Dams of Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval

Built between 1945 and 1956, these two dams are built into the Hydroelectric Complex Haute-Maurienne and participate in particular filling the reservoir of Mont Cenis.
They are located near the National Park of the Vanoise.

Description

Fed by mountain streams, the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval dams power the valley's power stations.
Barrage de Plan d'Amont: this concrete gravity dam, 350 m long, is built in honeycombs and buttresses on the glacial lock that obstructs the valley. It has a reservoir capacity of 8,000,000 m3, twice that of the Plan d'Aval, and collects all the water from the Saint-Benoît, capturing the catchment area bounded by the Rateau d'Aussois, the Col de la Masse, the Pointe de l'Echelle, the Col d'Aussois, the Pointe de Labby and the western foothills of the Dent Parrachée.
The water is turbined in a small power station called "Plan d'Aval", hidden at the bottom of the talweg, before being discharged into the Plan d'Aval reservoir.
They are also the perfect place for a pleasant stroll or a spot of fishing. Public domain.
Dogs are welcome, but part of the hiking trail around the Plan d'Amont is part of the Vanoise National Park, where dogs are not allowed, even on a leash.

Services

• Pets welcome
• Motorhomes allowed

Environments

• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Opening period

From 01/01 to 31/12 daily.
Subject to snow conditions.

Spoken languages

• English
• French

Adapted tourism

• Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance

Location

Accessible by a mountain road that is not accessible by bus - 7 km from the village.
The access road is closed to traffic during the winter. However, access is possible for hikers (with snowshoes). Information on access conditions can be obtained from the Aussois Tourist Office.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

Beware of the boundaries of the Vanoise National Park as animals, even on a leash, are forbidden there.

Sustainable tourism

• Educational information about a green energy source.