Grand Chavalard, Mountain summit in Valais, Switzerland.
The Grand Chavalard is a mountain in the western Bernese Alps in Valais, reaching 2,901 metres. It stands above Sorniot in the commune of Fully, overlooking the Rhône near Martigny, close to the Dent de Morcles to the north-west.
The mountain area has been shaped by the pioneering Fully hydroelectric scheme established in 1915, which created artificial lakes and power infrastructure that transformed the local landscape.
The peak serves as the backdrop for the Kilomètre Vertical de Fully race, where athletes climb 1,000 vertical meters along steep terrain, representing the region's adventure sports tradition.
Hikers can access the Tour du Grand Chavalard trail via regional trains to Riddes followed by bus connections, with the circular route taking approximately five and a half hours to complete.
The mountain features an artificial lake created for hydroelectric purposes that once boasted one of the world's highest hydraulic heads at 1,643 meters during its operational period.
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