It no longer carries water, but its course is visible along its whole length.
Hérémence Tourism starts it at Praperrot. The path passes Artseno, Riod, Les Masses and the mayen des Gardes.
It then crosses the road to Les Mayens de Sion. Les Masses is the village where our chalet stands.
Tour des bisses du Val des Dix: 20 km
The Tour des bisses du Val des Dix follows the Hérémence, Ernaya and Euseigne bisses. Allow 20 km, about 6 hours and 750 m of climbing.
It is recommended from mid-May to October. Only the Bisse d'Euseigne still carries water, from mid-May to mid-September.
The Bisse de l'Ernaya can be walked for 7 km. It runs from Leteygeon at 1,595 m to Vouarmattat at 1,451 m.
In Nendaz, paths also follow the bisses. Nendaz has 250 km of trails and 8 bisses.
Our chalet in Les Masses is about 9 min by car from Les Mayens de Sion (calculated 15.10.2026). up to 12 guests, hot tub open all year, infrared sauna. 1.8 km by road from the Les Masses chairlift.
Asked before booking, answered straight
Is the Bisse de Vex open in 2026?
Not all of it. Since the 2025 damage, the path is closed between Le Chity and Planchouet. Le Chity, Veysonnaz and Les Mayens de Sion stay open (status 17.10.2026).
When will the Bisse de Vex reopen?
The association aims for autumn 2026 or 2027 for the path, if the work goes well. Check thyon.ch or veysonnaz.ch before you go.
Why is the Bisse de Vex closed?
Snow in April 2025 and a mudflow on 30 June 2025 destroyed the channel in several places. Footbridges were swept away.
Which bisse can you walk near Les Collons and Les Masses?
The Bisse d'Hérémence passes through Les Masses, dry but clearly visible. For a long day, there is the Tour des bisses du Val des Dix.
Is there a bisse with water near the chalet?
Yes, the Bisse d'Euseigne. It carries water from mid-May to mid-September and is part of the Tour des bisses du Val des Dix.
How long does the full Bisse de Vex take?
About 3 h 15 for 12.1 km between Les Mayens-de-Sion and Planchouet, according to Valais Wallis Promotion. The full route is not open in 2026.